The increasing complexity of public health and health services delivery have led many students to consider combining their graduate degree in public health with study in another complementary area. This works particularly well at Ohio State, where many of our graduate programs and professional programs enjoy strong national reputations.
A “combined” degree program involves one graduate degree and one professional degree (e.g., the MPH and MD). A “dual” degree program involves completing two graduate degrees (e.g., the MHA and MBA).
Combined degree options with the MPH and MHA include law, medicine and pharmacy. Typical dual degree disciplines include business and public policy. Follow links at left to learn more about some of the most popular combined and dual degree options.
Admissions
Independent admission to each degree program is required. Applicants who are interested in a dual degree program should indicate that they are applying to each degree program separately. This makes it possible to share some application materials, such as transcripts and GRE or GMAT scores. Admission to either of the degree programs does not guarantee admission to the other. An applicant who is admitted to only one degree program may of course elect to pursue that degree alone.
Program Requirements
Combined degree programs with law, medicine and pharmacy each have specific established curricular requirements. In general, the combined program adds one year to the normal length of the professional degree alone (e.g., four years for the JD/MHA or JD/MPH rather than three years for the JD alone).
For dual graduate degrees, the student and advisor(s) in each graduate degree program plan an integrated course of study to satisfy the requirements of both degree programs. A minimum of 50 percent of the hours for each degree must be unique to that degree and cannot be used for dual credit. Although the majority of dual degree programs in public health have involved business or nursing, it is potentially possible in almost any field of study. The Program Plan for Dual Degree Students form, available from the Graduate School, must be completed and submitted to the Graduate School within one quarter of planning the integrated course of study with both advisers.
How to apply
Click here for information on how to apply to programs in the College of Public Health.
