Dual PhD (Applied Behavioral Science)/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Kansas is offered by the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the KU Medical Center. It can be pursued as part of a pioneering dual Ph.D./M.P.H. degree, described as the first in the nation to integrate an MPH with advanced study in applied behavioral science. This collaboration focuses on research addressing issues in community health and development, child and youth health and development, disabilities and independent living, and healthy aging. Specific accreditation details for the MPH program (e.g., CEPH) are not mentioned in the provided context.

Delivery Modes

The MPH program, particularly as part of the dual degree, is delivered through the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the KU Medical Center, which has locations in Kansas City and Wichita. This suggests an on-campus delivery format. Other formats like online, hybrid, full-time, or part-time are not explicitly specified for the MPH program in this context.

Curriculum Overview

Within the dual Ph.D./M.P.H. program, the MPH component requires specific coursework. The total hours for the entire dual degree program are 81. Core MPH courses include:

• PRVM 804 Community Health Assessment, Intervention, and Advocacy (3 credits)

• PRVM 827 Public Health Administration (3 credits)

• PRVM 830 Environmental Health (3 credits)

• PRVM 845 Health, Society, and Culture (3 credits)

• PRVM 875 Management of Public Health Data (3 credits)

• PRVM 891 Public Health Practicum (3 credits)

• PRVM 893 Public Health Capstone (3 credits)

• PRVM Elective Course (3 credits)

Additional coursework in areas like biostatistics (e.g., BIOS 704 or BIOS 714) or epidemiology (PRVM 800), and behavioral science (e.g., ABSC 710, ABSC 735, ABSC 861) satisfy requirements for both the MPH and Ph.D. degrees within the dual program structure.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the dual Ph.D./M.P.H. degree requires separate applications and acceptances to both the Ph.D. program in Behavioral Psychology (Department of Applied Behavioral Science) and the M.P.H. program (Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health). Key requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent).

• Proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers.

• The application deadline for the Ph.D. component for Fall admission is December 1st. Applicants must indicate their interest in the joint Ph.D./M.P.H. program within the Ph.D. application.

Career & Practical Experience

The dual degree program prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of public health and behavioral science. Faculty and student research focuses on community health and development, child and youth health, disabilities, independent living, and healthy aging. The MPH curriculum includes a mandatory Public Health Practicum (PRVM 891), offering students practical, field-based experience.