Dual MPH/MD Program

Program Highlights

The MD/MPH Dual Degree Program at the University of Arizona is a collaborative effort between the College of Medicine (Tucson and Phoenix campuses) and the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health . It is designed to equip future physicians with the skills for community-engaged, evidence-based, and socially responsible medical practice. A primary focus of the program is on developing clinical leadership capabilities, enabling graduates to address public health challenges, manage health programs, and influence policies affecting community health. Students are trained in an interprofessional setting, emphasizing core public health competencies alongside their medical education.

Delivery Modes

The MPH component of the dual-degree program utilizes a flexible delivery model. Core public health courses are primarily offered online, while required clinical leadership courses and the Master's Report (Applied Practice Experience) are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with some in-person components. The MD portion of the degree is pursued on-campus.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH degree within this dual program requires 42 units of coursework and experiential learning. The curriculum is structured as follows:

• Core Public Health Courses (16 units): Covering fundamental areas such as Public Health Policy and Management (PHPM 574), Sociocultural and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (HPS 577), Environmental and Occupational Health (EHS 575), Biostatistics in Public Health (BIOS 576a), Basic Principles of Epidemiology (EPID 573a), and Integrated Learning Experience (PHP 580).

• Required Clinical Leadership Courses (10 units): Including Issues and Trends in Public Health (PHPM 570), Applied Public Health Practice (PHP 572), and Clinical Leadership and Administration (PHP 696i).

• Required Applied Practice Experience (APE) (5 units): Fulfilled through the Master’s Report (PHP 909), requiring approximately 225 hours of practical experience in areas like health planning, policy analysis, research, or program development.

• Electives (11 units): Comprising 9 units of elective courses and 2 units of dual MPH credit for public health content in the MD basic science blocks.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the MD/MPH dual-degree program requires the following:

• Applicants must first be matriculated into the College of Medicine – Tucson (or Phoenix).

• Students typically apply to the MD/MPH program during the spring semester of their first year of medical school (MS1 for Tucson).

• Applications must be submitted via the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) .

• A supplemental Graduate College Application is also required.

• Application deadlines (for Tucson campus) are January 15 (priority) and April 1 (final).

• Prospective applicants should review the admissions criteria of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health .

Cost & Financial Aid

• Program Fee: There is a specific fee for the MPH component of the dual degree, amounting to $1,500 per year for three years, totaling $4,500, assuming the student completes the program within the standard four years of medical school.

• Additional Costs: Additional fees may apply for some online courses. If MPH coursework extends beyond the fourth year of medical school (MS4), students will be subject to standard MEZCOPH tuition rates for the remaining MPH courses.

• Financial Aid: Students seeking financial assistance should contact the College of Medicine – Tucson Office of Financial Aid. Various scholarships, many based on financial need and some on merit, are available for medical students. Additionally, federal, state, institutional aid, and loans designed for medical students may be accessible.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MD/MPH program are prepared for leadership positions across a spectrum of agencies and organizations. They leverage their combined clinical expertise and public health competencies in various roles, including:

• Positions in state and local health departments.

• Roles within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other federal health agencies.

• Leadership in public and private healthcare organizations.

The program's Applied Practice Experience (APE) provides hands-on engagement in real-world public health settings. This experience can involve health planning, policy analysis, health research, community health assessment, or program development and implementation, further preparing students for impactful careers at the intersection of medicine and public health.