Dual Degree MPH Program (MD/MPH)

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The MD/MPH program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), offered collaboratively with The University of Texas School of Public Health (UTSPH), emphasizes the knowledge and skills of core public health disciplines and public health practice. It is designed to equip medical professionals with the tools to approach complex health issues from a population perspective, using evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes. The program focuses on understanding the broader aspects of health, including social, community, organizational, and policy change. This dual degree is particularly beneficial for physicians who plan to work internationally, with marginalized or rural populations, or those considering careers as health authorities.

The MPH program component at TTUHSC is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students in this track earn a generalist MPH degree, without a specific major area, focusing on comprehensive public health training.

Delivery Modes

The MD/MPH is an integrated dual-degree program. The MPH coursework typically commences in the summer prior to the start of medical school. The collaboration involves the UTSPH El Paso Regional Campus, indicating an on-campus delivery format. The integrated nature with the MD program implies a full-time commitment.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can be earned by completing a minimum of 45 credit hours. The curriculum provides comprehensive training in public health, leading to a general MPH degree without a specific major area.

Key components of the MPH curriculum include coursework in core public health disciplines, a mandatory practicum experience, and a culminating experience. The program structure allows for shared crediting of some coursework between the MD and MPH degrees, maximizing efficiency. There is flexibility to combine MPH practicum requirements with other learning experiences from the MD program, guided by a Student Advisory Committee from both institutions.

Admissions Requirements

The MD/MPH option is available to students who are matched to attend the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (PLFSOM) at TTUHSC. Students are enrolled separately in both universities and receive two separate degrees upon successful completion.

Application deadlines for the MPH component are:

• March 1st for Summer or Fall admission

• October 1st for Spring admission

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the MPH program in the spring before medical school to begin participation in the summer. Application forms and directions may be obtained from:

• TTUHSC (MD Application via TMDSAS): http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/medical/homepage.html

• UTSPH (MPH Application): http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/howtoapply.aspx

Career & Practical Experience

The MD/MPH program is designed to prepare health professionals to integrate medical and public health skills in their professional lives as practitioners and researchers. It is particularly valuable for those aiming to work with marginalized and rural populations, internationally, or in roles as health authorities, enabling them to address health from a broader, population-based perspective.

A core component of the MPH is the practicum experience, which provides students with hands-on application of public health principles. The program offers flexibility in combining the MPH practicum requirements with learning experiences from the MD program, ensuring a well-rounded practical education.