Dual DO/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

A.T. Still University (ATSU) offers a dual Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Public Health (DO/MPH) program. This integrated program combines in-person medical training at the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) with an online Master of Public Health (MPH) curriculum delivered through the College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS).

The MPH component focuses on developing public health leaders equipped to understand and address social determinants of health, health inequities, and broader public health challenges. The program emphasizes an evidence-based approach to both medicine and public health.

The Master of Public Health program at ATSU-CGHS is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The DO program at ATSU-SOMA is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

• Interprofessional collaboration opportunities.

• Focus on improving public health in communities.

• Small class sizes for a supportive learning environment.

Delivery Modes

The DO/MPH program is delivered in a hybrid format. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) component involves in-person medical training, while the Master of Public Health (MPH) courses are completed online.

Students take MPH courses concurrently with their DO program, typically beginning in the summer of their second year of medical studies. This structure suggests a full-time commitment to the dual degree program.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH component of the dual degree program requires 48 credit hours. The total credit hours for the combined DO/MPH program are 195 (147 for DO, 48 for MPH).

The MPH curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills to:

• Analyze critical issues like access, quality, and cost affecting populations.

• Evaluate the impact of social determinants of health and health inequities.

• Develop targeted interventions to tackle health inequities.

• Conduct and design impactful health research and quality improvement projects.

• Understand and apply health literacy concepts.

The program includes core public health courses such as Epidemiology (MED 620, 6 credits) and Biostatistics (MED 621, 6 credits), which may be offered as advanced credit. Dual-credit courses like PCSL 7134 (OMS III Patient Care Selective: Public Health) and ELEC 8178 (Public Health Practicum) are also available. A significant component is the Public Health Practicum, providing applied practice experience.

Admissions Requirements (MPH Component)

Applications for the MPH component are accepted from ATSU-SOMA students at the end of their OMS-I year. MPH coursework begins online during the summer of the OMS-II year. Key requirements include:

1. Application:

   • Completed and signed admissions application with a nonrefundable application fee.

2. Academic:

   • An accredited bachelor’s degree from a university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

   • Official transcript from the qualifying degree-granting institution.

   • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).

3. Elements of Success:

   • A current resume.

   • Completion of an essay.

   • English Proficiency.

   • Meet technology requirements.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for the dual DO/MPH program cover high-quality education and essential student services. A student technology fee is also applicable. For the most current information on tuition rates and fees, please refer to the tuition and fees breakdown .

ATSU offers financial aid options to help students fund their education. For more information, visit Enrollment Services or contact them at [email protected] or 660.626.2019.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the DO/MPH program are prepared for a wide range of careers, including leadership roles in healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and governmental bodies. They are equipped to work in preventive medicine, health policy, epidemiology, and community health.

The program offers numerous quality improvement projects and research opportunities, allowing students to engage with critical public health issues. These can be integrated into clinical rotations and the Public Health Practicum, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.