Dual DPT/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy/Master of Public Health (DPT/MPH) is a combined dual-degree program offered by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. It is designed for physical therapy students who aspire to become leaders at the intersection of physical therapy and public health. The program aims to equip graduates to be high-quality, public health-oriented practitioners, contribute to population health research, and drive efforts to improve population health and reduce health disparities. Students can earn both degrees in three years. Specific accreditation for the MPH component is not detailed in the provided context for this dual-degree program.

Delivery Modes

The DPT/MPH program is delivered on-campus. DPT courses are typically scheduled during the day, while MPH courses are offered in the evenings. Students begin MPH coursework in the summer prior to matriculating into the DPT program and then integrate one or two MPH courses each term alongside their DPT courseload. This structure supports full-time study to complete the dual degree in the planned three-year timeframe.

Curriculum Overview

Students in the DPT/MPH dual-degree program complete coursework and clinical requirements for both degrees. The MPH component requires approximately 12.5 units. MPH coursework begins in the summer before DPT matriculation.

Core MPH areas (5.5 units) include:

• Introduction to Epidemiology (BIOSTAT 301-0)

• Introduction to Biostatistics (PUB_HLTH 302-0)

• Environmental Health Sciences (PUB_HLTH 303-0)

• Introduction to US Health Care System (PUB_HLTH 420-0)

• Dual Degree Seminar: Topics in Public Health for the Physical Therapist (PUB_HLTH 350-0)

Students also complete an Intermediate Selective (1 unit in either Intermediate Biostatistics or Intermediate Epidemiology), a Methodology Selective (1 unit from courses like Program Evaluation, GIS, Survey Design, or Qualitative Research Methods), and 5 units of electives. The curriculum includes an Applied Practice Experience (PUB_HLTH 418-0, 419-0) and a Culminating Experience (PUB_HLTH 560-0), which are coordinated to complement DPT clinical education and the synthesis research project.

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for the DPT/MPH dual-degree program, applicants must first receive an admission offer for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Northwestern.

Once admitted to the DPT program, students can apply to the Master of Public Health program via The Graduate School. The application deadline for the MPH component is May 1st. Required materials for the MPH application include:

• A personal statement (one to two pages, single-spaced) detailing how the MPH degree will impact their physical therapy education and future career goals.

• Two references: One may be a reference used for the DPT application (resubmission required); the second must be a different individual who can address the applicant's ability to succeed in a dual-degree program and/or become a leader in public health.

Only applicants admitted during the current DPT admission cycle are eligible for the DPT/MPH track.

Cost & Financial Aid

Students in the DPT/MPH dual-degree program pay a surcharge added to their DPT program tuition for the MPH component, rather than the full tuition for a standalone MPH degree. The current surcharge rate is $14,678 per academic year. For details on DPT program tuition, please refer to the DPT program tuition page . Information on general graduate school tuition can be found on the Northwestern Student Finance website .

Career & Practical Experience

The DPT/MPH program prepares graduates for leadership roles that bridge physical therapy and public health. Career paths may involve being public health-oriented practitioners, contributing to population health research, and leading initiatives to improve community health and reduce health disparities. The curriculum integrates practical experience through the MPH Applied Practice Experience and Culminating Experience, which are designed to complement the DPT program's clinical education and synthesis research project.