Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Utah offers a unique dual degree program allowing students to concurrently earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) and a Master of Public Health (MPH). This innovative program blends PA training with public health expertise, empowering graduates to provide comprehensive care and address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities.

The MPAS program is highly ranked at #2 in the country for public institutions by US News & World Report, and the Division of Public Health (MPH) programs are ranked #55 nationally by the same source, highlighting the quality and esteem of both programs.

The curriculum prepares students for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) examination, indicating alignment with standards of programs typically accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Delivery Modes

The dual MPAS/MPH degree is an integrated, full-time program delivered on-campus. It is designed to be completed efficiently in 32 months.

This condensed timeline allows students to earn both degrees more rapidly than if pursued sequentially, which would typically require 51 months, offering substantial time and potential cost savings.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH component of the dual degree requires 30 credit hours, with an additional 15 credits shared between the MPH and MPAS programs. The initial two semesters (Fall and Spring) are dedicated to 21 credits of core public health coursework:

• PBHLT 6400 Public Health Management & Practice (3 credits)

• PBHLT 6500 Public Health Systems & Services (3 credits)

• PBHLT 6100 Biostatistics (3 credits)

• PBHLT 6600 Social & Behavioral Science in Public Health (3 credits)

• PBHLT 6700 Environmental & Biological Science in Public Health (3 credits)

• PBHLT 6550 Public Health Program Planning, Evaluation, and Implementation (3 credits)

• PBHLT 6300 Epidemiology 1 (3 credits)

Following this foundational MPH coursework, students transition into the MPAS curriculum. The Public Health Practicum (6 credits) and Capstone (3 credits) requirements are fulfilled during the clinical phase of the PA program.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must apply separately to both the MPH program and the MPAS program by their respective admissions deadlines. Successful candidates must meet the prevailing admission criteria of the University of Utah and secure separate acceptances into both programs to be eligible for the dual degree track.

Cost & Financial Aid

Detailed tuition and fee schedules for the dual MPAS/MPH program can be found through the university's financial services. Links to specific tuition information for resident and non-resident students are available:

Resident Tuition Information

Non-Resident Tuition Information

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the dual MPAS/MPH program are uniquely prepared with the clinical skills of a PA and the population health perspective of an MPH. This combination equips them to manage chronic conditions, utilize data-driven public health approaches, and tackle complex health challenges, particularly within underserved and disadvantaged communities.

The program's mission emphasizes training professionals to improve health outcomes for these populations. Practical experience is gained through the Public Health Practicum and Capstone projects, which are integrated into the clinical year of the PA curriculum, allowing students to apply their dual knowledge in real-world settings.