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Dr. Kiran C. Patel
College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pursuing a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) alongside another degree can significantly enhance one’s ability to address complex health challenges from a broader, population-based perspective. While a primary degree often focuses on individual-level expertise or technical skills, an M.P.H. equips professionals with tools in epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and community health that are essential for designing and implementing effective public health interventions.

This combination not only broadens career opportunities but also empowers individuals to lead initiatives that improve health outcomes at local, national, and global levels. Ultimately, an M.P.H. adds a critical layer of understanding that bridges clinical or technical knowledge with real-world impact.

 

General Information for All Concurrent Programs

  • Class Schedule: M.P.H. courses are offered onsite and/or in a hybrid format (live onsite), Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:50 P.M.
  • Tuition: Students are responsible for paying the current tuition rates for both programs in which they are enrolled.
  • Course Incentive: Students receive a stipend of $100 per credit hour for each M.P.H. course completed.
  • Financial Aid: Students should consult with the financial aid office regarding additional funding options for the M.P.H. program.
  • Faculty Expertise: Courses are taught by faculty with a wide range of professional and academic experiences.
  • Sample Schedule: Click here to download a sample program schedule.

Eligibility:
Students may pursue the M.P.H. degree concurrently with the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree over a three-year period by enrolling in two M.P.H. courses per semester. Eligibility begins after successful completion of the first year of the D.M.D. curriculum, pending recommendation from the Program Director.

Program Features:
Ideal for D.M.D. students seeking careers in dental public health within academia, government, community health, the military, or group practice settings. The M.P.H. complements dental training by enhancing public health perspectives and analytical skills. Students will complete a public health rotation as part of PUH 6002 Applied Practice Experience.

Eligibility:
Students may pursue the M.P.H. degree concurrently with the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) over three years by enrolling in 1–2 M.P.H. courses each semester. Eligibility starts after the first semester of the Pharm.D./M.P.H. program, based on the Program Director’s approval.

Program Features:
Prepares students for leadership roles across the public and private sectors. The M.P.H. expands opportunities in population health, policy, and promotion. Includes a public health rotation aligned with PUH 6002 Applied Practice Experience.

Eligibility:
Available to students enrolled in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, starting after the first semester with Program Director approval. Students take two M.P.H. courses per semester over three years.

Program Features:
Combines osteopathic training with public health education. Graduates are positioned for roles in clinical, research, and policy-making environments. Includes rotation-based public health work aligned with PUH 6002.

Eligibility:
Students pursuing the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) can enroll in one to two M.P.H. courses per semester after completing the first semester of D.P.T. coursework.

Program Features:
Designed for students interested in population-based rehabilitation, disability prevention, and wellness policy. Includes public health project work supporting PUH 6002 Applied Practice Experience.

Eligibility:
Students pursuing the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) can take public health courses concurrently after their first semester, with Program Director approval.

Program Features:
Focuses on integrating occupational therapy with public health to address social determinants of health. Includes a rotation-based public health project as part of PUH 6002.

Eligibility:
Physician Assistant (P.A.) students can pursue the M.P.H. degree over 2–3 years by integrating coursework into their academic schedule after the first semester, based on Program Director approval.

Program Features:
Supports students focused on health disparities and prevention. Graduates gain qualifications for leadership in public health, clinical integration, and policy. Includes PUH 6002 Applied Practice Experience.

Eligibility:
Students may pursue both degrees over three years by integrating coursework. Eligibility to begin M.P.H. coursework is determined after the first semester of M.B.A. studies.

Program Features:
Prepares professionals for leadership in health systems, agencies, and mission-driven organizations. Combines strategic decision-making with public health expertise. Includes a public health project for PUH 6002.

For more information, please contact:

Claudia A. Serna, Ph.D., D.D.S., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Chair, Department of Public Health
Director, Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Associate Professor of Public Health
cserna@nova.edu