Two Disciplines, One Heart

2020 MSW/MPH graduates demonstrate resilience, strength

by Rebecca Wells, PhD Clinical Assistant Professor, MSW/MPH Program Coordinator

Rebecca Wells, Clinical Assistant Professor, MSW/MPH Program Coordinator

Our Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) students always do incredible work. I am consistently impressed by the ways they seamlessly integrate two disciplines, allowing each to inform the ways they show up in the other degree program.

The fall 2020 MSW/MPH graduates showed incredible resilience during the pandemic. All twelve graduates began their specialization internships last summer, and many had to switch placement sites – either due to UGA’s switch to remote instruction or because of changes at their original placement site. They handled these challenges with tremendous grace and capability. In addition, they all completed their MPH capstone projects, producing high-quality work in the midst of incredible stress.

The successful navigation during the last two semesters of the MSW/ MPH program truly exemplifies the resilience that the School of Social Work instills in our students. I am amazed by their commitment to excellence and social justice, and I am confident they will go out and use their skills to make our world a healthier, more equitable place for all.