Mar 292012
 

Read on to know the various dual degree programs combined with a master of public health programs, and brief descriptions of each dual degree program students can choose.

The interdisciplinary nature of the master of public health degree willingly lends itself to dual degree efforts.  The Masters in Public Health program presently provides five dual degree choices that allow students to extend their main degree focus, and acquire public health knowledge and skills.  Below are the different dual degree public health programs combined with various disciplines.

The MS/MPH Nursing dual degree program trains nurses for professional roles as administrators, educators and advanced practice nurses in the public health sector.  This degree is intended for those seeking masters education in practice competencies of public health.  Graduates of this program are taught for doctoral study in public health, nursing or any related fields.

At the very least, the nursing dual degree program or the nurse educator role needs to complete about 61 total credit hours and takes six semesters of full-time study to complete.  A maximum of 18 credits may partly cover between programs.  Students studying other advanced practice nursing programs such as nurse practitioner may be required for additional time/credits for completion.

Another dual degree master of public health program is the MD/MPH Medicine.  This program provides supplementary knowledge and skills in the growing field of public health for general practitioners in training.  This dual degree program enhances the job options for physicians to practice in public health settings such as national, state, community and international public health organizations and doing clinical research, as well providing MPH-only graduate students a medical perspective.

Students usually complete an initial three years of study under medical school curriculum before they enter MPH programs for a one-year curriculum.  Students then go back to medical school to complete their MD requirements and any necessary public health electives.  At least five years of study is required for completing the MD/MPH, allowing for an overlap of 11 credits between the two programs.

On the other hand, the DVM/MPH Veterinary Medicine program makes a multidisciplinary education environment that prepares veterinarians to serve the 21st century challenges in public health.  The degree will also offer a foundation to pursue advanced public health training including an EIS Program or doctorate level public health research training.  Like the MD/MPH dual degree, the Vet. Med students can complete the initial two years of their veterinary medicine curriculum before they enter the MPH program.

Students can complete the course requirements of the master of public health program, the electives and their fieldwork over the course of three semesters before they can return to their track of study.  The dual degree program lets students complete the MPH and DVM degree in a five-year period.  In addition, this allows for an eight credit overlap between two programs.

The MPA/MPH Public Affairs degree program prepares professionals for health policy for their roles as public managers and policy analysts in the health care area.  Students gain skills in public health management and policy important to address multifaceted health issues in the field.  MPA/MPH students generally complete most of the requirements for public affairs prior to entry to the core MPH curriculum.

The PharmD/MPH Pharmacy degree programs prepare students for the comprehensive experience and expertise in the pharmacy-related public health sector.  This program teaches future pharmacists to perform active roles in public health promotion in their communities.  The PharmD/MPH degree is a 5-year program requiring completion of all PharmD requirements and MPH requirements.

The DPT/MPH Physical Therapy joint degree is intended for physical therapists seeking masters education in public health in an interdisciplinary environment.  The DPT/MPH degree takes four years to complete, with the initial three years for completion of DPT requirements.  Once the DPT requirements are completed, an extra year is needed to complete the remaining courses for the master of public health degree.

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