Dual Degree MPH Program (MPH/MS Nursing)

Program Highlights

The dual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Case Western Reserve University is designed for nurses seeking to improve community well-being through enhanced skills in community health systems, healthcare policy, disease prevention, or health equity. This program combines rigorous classroom learning with practical clinical and community experience, leveraging the strengths of CWRU's top-ranked nursing and medical schools (the MSN program is ranked #20 nationally and the medical school is Tier 1 for research by U.S. News & World Report).

A key feature is the interprofessional education model, where students from nursing, medicine, dentistry, and social work learn and collaborate as a healthcare team at the Health Education Campus, a partnership with Cleveland Clinic. Students benefit from a streamlined dual-degree path, saving time and money with fewer credit hours required for each degree compared to pursuing them separately. The MPH program has over 20 years of experience in developing public health leaders.

Delivery Modes

The MSN/MPH dual degree program is offered in a full-time format, typically completed in approximately three years. The program is delivered on-campus, incorporating immersive experiences at the Health Education Campus and various clinical sites.

Curriculum Overview

The dual-degree curriculum is comprehensive, integrating core public health principles with advanced nursing practice. Students benefit from fewer total credit hours than if pursuing each degree separately.

MPH Component:

• Core courses include 'Epidemiology,' 'Health Management and Policy,' and 'Environmental and Occupational Health.'

• A service-based capstone project.

• A selection of electives to customize learning.

MSN Component:

Many nursing courses are offered in an intensive format. Students choose one of nine majors to specialize their nursing studies:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

• Family Nurse Practitioner

• Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

• Nurse Midwifery

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care

• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Faculty are renowned experts from diverse fields including medicine, nursing, dentistry, law, anthropology, bioethics, health policy, and social work.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must apply separately to both the MSN and MPH programs. Ensure all requirements for each program are met for consideration.

MPH Program Requirements:

• Completed online application

• Resume/CV

• Personal statement

• GRE scores (GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or DAT also accepted)

• Three letters of recommendation

• Unofficial transcripts

• For international applicants: Minimum TOEFL score of 70 or IELTS score of 7.0

MSN Program Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent and a Registered Nurse (RN) license

• Completed online application (use code 7005 for a fee waiver)

• Resume/CV

• Personal statement

• Three academic/clinical references

• Unofficial transcripts

• For international applicants: Minimum TOEFL score of 70 or IELTS score of 7.0

Career & Practical Experience

Both the MSN and MPH components emphasize engagement with communities and practical application of knowledge. MSN students gain immersive clinical experience at renowned healthcare systems such as Cleveland Clinic, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, MetroHealth Medical Center, and University Hospitals. Opportunities include involvement in student organizations like the Student-Run Health Clinic and the Applied Medical Spanish Program, as well as options for study abroad and research.

The MPH program focuses on collaborative community involvement and developing multidisciplinary partnerships to promote health equity and social action. Students can network and enhance professional prospects through MPH conference support, professional development events, and student wellness sessions. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles, particularly nurses aiming to make an impact in community health systems, healthcare policy, disease prevention, and health equity.