Boise State University has created a new concurrent degree program that allows students to earn both a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work simultaneously, positioning graduates for leadership roles across healthcare, government, and community-based organizations throughout Idaho and beyond. The three-year, full-time program requires 80 total credit hours and integrates two complementary fields that increasingly overlap in addressing the health and social needs of vulnerable populations.
Program Structure and Focus
The collaborative initiative between Boise State’s School of Public and Population Health and School of Social Work blends clinical assessment and intervention strategies with a prevention-focused approach to public health. Students pursuing the concurrent degree gain training through classroom instruction, research projects, and hands-on community service opportunities designed to prepare them for real-world practice in complex health and social environments.
The Master of Public Health component emphasizes disease prevention and improving health outcomes by addressing systemic factors that influence community well-being—including policies, organizational practices, and broader social conditions. The Master of Social Work component prepares graduates to deliver specialized clinical and advocacy services to advance the welfare of underserved individuals and families.
Career Opportunities for Ada County and Beyond
Graduates of the program will be equipped to work across a diverse range of settings. According to Scott Chyna, MSW Program Coordinator, “Merging these two disciplines provides a unique opportunity for students to enter into impactful work in settings ranging from community hospitals and health centers, local government and advocacy organizations.”
The program addresses a growing demand for professionals who can bridge public health expertise and social work practice—skills increasingly needed in Treasure Valley healthcare systems, Ada County government agencies, and nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations. Ellen Schafer, MPH Director, notes that “Public health focuses on preventing disease and improving health outcomes by addressing broader factors that shape well-being, such as systems, policies and community conditions.” This integrated approach equips graduates to tackle complex challenges that require both population-level and individual-level intervention.
Regional Impact
The Boise State program fills a gap in regional graduate education and workforce development. By combining two master’s degrees in a streamlined three-year format, the university is lowering barriers to entry for Idaho students seeking advanced training in health and social services—fields critical to Ada County’s expanding healthcare infrastructure and social safety net.
Boise State’s commitment to expanding specialized graduate programs reflects broader institutional investment in preparing Idaho’s professional workforce. The university continues to develop innovative academic pathways that address workforce shortages and community needs.
How to Learn More
Prospective students interested in the concurrent MPH/MSW program can contact Boise State University’s School of Public and Population Health or School of Social Work for application requirements, financial aid information, and program details. Admission requirements and deadlines are available through the university’s graduate admissions portal.