Dual MPAS/MPH Program

Program Highlights

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies-Master of Public Health (MPAS-MPH) dual degree program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is an innovative program designed to integrate Physician Assistant (PA) clinical and didactic training with the core competencies of public health. It aims to provide students with a greater understanding of population-focused health impacts, emphasizing the value of community partnerships and interprofessional skills.

Delivery Modes

The MPAS-MPH dual degree program is structured for full-time, on-campus study. Students typically complete the majority of MPH requirements in the first year, followed by the didactic and clinical years of the PA program.

Curriculum Overview

The MPH component of this dual degree requires approximately 36 credits. The curriculum structure is as follows:

First Year MPH Coursework:

• Fall Semester (16 total credits):

  • PUBLHLTH 780 Evidence-Based Decision-Making (3 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 782 Determinants of Health and Health Equity: A Systems Approach (3 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 783 Quantitative Approaches to Public Health (4 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 791 Strategic Health Communication-Theory and Practice (3 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 792 Policy and Public Health (3 credits)

• Spring Semester (13 total credits):

  • PUBLHLTH 784 Quantitative Approaches to Public Health II (3 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 785 Public Health and Health Care Systems (3 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 786 Planning and Management to Promote Health (3 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 790 Social Justice and Public Health: Tools and Models (2 credits)

  • PUBLHLTH 777 Public Health and Primary Care (2 credits, meets Leadership Requirement)

MPH Requirements Integrated During PA Program (7 credits contributing to MPH):

• PA 729-769 Elective Preceptorship V (6 PA credits, meets PUBLHLTH 788 Applied Practice Experience Requirement)

• PUBLHLTH 787 Applied Practice Experience Seminar (1 credit, taken in fall of PA clinical year)

• PA Didactic Courses (6 credits count towards MPH requirements):

  • MM&I 704 Infectious Diseases of Human Beings (3 credits)

  • PA 610 Clinical Prevention and Community Practice I (1 credit)

  • PA 611 Clinical Prevention and Community Practice II (1 credit)

  • PA 616: Professional Seminar I (1 credit)

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the MPAS-MPH dual degree program is managed through the Physician Assistant (PA) program application process. Key aspects include:

• Application is made directly through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) when applying to the School of Medicine and Public Health.

• Applicants select the option to apply to the MPAS-MPH dual degree and submit a supplemental personal statement addressing their public health experience and/or goals.

• Both the PA and MPH programs review applicants separately for admission.

• The admissions process includes an interview with PA and MPH faculty and/or staff.

• Applicants must be admitted by each program separately.

For detailed application procedures and timelines, refer to the MPAS application process and timeline .

Career & Practical Experience

The MPAS-MPH dual degree prepares graduates to integrate clinical PA skills with a public health perspective, enabling them to address population-focused health challenges and understand the value of community partnerships.

The program includes significant practical experience components:

• Applied Practice Experience (APEx): This requirement is met by completing PA 729-769 Elective Preceptorship V (6 PA credits).

• PUBLHLTH 787 Applied Practice Experience Seminar (1 credit): This seminar is taken during the fall of the PA clinical year to complement the practical experience.