Public Administration and Social Work, M.P.A. & M.S.W.
Program Overview
This dual M.P.A./M.S.W. program combines social work principles with public administration knowledge and skills. It prepares students to promote the well-being of vulnerable populations, improve organizational performance, and gain expertise in policy analysis for careers in public service. The program offers access to internships and emphasizes the development of professional and personal intelligence, including advocacy, empathy, administration, and problem-solving skills.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This dual degree program in Public Administration and Social Work (M.P.A. & M.S.W.) is offered jointly by the College of Social Work and the Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina.
Objectives:
The program aims to prepare students to:
- Promote the health and well-being of diverse and vulnerable populations.
- Improve organizational performance through teaching, research, advocacy, community development, and policy analysis.
- Gain a broader range of knowledge and skills for careers in policy and public affairs.
Description:
The program combines the principles and practices of social work with the knowledge and skills of public administration. Students will learn how public policy affects social issues and how social work shapes public policy. They will also develop skills in communication, leadership, management, and policy analysis.
Careers:
Potential career paths include:
- Advocate
- Community Developer
- Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Researcher
- Grant Writer Workplace settings include:
- Government Agencies
- Policy Management
- Advocacy Organizations
- Research Organizations
- Corporations
- Nonprofits
Other:
- The program is located in the capital city, providing students with access to internships with state government and other agencies.
- Students will gain tools to make a positive impact on society and advance their careers in public service.
- The program emphasizes the development of professional and personal intelligence, including skills in advocacy, empathy, administration, policy analysis, interprofessional collaboration, and problem-solving.
