Dual Degree MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Connecticut's Program in Applied Public Health Sciences offers Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree options, providing interdisciplinary education for students pursuing studies in medicine (M.D./M.P.H.), dental medicine ( D.M.D./M.P.H. ), law ( J.D./M.P.H. ), social work (M.S.W./M.P.H.), and pharmacy (Pharm.D./M.P.H.).

The M.P.H. program component seeks students with a strong academic record, a commitment to community health, relevant background or experience, and career goals pertinent to public health. No specific accreditation for the MPH program (e.g., CEPH) is mentioned on this page.

Delivery Modes

For the M.D./M.P.H. and D.M.D./M.P.H. dual degrees, the MPH component typically involves one year of full-time study. The structure of dual degrees with professional schools implies an on-campus delivery format for the MPH coursework.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH component within these dual degrees involves a focused curriculum. Students in the J.D./M.P.H., M.S.W./M.P.H., and Pharm.D./M.P.H. programs complete a minimum of 36 credits of PUBH-related coursework. Typically, dual degree arrangements allow for the recognition of 12 credits of coursework completed within the partner professional school, applied towards the MPH. For M.D./M.P.H. and D.M.D./M.P.H. students, completion of the STAGE 1 MDelta curriculum and the Graduate Certificate in Social Determinants of Health & Disparities accounts for 12 graduate credits of advanced standing toward the MPH degree.

Core MPH coursework includes:

• PUBH 5403 Health Administration

• PUBH 5404 Environmental Health

• PUBH 5405 Social & Behavioral Foundations of Public Health

• PUBH 5406 Law and Public Health*

• PUBH 5408 Epidemiology & Biostatistics I

• PUBH 5409 Epidemiology & Biostatistics II

• PUBH 5411 Introduction to Interprofessional Public Health Practice*

• PUBH 5431 Public Health Research Methods* or PUBH 5497 Public Health Research Appraisal

*Courses marked with an asterisk (PUBH 5406, PUBH 5411, PUBH 5431) may require permission of an academic advisor.

The curriculum also includes PUBH 5407 Practicum in Public Health (1 semester) and two elective courses. A culminating experience is required: PUBH 5497 Capstone Project (3 Credits) for J.D./M.P.H., M.S.W./M.P.H., and Pharm.D./M.P.H. students, or GRAD 5950 Master's Thesis (9 Credits) for M.D./M.P.H. and D.M.D./M.P.H. students.

Admissions Requirements

Candidates for an MPH dual degree must meet the admission requirements of both the Program in Applied Public Health Sciences and the respective professional school (Medicine, Dental Medicine, Law, Social Work, or Pharmacy).

The MPH program seeks applicants with a strong academic record, a demonstrated commitment to community health, relevant background and/or experience, and career aspirations aligned with public health.

Prospective dual degree candidates are advised to meet with program facilitators from both their intended professional school and the Program in Applied Public Health Sciences prior to submitting an application. Contact information for facilitators is available on the university's dual degree program page.

Career & Practical Experience

These dual degree programs are designed for students who wish to integrate public health perspectives and skills with their primary professional field, preparing them for careers that address complex health issues. Examples include integrating legal expertise with public health policy (J.D./M.P.H.) or clinical practice with community health strategies (M.D./M.P.H. or D.M.D./M.P.H.).

A key component of the MPH curriculum is the PUBH 5407 Practicum in Public Health (one semester), providing students with hands-on experience in a public health setting, allowing them to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.