Dual Master of Public Health (MPH) degree programs allow students to earn an MPH in their chosen subject alongside a second graduate degree in another subject. These dual degrees create well-prepared public health professionals who can tackle complex, real-world challenges requiring interdisciplinary approaches.
In this article, we’ll discuss the potential benefits of a dual-degree MPH program, how they’re structured, and other considerations before pursuing these types of programs.
Dual MPH degree programs are graduate programs where you pursue a Master of Public Health degree and a second degree in a complementary field. If you go this route, you can earn two graduate degrees through an integrated curriculum designed to maximize your learning in both fields.
There are several types of dual MPH degree programs, including:
Master of Public Health and Master of Healthcare Administration (MPH/MHA)
Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Nursing (MPH/MSN)
Master of Public Health and Master of Public Administration (MPH/MPA)
Master of Public Health and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (MPH/PhD)
So, why does an MPH match so well with other disciplines? Work in the field of public health is naturally intertwined with many other disciplines, from business administration and health science to public policy and health care administration. This integration allows professionals to address complex problems affecting population1 health through multiple lenses. The field considers social, behavioral, environmental, and biological factors to develop effective prevention and intervention practices and deliver comprehensive health education.
There are many benefits to obtaining a dual degree, including:
Getting a dual degree means you're receiving knowledge from two separate disciplines, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues in different industries. For example, if you pursue an MPH/JD, you will thoroughly understand how public health policies are woven into various laws and regulations, preparing you to design and implement public health programs that meet legal requirements.
In a dual degree program, you'll be studying two disciplines that may be entirely different. This combination helps you develop a broader skill set that can build your expertise and increase your value in a multifaceted professional environment, particularly in areas like public affairs and health care administration.
Once you graduate with a dual master's degree, you're equipped with a diverse skill set and qualifications that can appeal to employers across multiple industries. In today's competitive market, many employers value candidates who can navigate various interdisciplinary challenges and bring unique perspectives to their roles. For example, if you pursue an MPH/MBA, this dual degree would prepare you to lead public health initiatives while managing health care organizations' finances and operations.
In addition to these benefits, dual MPH degrees can help prepare you for leadership roles. The combination of disciplines in health care, policy, social sciences, health sciences, or administration gives you an interdisciplinary approach to solving public health challenges.
As mentioned, dual degree programs combine two studies or disciplines, so you can expect to complete intensive coursework, engage in hands-on experiences, and complete capstone projects that prepare you for interdisciplinary careers.
Here’s a look at the most common dual MPH degree programs and what they typically offer:
An MPH/MD program takes four to five years to complete and gives students the clinical, research, and advocacy skills to address the health needs of patients from diverse backgrounds.2 You can expect to complete MPH coursework after your first or second year of medical school, with programs available in locations from San Antonio to Boston.
While curriculums will vary by school, core coursework and MPH electives tend to focus on core concepts of public health, including:
Health Policy
MD coursework typically covers:
Anatomy
Pharmacology
Health Management
Like any typical graduate program, as an MPH/MD student, you can expect to complete a scholarly or capstone project near the end of your program and any clinical requirements for the MD. A capstone project culminates the knowledge and skills you've gained throughout the program.3 Your capstone project could range from a research paper to field placement in a health care setting.
Requirements vary, but to be accepted into an MPH/MD program, you must have a strong academic record, a competitive MCAT score, robust extracurricular activities, and a compelling personal essay.
An MPH/JD combination gives you a solid foundation in law and ethics while also developing a strong background in public health policy for work in public affairs and health care administration. This dual degree program will give you a strong understanding of how public policies are expressed in laws and regulations.
The program typically takes four years, with students completing the first two years of law school and then stepping out of the JD program to start their first year of MPH courses.4
Some core MPH courses and electives you can expect to take include:
Policy and Public Health
Quantitative Approaches to Public Health
Health Policy Analysis
A JD program can involve coursework on topics like:
Administrative Law
Bioethics
Health Law & Administration
MPH/JD students typically complete a dual capstone or thesis that explores the legal aspects of addressing public health challenges. To be accepted into this dual master's degree program, you must meet LSAT score requirements and any additional admission requirements for each graduate degree.
For more information about the MPH/JD experience, consider attending information sessions at schools like Washington University, which regularly offers program overviews and Q&A sessions with current students.
In this dual graduate study program, you can expect a curriculum that integrates public health, policy, and social justice and prepares you to address complex public health challenges at the local, state, national, and international levels.5 As a graduate of this program, which typically takes about three years, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess your community needs from a social work perspective and develop and implement public health initiatives.
Examples of MPH coursework for this dual degree program may include:
Community Health
Program Planning
Health Behavior
MSW coursework may include:
Social Welfare Policy
Human Behavior & Social Environments
Research-Informed Practice
Regarding field experiences, you may be required to complete a capstone project and/or an integrative learning experience (ILE) that integrates social work and public health. A benefit of pursuing an MPH/MSW is that most programs won’t require GRE scores.
Having a dual MPH degree gives you the flexibility to work in various settings, including;
Academic institutions
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Healthcare facilities
Private enterprises
Depending on what discipline you decide to pair with your MPH degree, you can pursue various careers, such as:
Public health advisor
Research scientist
Hospital administrator
Healthcare consultant
Health policy analyst
Program director
As you consider a dual graduate program, it's important to think about how much time and money you'll need to dedicate to your chosen program. As mentioned, these programs can be three to five years long, so they're longer than a typical MPH program alone.
Because you'll be completing two graduate degrees simultaneously, you'll want to plan your schedule accordingly and be prepared to adapt to ensure your success. Understand that you could face overlapping deadlines for projects and assignments while balancing coursework, internships, and other obligations. Managing a dual degree program can be challenging, but with proper preparation, you can navigate the experience successfully.
When it comes to costs, a benefit of pursuing a dual graduate program is that it's typically less expensive than pursuing two separate graduate degrees. However, even with the reduced tuition costs, these programs can come with a significant investment. For example, a JD/MPH program at Tufts University School of Medicine costs $29,408 per semester, with $658 in fees each semester for the 2024-2025 school year.6
Fortunately, if you need financial assistance to support your graduate study, many schools offer some form of financial aid for prospective students. Many MPH dual degree programs offer merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships. Other disciplines may offer similar financial aid options. If there's no institutional aid available, you can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for work-study programs, grants, and federal student loans.7
For specific information about financial aid opportunities, contact your chosen school's financial aid office to request more information.
Despite the costs, there's a strong return on investment for graduates of these programs. With knowledge and experience in two fields, as a dual degree holder, you can advance your career more rapidly—and potentially into leadership roles—than professionals with a single degree.8
In addition to career advancement, you can also earn a higher salary. For example, let’s say you graduate an MPH/MSW and become a policy analyst, you could earn up to $130,153 per year on the higher end.9
With a solid understanding of what a dual MPH program entails, you can now start to think about what factors to consider when choosing a program, such as:
As you research potential programs, ensure the institution is reputable. A graduate school's reputation is significant, as your choice of alma mater could affect your educational experience, future career opportunities, and credibility as a public health professional. Check the school's ratings, accreditation, and history of producing successful graduates.
For any program you consider, verify its accreditation status. Accreditation is recognition from an accrediting agency that an institution meets educational standards.10 MPH programs should be accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).11 CEPH is an independent accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits schools of public health and public health programs. Other disciplines, like JD, MBA, MD, and health care administration programs, all have their respective accrediting agencies to consider as you evaluate potential programs.
Consider the teaching faculty involved in your program. Research your future professors' research areas, publications, and professional experience in public health and health sciences.
Another key factor is where alumni have gone after graduation. Are they working in career fields that interest you? Research notable alumni from your prospective program to see their current roles, and consider reaching out to learn about their dual MPH program experience.
When it comes to admission requirements, while specific degree requirements vary by school, they typically include:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
A minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher.
Completion of prerequisite coursework, such as statistics, biology, and social sciences (this can vary by program).
A resume or CV detailing your education, work, and volunteer experience.
Standardized test scores, such as the LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE.
Relevant work experience.
A personal essay detailing your reasons for pursuing this program.
Letters of recommendation from employers, mentors, or professors.
An interview may be required to assess your skills and knowledge.
Be sure to note to application deadlines and submission requirements for each program component.
Here is an admissions info session on the MPH/JD from Washington University you can check out:
If you're interested in MPH and another discipline, consider pursuing a dual MPH program. You'll gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in public health while studying another discipline. By combining public health with medicine, law, social work, or another field, you can expand your career opportunities and establish yourself as a well-rounded professional with expertise to work across multiple sectors. As you consider what discipline to pursue with your MPH, evaluate your career goals and capacity to complete two degrees simultaneously.
Ready to take the next steps in your future career? Contact prospective schools offering your preferred dual MPH programs, attend webinars and in-person information sessions, and speak with current students and academic advisors to better understand the dual degree program experience.
1https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6872436/#
2https://students-residents.aamc.org/md-mph-md-mpp-combined-degree-programs#
3https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/mph/capstone-2/
4https://www.med.wisc.edu/education/master-of-public-health-mph/dual-degrees/jd-mph/
5https://ssw.uga.edu/degrees-programs/dual-degree/msw-mph/
6https://medicine.tufts.edu/academics/public-health/mph-dual-degrees/jdmph#
7https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
8https://www.ucats.org/the-benefits-of-dual-degree-programs-in-engineering-and-technology.html#
9https://www.indeed.com/career/policy-analyst/salaries?cgtk=b8d3642e-db52-48e0-aaa0-6203010f02c0&from=careeradvice-US
10https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/apply/the-basics-of-school-accreditation
Picking a specialization in public health is like picking a major in college, only that much tougher. The ability to focus on public health as a content area has evolved to undergraduate as well as graduate school level studies.
The difference between an MSPH and an MPH can be clearly delineated, fitting differently into the scope of what might come next for you. Read on to see which degree might be more appropriate for your needs and next steps.
There are many reasons to pursue a public health degree for graduate school, not the least of which is the potential for a varied and interesting career.