3-2 MPH Program

Program Highlights

The 3-2 Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Washington University in St. Louis is an accelerated pathway designed exclusively for WashU undergraduates. It allows students to earn both a bachelor's degree and an MPH within five years, fast-tracking their education and career in public health. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and provides comprehensive advising tailored to students' interests and career goals.

• Accelerated Pathway: Complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years.

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrates public health and society coursework with advanced public health graduate studies.

• Career Readiness: Gain advanced skills and knowledge for careers in public health research, policy, and program implementation.

• Access to University Resources: Includes Brown School's research centers, School of Medicine research/practicum opportunities, and the Institute for Public Health.

Delivery Modes

The 3-2 MPH program is delivered as a full-time, on-campus, accelerated program for Washington University undergraduate students.

Curriculum Overview

Students in the 3-2 MPH program begin taking graduate-level MPH coursework during their senior year while completing their bachelor's degree requirements. The fifth year is dedicated to completing the remaining MPH requirements, which include advanced coursework, a practicum, and a capstone project. The curriculum is designed to provide a systems-based understanding of health determinants and outcomes, applying evidence-based approaches to multifaceted health solutions.

Admissions Requirements

Eligibility for the 3-2 MPH program is limited to current Washington University Arts & Sciences undergraduate students, including Public Health & Society majors and minors. Applicants typically apply early in the spring semester of their junior year.

• Academic Standing: Must complete all distribution and major requirements by the end of junior year and have elective credits available for MPH courses.

• Approval: Requires an Eligibility Certification Form approved by the undergraduate advisor(s) and the Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

• Application Submission: Applications are submitted through SOPHAS (the centralized application service for public health) by March 1 of the junior year.

• Application Components: A statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume are required. Leadership and service experiences are strongly encouraged.

Career & Practical Experience

The program prepares graduates for leadership roles across the health-care spectrum and for further graduate studies. Students gain practical experience through a required practicum in their fifth year. Opportunities for research-based practica, fellowships, and independent projects are available through the Brown School's affiliated research centers and the School of Medicine. The program also leverages established connections with health and service organizations locally, nationally, and globally.