Dual DPT/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Emory University offers a distinctive DPT-MPH dual degree program, a collaboration between its Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the prestigious Rollins School of Public Health. This program is designed for aspiring physical therapists who aim to become leaders in healthcare policy, preventative health, and public health initiatives. A key feature is the accelerated timeline, allowing students to earn both degrees in four years, compared to the typical five years if pursued separately. While the Rollins School of Public Health is renowned, specific accreditation details for the MPH component are not provided on this page.

Delivery Modes

The DPT-MPH is a full-time, four-year dual degree program. The Master of Public Health (MPH) component is completed during the third academic year, with students enrolling full-time at the Rollins School of Public Health, indicating an on-campus delivery format for the MPH studies.

Curriculum Overview

The comprehensive DPT-MPH curriculum spans four years and totals 144 semester credit hours. Students dedicate their first two years and the fourth year to the DPT program, building a strong foundation in clinical science. The third year is focused entirely on the MPH degree at Rollins, requiring a minimum of 32 credit hours.

MPH students can engage with several departments and academic programs at Rollins, including:

• Behavioral Sciences and Health Education

• Epidemiology

• Global Health

• Global Epidemiology

• Health Policy and Management

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students for the DPT-MPH dual degree program must:

• Apply separately to both the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Emory's School of Medicine and the Master of Public Health program at the Rollins School of Public Health.

• Secure acceptance into each program independently to be eligible for the dual degree.

Applications to the Rollins School of Public Health for the MPH component are processed through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). Detailed instructions for applying to the MPH program can be found on the Rollins School of Public Health website .

Career & Practical Experience

The DPT-MPH program prepares graduates to significantly impact healthcare and public health. It equips physical therapists to expand their roles beyond traditional rehabilitation into primary and secondary prevention activities. Graduates are positioned to become leaders in developing health care policy and to serve as effective therapists, particularly in response to public health crises, thereby innovating within both physical therapy and public health domains.