Dual MPH/MES Program

Program Highlights

The University of Pennsylvania offers a dual degree program allowing students to earn both a Master of Environmental Studies (MES) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in three years. This program provides a multidisciplinary approach to environmental health, covering areas such as air pollution, geographic mapping, and complex legal regulations, thereby expanding students' skills and knowledge in this critical field.

Delivery Modes

This is an on-campus program. Students are in residence at the Perelman School of Medicine for MPH coursework and at the School of Arts and Sciences for MES coursework. The program structure is designed for full-time study.

Curriculum Overview

The dual MES/MPH degree requires a total of 19 course units, a reduction from the 26 course units typically needed if both degrees were pursued separately. The program is completed over six semesters (three years).

For the MPH component, students complete a minimum of 10 credit units of PUBH prefix courses (including core courses) over three semesters at the Perelman School of Medicine. An additional 4 course units from the MES program are accepted towards the MPH, totaling 14 course units for the MPH degree.

For the MES component, students take 9 course units of MES-qualifying classes over three semesters at the School of Arts and Sciences. An additional 3 course units of PUBH courses are accepted towards the MES, totaling 12 course units for the MES degree.

A capstone project is required, undertaken at the beginning of the second year. This independent research exercise fulfills requirements for both degrees, with students typically focusing on a single topic with a health emphasis for the MPH and an environmental emphasis for the MES. Recent capstone titles include:

• Quantitative Evaluation of Community Perceptions of Sanitation and Hygiene in Rural Guatemala

• Mitigating the Impact of Urban Heat Island (UHI) Using Street Trees: A planning tool for the City of Philadelphia

Admissions Requirements

Students can apply to both the MES and MPH programs simultaneously or may apply to the second program during their first year in either the MES or MPH program. Separate applications are required for each program, and admission decisions are made independently by each program's committee. Acceptance into one program does not guarantee acceptance into the other. Applicants must indicate on each application their intent to pursue the MES/MPH dual degree. Once admitted to both programs, the dual degree status is initiated. For detailed application information, please consult the MES application details and the MPH application details .

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MES/MPH dual degree program are prepared for careers addressing environmental health and justice issues across various public sector domains. Potential career opportunities include roles in community engagement, as government officials, or as nonprofit leaders. These positions may focus on air and water quality, environmental health policy, and other environmental health concerns. The required capstone project provides students with substantial independent research experience.