Students who have an interest in two major disciplines have the opportunity to complete a second master’s degree alongside the generalist MPH. Applicants must apply to both programs separately and must be admitted to both to be eligible to enroll in a dual degree curriculum. It is recommended that students work with advisors in both programs to be aware of application deadlines and admissions requirements.
Master of Health Care Administration/Master of Public Health (MHA/MPH)
The MHA/MPH joint degree program is a joint effort between the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Division of Public Health and the David Eccles School of Business; it gives students the option of earning an MHA degree in addition to a Master of Public Health, the two master’s degrees being completed in approximately 74-77 credit hours. On average the joint degree will take students three years of full-time coursework; part-time students take an average of four years to complete the joint degree.
This joint degree option prepares students for positions as program managers and health services researchers in state and local health departments, public health advocacy groups—such as HealthInsights, the state's health care quality improvement organization—and healthcare delivery organizations, such as the Veterans’ Administration Healthcare System and military healthcare facilities.
The MPH program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1978. The MHA program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) since fall 2012.
See the MHA/MPH curriculum.
Master of Public Administration/Master of Public Health (MPA/MPH)
The MPA/MPH program is designed for students who seek advanced training in health policy analysis and program evaluation, as well as public health administration. Health issues are an area of priority within the public, nonprofit and private sectors. Students pursuing the MPA/MPH joint degree will acquire the skills needed to work in all three sectors. These skills include health policy analysis and program evaluation, government contracting with health agencies and nonprofits, aspects of managing health organizations and law and ethics of health fields. Students will also be educated in the political and institutional processes of making public health policy.
The MPA/MPH joint degree program is a joint effort between the College of Social and Behavioral Science and the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Division of Public Health; this joint degree gives students the option of earning an MPA degree in addition to a Master of Public Health, two master’s degrees with approximately 63 credit hours. On average the joint degree will take students three years of full-time coursework; part-time students take an average of four years to complete the joint degree.
The MPH program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1978. The MPA program has been continuously accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
See the MPA/MPH curriculum.
Master of Public Policy/Master of Public Health (MPP/MPH)
Students who pursue a joint MPP/MPH degree will acquire the skills needed to conduct effective health policy analysis, understand organizational processes within the health domain, develop policy-based approaches to address issues of public health importance and translate complex public health policies for a lay audience. Graduates will also be educated in working across public, non-profit and private sectors to produce policy-based approaches to improving and protecting the public’s health. Through this joint degree program, graduates will gain the education needed to be effective in professional roles that involve health policy development, administration and evaluation.
The MPP/MPH joint degree program is a joint effort between the College of Social and Behavioral Science and the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Division of Public Health; this joint degree gives students the option of earning an MPP degree in addition to a Master of Public Health, two master’s degrees with approximately 61 credit hours. On average the joint degree will take students three years of full-time coursework; part-time students take an average of four years to complete the joint degree.
The MPP/MPH joint degree was approved by the Board of Regents in Spring 2009. The MPH program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1978.
See the MPP/MPH curriculum.
Master of Social Work/ Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH)
The MSW/MPH program is for students who seek advanced training in social work and public health. Students pursuing the MSW/MPH joint degree will acquire the skills needed to work in all three sectors, understanding the social service aspect of public health. These skills include the planning, management and delivery of human and health services at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Students completing the joint degree will have a more rounded understanding of human behavior in the environment, as well as how individuals and communities are impacted by programs developed with a health focus.
The MSW/MPH joint degree program is a joint effort between College of Social Work and the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Division of Public Health, this joint degree gives students the option of earning an MSW degree in addition to a Master of Public Health. This option gives students two master’s degrees with approximately 82 credit hours. On average the joint degree will take students three years of full-time coursework; part-time students take an average of four years to complete the joint degree.
The MPH program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 1978. The MSW program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1951.
See the MSW/MPH curriculum.
Doctor of Medicine/ Master of Public Health (MD/MPH)
The Division of Public Health, in conjunction with the University of Utah School of Medicine, offers a joint MD/MPH degree. This is an ideal program for those medical students with an interest in clinical medicine as well as public health. Interested students already accepted or enrolled into the University of Utah School of Medicine can apply to the program as an MPH.
This combined degree program will require at least five years to complete. Students are required to take a one-year leave of absence from medical school to complete the public health degree requirements. This leave may be extended at the discretion of the dean for student affairs. The leave should be taken between the second and third years of medical school. In unusual circumstances this may occur between the first and second year or the third and fourth year at the discretion of the dean for student affairs.
See the MD/MPH curriculum.
Master in Public Health and PA studies (MPH/MPAS)
The University of Utah Division of Public Health and Physician Assistant Studies programs are esteemed leaders in their respective fields, with a strong focus on primary care. The MPAS program holds the distinguished rank of #2 in the country according to US News & World Report for public institutions. The Division of Public Health (MPH) programs also garner recognition, securing the #55 spot nationally in the same ranking.
The Dual MPAS/MPH degree is efficiently completed over 32 months, providing students with time-saving benefits, enhanced specialization, and an amplified capacity to offer primary care within a crucial emphasis on public health and epidemiology. By merging the strengths and objectives of the MPAS and MPH programs, this dual degree program attracts a diverse cohort of students from across the nation, all united by a shared commitment to enhance public health. While pursuing these two degrees sequentially would necessitate 51 months, the dual degree path empowers highly-qualified students to earn both degrees in just 32 months, resulting in substantial cost savings. This integrated curriculum permits MPAS/MPH students to commence their training two semesters prior to embarking on the MPAS curriculum, ensuring timely graduation and the acquisition of both MPAS and MPH degrees.