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:
After completing the first year of the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) curriculum and with the Program Director’s recommendation, students may enroll in up to two Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) courses per semester.

Program Features:
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program serves as a complement to the D.M.D. degree for students seeking to expand their impact beyond clinical practice. D.M.D. candidates who pursue this concurrent training to gain the knowledge and skills to lead in diverse settings—academia, government agencies, community health organizations, healthcare administration, and group practices. With a strong foundation in both dentistry and public health, graduates are uniquely positioned to drive innovation and shape the future of dental public health.

Eligibility:
After completing the first semester of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) curriculum and with the Program Director’s recommendation, students may enroll in up to two Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) courses per semester.

Program Features:
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program is a complement for Pharm.D. students aiming to expand their impact in academia, government, community health, or healthcare administration. By introducing public health principles with pharmacy training, the M.P.H. broadens students’ understanding of population health, health policy, and social determinants of health. It also strengthens analytical skills, while cultivating leadership abilities essential for driving change in complex healthcare systems. This interdisciplinary foundation empowers graduates to address public health challenges, influence policy, and lead initiatives that improve health outcomes on a broader scale.

Eligibility:
After completing the first semester of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) curriculum and with the Program Director’s recommendation, students may enroll in up to two Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) courses per semester.

Program Features:
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program offers a powerful complement to medical education, preparing students for impactful careers in academia, government, community health, and healthcare administration. By integrating public health principles with osteopathic training, the M.P.H. curriculum expands students’ understanding of population health, social determinants, and health policy. It also fosters essential analytical, communication, and leadership skills, empowering future physicians to drive systemic change, lead multidisciplinary teams, and advocate for healthier communities at both local and national levels.

Eligibility:
After completing the first semester of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) curriculum and with the Program Director’s recommendation, students may enroll in up to two Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) courses per semester.

Program Features:
For D.P.T. students aspiring to pursue careers in academia, government, community health, or healthcare administration, enrolling in a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program offers a valuable complement to their clinical training by broadening their understanding of public health principles and practices. This interdisciplinary education not only deepens their insight into population health and social determinants of wellness but also cultivates advanced analytical, policy development, and leadership skills. Through focused study in areas such as population-based rehabilitation, disability prevention, health promotion, and wellness policy, students are better equipped to design and implement effective interventions, influence health systems, and advocate for equitable healthcare solutions among communities.

Eligibility:
After completing the first semester of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) curriculum and with the Program Director’s recommendation, students may enroll in up to two Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) courses per semester.

Program Features:
For Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) students looking to expand their career paths beyond clinical practice, earning a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) offers a powerful avenue into roles in academia, government, community health, and healthcare administration. This concurrent-degree approach provides a population-level perspective and essential competencies in research, policy development, program design, and leadership. By integrating public health expertise with occupational therapy training, graduates are uniquely positioned to lead public health initiatives, design, and implement community-based interventions, contribute to evidence-based research, and manage complex healthcare systems with a broader, systemic lens.

Eligibility:
After completing the first semester of the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant (M.M.S.) curriculum and with the Program Director’s recommendation, students may enroll in up to two Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) courses per semester.

Program Features:
For Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant (M.M.S.) students who wish to enhance their clinical training with a strong foundation in public health, the PA/MPH Concurrent Degree Program offers a unique opportunity to address health challenges at both individual and population levels. By integrating clinical expertise with public health principles, graduates are equipped to lead community health initiatives, influence health policy, and pursue diverse career paths in clinical practice, public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and global health settings.

Eligibility:
After completing the first semester of the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) curriculum and with the Program Director’s recommendation, students may enroll in up to two Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) courses per semester.

Program Features:
For M.B.A. students aiming to broaden their influence in the health sector, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers a powerful complement to business education. It strengthens leadership, analytical, and strategic skills essential for driving meaningful change across health systems, public agencies, and mission-driven organizations. By integrating public health expertise with data-informed decision-making, policy development, and community engagement, the MPH equips graduates to lead initiatives that improve population health, manage complex healthcare operations, and shape health policy at local, national, and global levels.

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