Graduate Program in Public Health

Master of Public Health and
Master of Science in Nursing (MPH/MSN)
Dual Degree Program

Consistent with the University, College, School, and Department missions; The Orvis School of Nursing and the School of Community Health Sciences (public health) will be offering a new dual degree MSN/MPH program in late Fall 2011.

The dual degree program prepares BS/RN nurses to draw upon advanced knowledge and a variety of skills to define, critically assess, diagnose, collaborate with communities to plan care, and resolve public health problems. The proposed program includes academic and clinical practice preparation for nurse practitioners delivering primary health care in public health settings.

Both degrees when completed separately are two-year degrees. Students in the combined program can complete the plan of study in less time than it takes to earn each degree separately. Students enroll in courses in Nursing and Public Health each semester to enhance interdisciplinary learning and practice. Students complete the core courses in both the public health and nursing program, however there is some overlap allowed.

Admission requirements to the MPH/MSN program include those set by both programs. Students must apply to both programs seperately, then be admitted to each of them before embarking on the dual program.

Comments from an MPH/MSN alumni:

Marena Works, MPH/MSN, 2006 NPHA Scholarship recipient

“I started off taking one class as a graduate special, thinking I wanted a degree in public health,” Works said. “As I was taking the class, I felt I was missing the nursing component. I heard of the dual program at about the same time and decided it was a better fit for my needs.”

“The balance of attending two different schools actually kept my interest,” Works said. “It is also an exciting challenge to be part of a path-finding group.”

if you have questions about the MPH/MSN program, please contact our Graduate Program Director.

Master of Public Health and MD
(MPH/MD)
Dual Degree Program

For the MPH/MD student, we created an accelerated one year Program of Study for any MPH student (including medical students) wanting to get all coursework completed for the MPH in one year, then the field studies and capstone course would follow in year 2. 

There is a 6-unit overlap with the medical students in their clinical rotations which will have a public health emphasis and therefore, may be used for their MPH internship credits.  Upon completion of the clinical rotations, the students will return for the following spring semester to complete their MPH capstone course. Apart from the 6-unit overlap, MD/MPH students are required to complete all other requirements just like other MPH students, and to demonstrate attainment of all identified public health competencies.

SCHS faculty work closely with our MD students as well as UNSOM faculty to assure the highest level of integration possible between the two schools and students’ experiences and learning.