FIND MPH PROGRAMS
FIND MPH PROGRAMS
9 Best MPH/MPP Dual Degree Programs – 2023
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Do you have an interest in public health and welfare? Does the idea of working to develop policies that promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities sound interesting? Have you completed an undergraduate degree in public health or a related field and want to advance your education and career? If so, earning a double master's through an MPH/MPP dual degree program could be an excellent option.
Maybe you have considered earning a master's in public health or public policy but did not know you could earn them concurrently. Perhaps you considered this degree program but find yourself asking, "What are the best MPH/MPP dual degree programs?” If this sounds familiar, this article is for you. In this article, I will share information about the 9 best MPH/MPP dual degree programs for 2023. As you continue reading, you will learn about program costs, curriculum, what admission faculty look for in candidates and how to improve your chances of getting into a top program. The information in this article is designed to give you insight as you choose a program to help you achieve the goal of earning dual MPH/MPP degrees.
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GOAL OF AN MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM?
The goal of MPH/MPP dual degree programs is to prepare students for advanced careers in public health and public policy roles. The programs offer students instruction on health policy analysis, policy-based solutions for public health matters, and complex health issues to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become public health and policy experts.
IS AN MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM HARD TO COMPLETE?
Dual MPH/MPP programs involve earning two graduate degrees, which means they can be challenging. Each component of the dual degree program involves master's-level coursework and practical training. Despite the rigorous curriculum and time requirements, it is possible to succeed in the program. Carefully planning your personal and academic schedules and dedicating sufficient time to studying and completing assignments and other program tasks can help you progress smoothly and earn the dual degrees.
5 MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS AND ABILITIES YOU WILL GAIN IN AN MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM
MPH/MPP dual degree programs prepare students for advanced roles in public health and policy. As such, the programs are designed to help students develop unique skills and abilities. The following are five of the most essential skills and abilities you will gain in an MPH/MPP dual degree program.
1. Interpersonal Skills:
Collaboration is a vital component of a public health professional's job. As an MPH/MPP dual degree holder, you will collaborate with social workers, other healthcare professionals, and project managers to influence public health policy and outcomes. Dual MPH/MPP degree programs will help you hone interpersonal and communication skills to help improve collaboration and maintain a positive work environment.2. The Ability to Demonstrate Cultural Competence:
Working in public health and public policy requires working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. To be effective, you must understand the importance of cultural competency and demonstrate it daily. Dual MPH/MPP programs teach students self-reflection and self-inquiry, which are beneficial to developing an understanding and appreciation of others.3. The Ability to Educate the Public About Complex Health Policies:
MPH/MPP dual degree programs will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to educate lay people about healthcare policies. The ability to translate complex issues in a way the public understands is essential to promote public health and welfare.4. Strategic Thinking:
Developing strategic thinking skills involves prioritizing tasks, creating plans for achieving goals, and looking for solutions to problems. Dual MPH/MPP programs teach students methods to utilize strategic thinking and planning by developing their creativity and logic with a strategic approach to problem-solving.5. Research and Analytical Skills:
Another significant component of your work in public health and policy involves using research to analyze data to make decisions affecting public health issues. As a student in an MPH/MPP dual degree program, you will learn methods to perform research and analyze data so you can effectively serve the public.3 MAIN ADVANTAGES OF MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Deciding whether to pursue your education through MPH/MPP dual degree programs takes careful consideration. Comparing the pros and cons can help you determine if this is an appropriate academic plan. The following are three main advantages of MPH/MPP dual degree programs.
1. There is an excellent growth potential for jobs in this industry:
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in the public health and public policy field will grow by more than 28% in the next decade. This growth indicates approximately two million new and replacement jobs will be available to MPH/MPH dual degree program graduates.2. You can earn two degrees concurrently in the time it takes to earn one:
The average MPH/MPP dual degree program takes three years to complete if you enroll full-time. Depending on your previous undergraduate degree and transferable credits, earning an MPH or MPP alone could take three years. When you pursue your degree through dual MPH/MPP degree programs, some of the coursework overlaps, which means you do not have repeat classes to earn the dual degrees, and you can graduate with both degrees at the same time.3. Your work can make a global impact:
The knowledge you gain in a dual MPH/MPP program will prepare you to provide education and introduce policies necessary to promote social and health-related changes that can impact populations worldwide. Whether you travel to other countries or stay in your current location, the measures you take to promote public health and welfare can impact communities globally.WHEN DO DUAL MPH/MPP PROGRAMS START?
MPH/MPP dual degree programs have various start dates. Some programs offer one start date each year in the spring or fall semesters. Others offer rolling admissions or multiple start dates. It is best to contact each school that interests you to confirm start dates and deadlines for applying.
• The dual MPH/MPP program offered at the University of Michigan begins once yearly in the fall semester.
• Temple University admits students to the MPP and MPH programs during the fall and spring semesters.
• The University of California at Berkeley's program only admits students during the fall semester.
• The New University of Massachusetts Amherst students are accepted during the fall session.
• At the University of Minnesota, you can start your courses during the summer or fall terms.
• Temple University admits students to the MPP and MPH programs during the fall and spring semesters.
• The University of California at Berkeley's program only admits students during the fall semester.
• The New University of Massachusetts Amherst students are accepted during the fall session.
• At the University of Minnesota, you can start your courses during the summer or fall terms.
HOW MANY CREDITS ARE THERE IN DUAL MPH/MPP PROGRAMS?
The number of credits needed to graduate from one of the best dual MPH/MPP programs can range from 54 to 130, depending on the institution. Depending on your previous degree and transferrable credits, the credits you need to earn a dual MPH/MPP degree may vary. Here are some examples of the credits required for some of this article’s featured programs.
• University of Michigan students need 82 credits in total to graduate from the dual MPH/MPP degree program. At least 43 credits are earned through the School of Public Health (SPH), and 33 through the School of Public Policy (SPP).
• Temple University's MPH/MPP program features a curriculum including 54 credits.
• The MPH/MPP program at Rutgers University features a 69-credit curriculum. Coursework includes 33 MPH credits and 39 MPP credits.
• At the University of Minnesota, students in the MPP/MPH program must complete a minimum of 42 credits. You may transfer up to 14 credits from the MPP curriculum and complete the remaining 28 credits in the School of Public Health. Total required credits may vary depending on GAP analysis.
• The MPH/MPP program at the University of Utah requires completing 61 credits. The curriculum includes 28 credits earned from MPP classes, 24 MPH credits, six practicum credits, and three elective credits.
• Temple University's MPH/MPP program features a curriculum including 54 credits.
• The MPH/MPP program at Rutgers University features a 69-credit curriculum. Coursework includes 33 MPH credits and 39 MPP credits.
• At the University of Minnesota, students in the MPP/MPH program must complete a minimum of 42 credits. You may transfer up to 14 credits from the MPP curriculum and complete the remaining 28 credits in the School of Public Health. Total required credits may vary depending on GAP analysis.
• The MPH/MPP program at the University of Utah requires completing 61 credits. The curriculum includes 28 credits earned from MPP classes, 24 MPH credits, six practicum credits, and three elective credits.
HOW LONG ARE MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS?
Dual MPH/MPP programs take an average of three years to complete. Students pursuing this dual degree part-time may extend their time in the program to four or five years. The following are examples of the projected time to complete some of the programs featured in this article.
• Students in the University of Michigan's MPH/MPP dual degree program can expect to finish within three years. Year one focuses on the first-year sequence of one program. In the second year, you will complete the other program's first-year curriculum. The third year includes classes for both the MPH and MPP programs and field experience.
• Full-time students at the University of California at Berkeley can complete the MPH/MPP dual degree program in three years. Part-time students typically take four years to graduate.
• The dual MPH/MPP program at UCLA is designed to be completed in three years.
• The University of Massachusetts Amherst's program takes three years to complete. Like some other MPH/MPP dual degree programs, students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst complete one year of study in one program and then the second year in the alternate program. The final year involves completing the remaining requirements for both programs.
• Temple University offers part-time and full-time study plans for its MPH/MPP dual degree program. Full-time students typically complete the programs in three years. Part-time students usually graduate in four years.
• Full-time students at the University of California at Berkeley can complete the MPH/MPP dual degree program in three years. Part-time students typically take four years to graduate.
• The dual MPH/MPP program at UCLA is designed to be completed in three years.
• The University of Massachusetts Amherst's program takes three years to complete. Like some other MPH/MPP dual degree programs, students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst complete one year of study in one program and then the second year in the alternate program. The final year involves completing the remaining requirements for both programs.
• Temple University offers part-time and full-time study plans for its MPH/MPP dual degree program. Full-time students typically complete the programs in three years. Part-time students usually graduate in four years.
HOW MUCH DO MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS COST?
Earning two degrees at once can be a costly undertaking. MPH/MPP dual degree programs are costly, starting around $50,000 and going as high as $130,000 or more. Let us view the tuition for some schools on this list.
• The University of Virginia's tuition is based on a student's residency status. In-state students pay approximately $31,442 per academic year, including tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay $56,633. The program can be completed in three years, costing between $94,326 and $169,899.
• The University of Michigan charges tuition based on a per-credit rate. The first credit hour costs $1,222 and $1,329 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively. All other credits cost Michigan residents $1,037 and non-residents $1,144. The MPH/MPP dual degree program features an 82-credit curriculum, making tuition $85,119 for in-state students and $93,993 for out-of-state students.
• At UCLA, resident and non-resident students pay the same tuition rate, $11,442 per academic year. The program takes three years to complete costing approximately $34,326. This cost reflects only tuition. Therefore, you should plan for student fees, supplies, books, and incidental expenses.
• The University of Minnesota estimates students in the MPH/MPP dual degree program pay approximately $43,506 each academic year. This cost includes $19,754 for tuition and the cost of books, supplies, room and board, transportation, and miscellaneous items and fees. The program takes at least three years to complete, making the cost average $130,518 for students who live on campus. If you choose to live off campus and wish to calculate tuition only, you can expect to pay $59,262.
• Pennsylvania residents are charged $966 per credit to attend Temple University’s MPH/MPP dual degree program, while out-of-state students pay $1,329 per credit. That brings the total tuition cost for the 54-credit program to $52,164 for in-state students and $71,766 for non-residents.
• The University of Michigan charges tuition based on a per-credit rate. The first credit hour costs $1,222 and $1,329 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively. All other credits cost Michigan residents $1,037 and non-residents $1,144. The MPH/MPP dual degree program features an 82-credit curriculum, making tuition $85,119 for in-state students and $93,993 for out-of-state students.
• At UCLA, resident and non-resident students pay the same tuition rate, $11,442 per academic year. The program takes three years to complete costing approximately $34,326. This cost reflects only tuition. Therefore, you should plan for student fees, supplies, books, and incidental expenses.
• The University of Minnesota estimates students in the MPH/MPP dual degree program pay approximately $43,506 each academic year. This cost includes $19,754 for tuition and the cost of books, supplies, room and board, transportation, and miscellaneous items and fees. The program takes at least three years to complete, making the cost average $130,518 for students who live on campus. If you choose to live off campus and wish to calculate tuition only, you can expect to pay $59,262.
• Pennsylvania residents are charged $966 per credit to attend Temple University’s MPH/MPP dual degree program, while out-of-state students pay $1,329 per credit. That brings the total tuition cost for the 54-credit program to $52,164 for in-state students and $71,766 for non-residents.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM GPA REQUIRED TO GET INTO MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS?
Most MPH/MPP dual degree programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for entry. The grade point average may vary depending on the school, so be sure to check the admission requirements thoroughly.
• Admission to the MPH/MPP dual degree program at the University of Minnesota is contingent upon having a minimum college GPA of 3.0.
• The University of Utah requires candidates applying to the MPH/MPP dual degree program to have at least a 3.0 grade point average for all undergraduate coursework completed.
• At Rutgers University, you need a minimum college GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission to the MPH/MPP dual degree program.
• UCLA requires applicants seeking admission to the dual MPH/MPP program to have a minimum 3.0 GPA for all upper-division courses completed.
• The University of California at Berkeley has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 GPA for its MPH/MPP dual degree program. However, candidates with higher grade point averages are preferred.
• The University of Utah requires candidates applying to the MPH/MPP dual degree program to have at least a 3.0 grade point average for all undergraduate coursework completed.
• At Rutgers University, you need a minimum college GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission to the MPH/MPP dual degree program.
• UCLA requires applicants seeking admission to the dual MPH/MPP program to have a minimum 3.0 GPA for all upper-division courses completed.
• The University of California at Berkeley has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 GPA for its MPH/MPP dual degree program. However, candidates with higher grade point averages are preferred.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS?
Once you decide to pursue your degree through dual MPH/MPP programs, the next step is to find a program and apply. It is important to review the admission criteria for each program to which you plan on applying as some admission requirements vary. The following are examples of admission requirements at some of the programs featured in this article.
• Candidates seeking admission to the MPH/MPP dual degree program at the University of California at Berkeley must fill out an application using the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) and MPP/MPH Berkeley Graduate Application. To be considered, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and undergraduate training sufficient enough to complete graduate work in your chosen field. This usually means having two years of full-time work experience after completing your undergraduate degree. You should submit an MPP Policy Statement of Purpose, Personal History Statement, all official transcripts, GRE scores (if you have taken the exam), three letters of recommendation, and a professional resume.
• To gain entry into UCLA's dual MPH/MPP program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a 3.0 grade point average for all upper-division coursework completed. Although the GRE is not required for domestic applicants, it is strongly recommended, especially for students who lack a quantitative background. International students must submit GRE scores. Candidates should submit a UCLA Graduate Division Online Application, official transcripts from any post-secondary school attended, a Statement of Purpose, a professional resume, three letters of recommendation, and a Personal History Statement. Additionally, you must fill out a GPA Worksheet and Academic Preparation Form.
• Eligibility for the University of Utah's MPP/MPH dual degree program requires holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and established eligibility for graduate standing admission to the University of Utah. Candidates must submit undergraduate transcripts, academic letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Purpose. Professional work experience including work experience, volunteer or community service awards, and internships are helpful in the application process. You must also complete prerequisites, including Introductory Statistics, Microeconomics, and U.S. National Government.
• To gain entry into UCLA's dual MPH/MPP program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a 3.0 grade point average for all upper-division coursework completed. Although the GRE is not required for domestic applicants, it is strongly recommended, especially for students who lack a quantitative background. International students must submit GRE scores. Candidates should submit a UCLA Graduate Division Online Application, official transcripts from any post-secondary school attended, a Statement of Purpose, a professional resume, three letters of recommendation, and a Personal History Statement. Additionally, you must fill out a GPA Worksheet and Academic Preparation Form.
• Eligibility for the University of Utah's MPP/MPH dual degree program requires holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and established eligibility for graduate standing admission to the University of Utah. Candidates must submit undergraduate transcripts, academic letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Purpose. Professional work experience including work experience, volunteer or community service awards, and internships are helpful in the application process. You must also complete prerequisites, including Introductory Statistics, Microeconomics, and U.S. National Government.
WHAT KIND OF COURSES WILL YOU TAKE IN MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS?
While course names vary and there is some variation in curriculum from one school to the next, accredited MPH/MPP dual degree programs cover the same content. The following are a few examples of courses you will take when you enroll in dual MPH/MPP degree programs.
• At Temple University, students in the MPH/MPP dual degree program take classes, including includes classes such as Environmental Health, Environmental Epidemiology, Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Policy, Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations, Biostatistics & Applied Analysis of Health, State and Local Budgeting, and Policy Analysis.
• Core courses in the MPH/MPP dual degree curriculum at the University of Virginia include Introduction to Biostatistics I, Introduction to Epidemiology, Public Health Law and Ethics, U.S. Healthcare Policy, Data Management in Population health with SAS, Health Promotion and Health Behavior, Management and Quality in Health Care Organizations, and Human Subjects Research Ethics.
• The University of Minnesota's dual MPH/MPP program curriculum includes classes such as Fundamental of Social and Behavioral Science, Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health, Fundamentals of Epidemiology, Biostatistical Literacy, Violence Prevention & Control: Theory, Research & Application, Planning & Budgeting in Public Health, and Using Demographic Data for Policy Analysis.
• At the University of California at Los Angeles, students in the MPH MPP dual degree program take courses like Foundations in Public Health, American Political Institutions and Health Policy, Health Systems Organization and Financing, and Microeconomic Analysis for Public Health and Policy.
• The University of Minnesota's MPH/MPP dual degree program curriculum includes classes such as Fundamental of Social and Behavioral Science, Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health, Fundamentals of Epidemiology, Biostatistical Literacy, Violence Prevention & Control: Theory, Research & Application, Planning & Budgeting in Public Health, and Using Demographic Data for Policy Analysis.
• Core courses in the MPH/MPP dual degree curriculum at the University of Virginia include Introduction to Biostatistics I, Introduction to Epidemiology, Public Health Law and Ethics, U.S. Healthcare Policy, Data Management in Population health with SAS, Health Promotion and Health Behavior, Management and Quality in Health Care Organizations, and Human Subjects Research Ethics.
• The University of Minnesota's dual MPH/MPP program curriculum includes classes such as Fundamental of Social and Behavioral Science, Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health, Fundamentals of Epidemiology, Biostatistical Literacy, Violence Prevention & Control: Theory, Research & Application, Planning & Budgeting in Public Health, and Using Demographic Data for Policy Analysis.
• At the University of California at Los Angeles, students in the MPH MPP dual degree program take courses like Foundations in Public Health, American Political Institutions and Health Policy, Health Systems Organization and Financing, and Microeconomic Analysis for Public Health and Policy.
• The University of Minnesota's MPH/MPP dual degree program curriculum includes classes such as Fundamental of Social and Behavioral Science, Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health, Fundamentals of Epidemiology, Biostatistical Literacy, Violence Prevention & Control: Theory, Research & Application, Planning & Budgeting in Public Health, and Using Demographic Data for Policy Analysis.
WHAT KIND OF PRACTICAL TRAINING WILL YOU UNDERGO IN DUAL MPH/MPP PROGRAMS?
In addition to coursework, MPH/MPP dual degree programs include a practical training component. Applied practice experiences in the programs give you hands-on experience relevant to public health and public policy while under the supervision of faculty and approved preceptors. The following are some examples of the practical training included in the curriculum for some of this article’s featured programs.
• At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the dual MPH/MPP program includes a 200-hour public health field training and ten-week public policy internship. With approval from both program directors, you may be able to complete your practicum experiences and internship simultaneously.
• Students in the MPH/MPP dual degree program at the University of Virginia complete at least two work products designed to demonstrate meeting at least five competencies. If you complete Applied Practice experiences in or near Charlottesville, you are required to work with the university's AP Experience Coordinator to arrange Applied Practice experiences. Students outside Charlottesville are encouraged to locate internships and organizations and consult with the AP Experience Coordinator but secure placement independently.
• At the University of Utah, dual MPH/MPP students complete a 270-hour Public Health Practicum and a Public Health Capstone. Program faculty help arrange practice experiences at approved sites with approved preceptors.
• The University of California at Los Angeles requires students to acquire 400 field internship hours. Practical training may be earned through working with a government agency, private firm, or nonprofit group. Faculty will help you locate appropriate places and preceptors to help you complete field internships.
• Students enrolled in the MPH/MPP dual degree program at Rutgers University complete fieldwork experiences in both the Public Health and Public Policy components of the program. If you choose to enroll at Rutgers, you will earn at least 9 credit hours of relevant fieldwork experience.
• Students in the MPH/MPP dual degree program at the University of Virginia complete at least two work products designed to demonstrate meeting at least five competencies. If you complete Applied Practice experiences in or near Charlottesville, you are required to work with the university's AP Experience Coordinator to arrange Applied Practice experiences. Students outside Charlottesville are encouraged to locate internships and organizations and consult with the AP Experience Coordinator but secure placement independently.
• At the University of Utah, dual MPH/MPP students complete a 270-hour Public Health Practicum and a Public Health Capstone. Program faculty help arrange practice experiences at approved sites with approved preceptors.
• The University of California at Los Angeles requires students to acquire 400 field internship hours. Practical training may be earned through working with a government agency, private firm, or nonprofit group. Faculty will help you locate appropriate places and preceptors to help you complete field internships.
• Students enrolled in the MPH/MPP dual degree program at Rutgers University complete fieldwork experiences in both the Public Health and Public Policy components of the program. If you choose to enroll at Rutgers, you will earn at least 9 credit hours of relevant fieldwork experience.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 9 Best Online and Campus-Based Dual MPH/MPP Programs in the nation for the year 2023.)
1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI
2. University of California at Berkeley - Berkeley, CA
3. University of California at Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA
4. University of Massachusetts at Amherst - Amherst, MA
5. Temple University - Philadelphia, PA
6. University of Virginia - Charlottesville, VA
7. University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT
8. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN
9. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick, NJ
WHERE DO GRADUATES OF DUAL MPH/MPP PROGRAMS MOSTLY WORK?
Graduates of MPH/MPP dual degree programs go on to lead fulfilling careers in a variety of settings. The following are some of the top work settings where graduates may work.
1. Non-profit Organizations:
In non-profit roles, graduates of MPH/MPP dual degree programs advocate for policy issues, including health policy development, management, and communication, and may conduct public health and policy research.2. Government Agencies:
State and local health departments, the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and even Congress employ graduates of dual MPH/MPP degree programs. Depending on your government branch, you may have roles in epidemiology, research, or health communications. Some roles involve analyzing data from clinical trials, experiments, or national health studies.3. Health Advocacy Groups:
MPH/MPP dual degree program graduates working in health advocacy groups provide individuals, families, and groups customized help navigating healthcare systems. In this setting, you may educate patients to help them make informed healthcare decisions, help clients access healthcare services or physicians, and offer guidance about insurance, medical care, and legal issues related to healthcare.3 BEST JOBS FOR GRADUATES OF MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
There are many job opportunities available to graduates of dual MPH/MPP degree programs. The following are three of the top job options.
1. Public Health Program Evaluator:
If you like the idea of working in an administrative position in public health and public policy, the role of a public health program evaluator may interest you. Public health program evaluators monitor and review community health practices, create and implement intervention and treatment plans, and evaluate and develop methods to promote positive public health outcomes.2. Health Policy Analyst:
If you want a job where you can impact health care by improving healthcare systems, consider becoming a health policy analyst. Health policy analysts use data analysis and in-depth knowledge of the healthcare system to shape policies related to public health issues. In this role, you may work with government institutions to create and implement policies or with political action committees to develop consumer-centered healthcare policies.3. Health Communications Specialist:
Health communication specialists are professionals in media relations trained to work in healthcare and medical organizations. Health communication specialists develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to meet public health goals, providing communication and marketing expertise to develop publications, presentations, and websites focused on public health and public policy. These specialists help health organizations and medical agencies craft messages about important health matters to educate the public. Some topics of particular interest that health communications specialists focus their work on include health promotion, disease prevention, and medical treatment options.WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF THIS PROGRAM EXPECT?
The starting salary for graduates of dual MPH/MPP programs averages $21.31 hourly, $853 weekly, or $3,690 per month. This pay is equal to $44,330 annually.
| Hourly | $21.31 |
| Weekly | $853 |
| Monthly | $3,690 |
| Annual | $44,330 |
WHAT AVERAGE SALARY CAN GRADUATES OF MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS EXPECT?
Graduates of dual MPH/MPP programs earn an average of $87,400 annually. This pay is equal to $42.02 hourly, $1,681 weekly, or $7,280 monthly.
| Hourly | $42.02 |
| Weekly | $1,681 |
| Monthly | $7,280 |
| Annual | $87,400 |
10-YEAR JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
The job outlook for dual MPH/MPP program graduates is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates should see an increase of 28.33% in available jobs between 2021 and 2031.
| 2021-31 | |
| +28.33% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |
IS THE COST OF AN MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM WORTH THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)?
MPH/MPP dual degree programs can cost from $50,000 to more than $150,000. The average annual income for graduates of these programs is $87,400. If you compare the cost of earning the dual degree to your earning potential, the numbers indicate you can see a positive return on investment within just a few years. In this case, the cost of an MPH/MPP dual degree program is worth the ROI.
BONUS! 3 EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE YOUR MPH/MPP DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM APPLICATION STAND OUT
Because MPH/MPP dual degree programs are highly competitive, you will want your application to stand out among the others. Here are three ways you can make that happen.
1. Get volunteer or internship experience.
Most MPH/MPP dual degree programs require candidates to have some work experience before enrolling. However, even if you have a limited amount of work experience, volunteering or participating in an internship can help boost your application. Community health centers, the American Red Cross, and other non-profit organizations are excellent places to get volunteer experience.2. Consider learning a second language.
Working in public health and public policy involves working with communities, populations, and government organizations, which means dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. Speaking more than one language makes you a valuable asset as you can assist individuals whose first language is not English, such as underserved populations. Although knowing a second language is not a requirement for admission to MPH/MPP dual degree programs, learning one can make your application stand out.3. Use your public health and policy knowledge to craft an excellent admissions essay.
Admissions faculty do not expect you to know everything there is to know about public health or public policy. However, MPH/MPP dual degree programs are graduate-level, so you should have some foundational knowledge of both. Become familiar with current public health and public policy issues and address some of those issues in your Statement of Intent. Highlighting what you know through the creativity of a well-written essay or statement is an excellent way to make your application stand out and improve your chances of getting into a top MPH/MPP dual degree program.MY FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are considering earning dual degrees in public health and public policy, it is natural to wonder, “What are the best MPH/MPP dual degree programs?” Carefully considering the pros and cons of earning dual degrees and knowing what is required of students in the programs is essential to getting on the right track. If you believe earning dual degrees in public health and public policy is the right path for you, the 9 best MPH/MPP dual degree programs for 2023 featured in this article are excellent options. With dedication and a genuine desire to make a difference, you can succeed in these programs and begin a career as a Master of Public Health and Public Policy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT
1. What Is The Best MPH/MPP Dual Degree Program In The Nation?
The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor offers the best MPH/MPP dual program in the US.| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI |
2. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into MPH/MPP Dual Degree Programs?
Most MPH/MPP dual degree programs require applicants to have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.3. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For Dual MPH/MPP Programs?
The per-credit tuition cost for dual MPH/MPP programs ranges from $500 and $1,200.4. What Are The Most Difficult Classes In Dual MPH/MPP Programs?
Opinions vary regarding which classes are the most difficult in MPH/MPP dual degree programs. Most students report the most challenging classes are Epidemiology and Biostatistics.5. Can I Work Part-Time And Complete This Program?
Although this is a dual degree program, many students find it is possible to balance the program with a part-time work schedule.6. Can I Work Full-Time And Complete This Program?
While it is possible to work full-time and complete dual MPH/MPP programs, it takes effort to balance a dual graduate schedule with full-time work. Before committing to full-time work and full-time school, consider carefully how much time you must devote to both.7. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make?
New graduates of MPH MPP dual degree programs earn an average of $44,330 per year.| $44,330 |
8. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour?
The average hourly wage for MPH/MPP dual degree program graduates is $42.02.| $42.02 |
9. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month?
Graduates of MPH/MPP dual degree programs earn approximately $7,280 monthly.| $7,280 |
10. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of Dual MPH/MPP Programs Make Per Year?
Dual MPH/MPP program graduates earn an average annual salary of $87,400.| $87,400 |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).