Dual Degree MPH Program (MD/MPH)

Program Highlights

The University of Kentucky offers a combined MD/MPH program for students admitted to the College of Medicine. This five-year dual degree is designed to provide physicians with comprehensive skills in public health policies, procedures, and research. The program aims to enable graduates to serve individuals effectively within the broader context of community health and population characteristics, with a focus on understanding health disparities.

Delivery Modes

The MD/MPH program involving the University of Kentucky College of Public Health (UK CPH) is structured for full-time study, with MPH coursework primarily completed on-campus during a dedicated year within the five-year medical curriculum.

An alternative MD/MPH pathway is offered by the UK College of Medicine in partnership with Western Kentucky University's (WKU) Department of Public Health. This program option is available both on-campus at WKU and in a fully online format.

Curriculum Overview

For the MD/MPH program with UK CPH, students typically complete the majority of public health courses during the third year of the five-year program. Students in good academic standing may take some MPH courses during other years of medical school, with potential for dual credit. Students meet with advisors from both the College of Public Health and the College of Medicine to plan their course sequence.

MPH areas of concentration available through the UK College of Public Health include:

• Epidemiology

• Environmental Health

• Health Behavior

• Health Systems and Policy Analytics

Students may also pursue various graduate certificate options offered by the College of Public Health.

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements:

• Admission to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is a prerequisite for applying to the MD/MPH program.

• Applicants must also meet the admission standards of the UK Graduate School and the College of Public Health.

For the UK College of Public Health MD/MPH:

• Application is submitted through the centralized School of Public Health Application Service ( SOPHAS ).

• Applicants should indicate their interest in the dual degree program on their AMCAS application.

For the MD/MPH program in partnership with WKU:

• Students must apply formally and independently to both the UK College of Medicine and WKU's MPH program, meeting the admission requirements of each.

• Medical students must be in good academic standing.

• Students work with the UK College of Medicine Bowling Green Campus Registrar to apply to the Graduate School at WKU.

Career & Practical Experience

The MD/MPH program prepares physicians to understand and address public health challenges, health disparities, and the social determinants of health. Graduates are equipped to integrate public health principles into clinical practice, research, and health policy, contributing to the health of individuals and populations.