MD-MPH Combined Degree
The MPH program provides MD students the opportunity to earn a professional degree in public health while completing their medical education.
By integrating the principles of medicine and public health, graduates are prepared to expand their career opportunities, address health challenges at both the individual and population levels, and make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of communities.
Earning an MPH can also strengthen a physician’s qualifications for certification through the American Board of Preventive Medicine.
Physicians who are considering certification from the American Board of Preventive Medicine are encouraged to review the current requirements.
Career Opportunities
Combining a MD with a MPH prepares you to improve health at both the individual and population levels. In addition to developing strong clinical skills, you’ll gain expertise in disease prevention, health policy, epidemiology, and healthcare leadership. This unique combination can expand your professional opportunities, enhance your impact on communities, and prepare you to address complex public health challenges.
Career opportunities for MD/MPH graduates include:
- Preventative Medicine Physician
- Infectious Disease Physician
- Population Health Leader
- Epidemiologist
- Clinical Research Investigator
- Global Health Specialist
- Physician Leader
- Chief Medical Officer
- Medical Consultant for government agencies
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be admitted to the MD program to be eligible for admission to the combined MD/MPH degree program. While students may apply to both programs concurrently, admission to the MD program must be confirmed before final acceptance into the MPH Program can be granted.
The Colleges of Medicine and Public Health review applications independently, and admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs to be considered for the combined degree. For additional information, please review the MD program admissions requirements.
Curriculum
Typically medical students step out between years M3 and M4 to complete the MPH degree. The following is a sample plan of study for that year. Additional options are available and should be discussed with the Carver College of Medicine and the College of Public Health.
The medicine subprogram core requires a minimum of 9 s.h. of graduate credit electives selected in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students must also identify five competencies that expand on foundational knowledge and skills and complete corresponding coursework for the selected competencies. Courses must be approved by the student’s advisor. Under certain circumstances, a single course may apply to two competency areas. More than 9 s.h. of subprogram coursework may be needed to fulfill all five competencies. MPH Concentration Competency Mapping
| Course No. | Course name | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (9 s.h.) | ||
| CPH:5100 | Intro to Public Health (online) | 3 s.h. |
| HMP:4000 | Intro to the US Healthcare System (online) | 3 s.h. |
| EPID:4400 | Epidemiology I: Principles (online) | 3 s.h. |
| Fall (15 s.h.) | ||
| BIOS:4120 | Intro to Biostatistics | 3 s.h. |
| OEH:4240 | Global Environmental Health | 3 s.h. |
| CBH:4105 | Intro to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (online) | 3 s.h. |
| Public Health Elective | 3 s.h. | |
| Public Health Elective | 3 s.h. | |
| Spring (6 s.h.) | ||
| Public Health Elective | 3 s.h. | |
| CPH:7800 | MPH Practicum | 3 s.h. |
| Area | Hours |
|---|---|
| MPH Core | 18 s.h. |
| MPH Electives | 9 s.h. |
| Practicum | 3 s.h. |
| Total | 30 s.h. |
Application instructions
Students interested in the combined MD/MPH program should apply to the MPH program after being admitted to the Carver College of Medicine. Applications for the MD/MPH program are submitted through SOPHAS Express.
To complete your application, please submit the following required materials:
- Complete the application
- Submit two letters of recommendation. You can request previous application letters to be sent from your current program to cph-admissions@uiowa.edu.
- Upload personal statement
- Upload resume or cv
- Upload unofficial transcripts
After all application materials have been received and verified, all applicants will be prompted to set up a UI account (if you do not already have one) and pay a supplemental University of Iowa processing fee. Your application will be reviewed once this step is complete.
Questions?
For questions about the MD/MPH program, admissions requirements, or the application process, please contact: cph-admissions@uiowa.edu