Why you should consider this program

The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis provides leadership in social work, public health and social policy. The School is committed to driving health, racial, social and economic equity, and invites applications from any who are interested in making significant positive impact.

Our Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for micro-, mezzo- and macro-approaches to impact. Extensive course offerings and nine concentrations—including the option to individualize—allow students to tailor curriculum to their professional interests. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice within an anti-oppression framework.

Our Master of Public Health (MPH)  curriculum emphasizes transdisciplinary problem solving, and prepares students to strategically collaborate across disciplines to address pressing public health issues. Additional coursework prepares students in areas including epidemiology, global health, maternal health, health policy, urban design, social determinants of health, as well as skills in analytical software such as GIS and SAS.

Students benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities with Brown’s 400+ partner sites, locally, nationally and internationally. Additional student supports include a 19:1 student to faculty ratio; an Office of Diversity Inclusion & Equity; Offices of Career Services and Financial Aid; and a holistic advising system.

Visit brownschool.wustl.edu to learn more about our dynamic community!

You may also email us at [email protected] or visit our social media accounts:

Facebook

Brown School Instagram

Brown School Admissions Instagram

Twitter

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 87,070	$ 50,000	$ 37,070
Out of state	$ 87,070	$ 50,000	$ 37,070

* Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing—see the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

Coverdell Fellows receive a $50,000 scholarship to be allocated over the course of their studies.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

5

Other benefits or opportunities

Throughout their time at the Brown School, Fellows will receive special advising and programming that discusses practicum experiences, their program’s integration with the Peace Corps’ Third Goal, and on-campus  support and resources. Coverdell Fellows are also eligible to apply for research assistantships offered by faculty and research centers at the Brown School.

The application fee is waived for the MSW program only; MPH applicants must request a waiver through SOPHAS.

Washington University in St. Louis has been named as one of the top universities nationwide for producing Peace Corps volunteers and houses a campus-based Peace Corps Campus Representative. For Coverdell Fellows, the strong institutional support provides extensive opportunities to engage in the Peace Corps community’s recruitment and outreach events.

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 15,000

Application fee waived?

Yes

Internship

Brown School students complete an intensive fieldwork experience - known as a practicum. MSW students complete two practica - a 360-hour Foundation Practicum, followed by a 600-hour Concentration Practicum. MPH students complete one 360 hour practicum. The Brown School has over 400 affiliated practicum sites, with a practicum process that emphasizes choice, allowing students to develop the skills and connections that will be most beneficial to them. Coverdell Fellows will work closely with a dedicated advisor in the Office of Field Education to select a United States based organization or agency whose mission prioritizes the advancement of underserved populations and communities. Our community partners connect students to advocates and practitioners leading the way in social change, with groundbreaking and evidence-based programs in the arts, sustainability, safety-net services, education, community-building, juvenile justice, wellness, housing, and public policy. A few of the innovative organizations we partner with include: Better Family Life, Beyond Housing, Centene Corporation, Community Health Institute/John Snow Institute, Equal Housing & Opportunity Council, Focus St. Louis, Forward Through Ferguson, Gateway Human Trafficking, Great Rivers Greenways, International Institute, Kids in the Middle, Missouri Budget Project, New Roots Urban Farm, Prevention Research Center, Regional Health Commission, The Mission Continues, and many others.

Jobs for program alumni

Brown School students benefit from a specialized Career Services team with expertise in career strategies in the social service and public health sectors. Our alumni are employed in careers with impact across the United States and in over 50 counties. Brown School graduates are valued for their leadership and vision in professional roles such as founders and directors of nonprofits, community development executives, mixed-income community managers, local health officers, policy analysts, program managers and evaluators, school and community liaisons, urban education reformers, social entrepreneurs, and strategic planners. 

Recent graduates have been employed in positions such as: Executive Director for Community Development, Civic Engagement Organizer, Community Development Specialist, U.S. Senate Communication Specialist, Financial Stability Counselor, Asset Manager & Housing Specialist, Community Engagement Manager, Development Officer for Medical and Hunger Relief, Health Policy Associate, Social Enterprise Manager, Planning and Allocations Associate, Lobbyist, Research Analyst, and Creative Director, to name a few. 

Other details

Program length

2 years

Application requirements

MSW: Transcripts, Personal Statement, Analytical Essay, Resume or CV, Letters of Recommendation, Video Interview.

MPH: Transcripts, Personal Statement, Resume or CV, Letters of Recommendation, Video Interview.

Admissions process

The Office of Admissions practices a holistic review process, and additional evaluation guidelines are available on our website for the MSW Application and MPH Application. All returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their service are eligible to be considered for the Fellowship, as well as a variety of other Brown School scholarships.  Applicants will indicate their Peace Corps experience and interest in scholarships in the application for admission. Applicants applying by priority deadlines will receive priority consideration for the Coverdell Fellowship. 

Program begins

Fall semester entry only; mid-August

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2015

---

Contact

Sarah Birch, Associate Director of Admissions & Recruitment