Dual Degree WHP/MPH Program

Program Highlights

The Public Health Combined Program at Oakland University offers high-achieving students an accelerated pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree in less time than pursuing them sequentially. A key feature is the ability to complete 12 graduate-level credits, taken as an undergraduate, at undergraduate tuition rates. Students can typically earn their M.P.H. approximately one calendar year after completing their bachelor's degree in public health. The program mentions a Public Health Scholarship Program for need-based funding, available for MPH and combined program students.

Delivery Modes

The program is designed as an accelerated, full-time pathway for the M.P.H. component, which is typically completed in one calendar year after the bachelor's degree. Specific delivery formats (e.g., on-campus, online, hybrid) for the M.P.H. portion are not detailed on this page.

Curriculum Overview

Students in the combined program complete 12 graduate-level credits (three courses: PH 5000 Foundations of Health Behavior and Health Education, PH 5100 Principles of Community-Based Participatory Research, and PH 5200 Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Public Health Interventions) as part of their undergraduate studies at undergraduate tuition rates. Upon full admission to the M.P.H. program post-baccalaureate, students complete core courses including PH 5400 Statistical Methods in Public Health, PH 5500 Introduction to Epidemiology, PH 5700 Health Policy & Management, and PH 5600 Introduction to Environmental Health Sciences. The M.P.H. curriculum also requires PH 5960 Public Health Practicum, PH 5996 Public Health Capstone, and eight credits of electives. Course requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog (see Curricular Requirements ).

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate students with at least sophomore standing, a minimum overall GPA of 3.2, and completion of prerequisite courses (EHS 2550 or STA 2220; HS 2250 or PSY 2500; WHP 2800; and WHP 3500) may apply to the B.S./M.P.H. combined program. Applications are submitted through the graduate office and are due by February 1. Full, formal admission to the M.P.H. program occurs after successful completion of the bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 3.0, and a GPA of 3.0 or above in each of the 12 graduate credits taken as an undergraduate.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates with an M.P.H. degree have a positive career outlook with opportunities in public and private sectors, including international health organizations, government agencies, state and local health departments, nonprofit organizations, and corporate wellness. Potential roles include community health workers, health education specialists, and medical and health services managers. The program curriculum includes a required Public Health Practicum (PH 5960) and a Public Health Capstone (PH 5996) for practical experience.