Combined and dual degrees
A public health degree can lead to a rewarding career on its own. Enhancing that degree by connecting it with an array of other disciplines can take you even further.
The College of Public Health partners with departments and colleges throughout Ohio State to offer opportunities for you to pursue a dual or combined degree. Whether you want to make deeper connections to the six other health sciences at the Columbus campus or learn how to influence public health in law or public affairs, Ohio State has stand-out, nationally recognized graduate and professional programs to complement your public health interests.
You have the choice to pursue established combined or dual degrees or work with our advising team to create a personalized graduate program that matches your public health goals and interests. Either way, this path allows you to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time than you would earning them independently.
Dual degrees
A dual degree combines a graduate degree program from the College of Public Health with any other graduate degree program from another college at Ohio State.
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Master of Health Administration/Master of Public Administration
The MHA-MPA program prepares you to lead in both healthcare and public service. This interdisciplinary program develops your skills in healthcare organization management, policy development and public sector management. It provides broad understanding of healthcare systems, public policy and administration. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles that require expertise in both public health and government.
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MPH-Health Behavior and Health Promotion/Master of Public Administration
Develop expertise in public health and public administration to address complex health issues within government and nonprofits. Students gain knowledge in health policy, epidemiology, community health and healthcare management, combined with skills in leadership, policy analysis and public sector management. As a graduate, you will be equipped to work effectively in public health and government, advocating for health policies and managing public health initiatives.
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Master of Health Administration/Master of Business Administration
Develop your expertise to lead and manage healthcare organizations and possess strong business acumen. You’ll gain advanced skills in healthcare management, policy and regulations with a solid foundation in business strategy, finance and operations. The dual degree prepares you to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems and the broader business environment, preparing you for leadership roles in hospitals, healthcare or related businesses.
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MPH-Health Behavior and Health Promotion/Master of Social Work
Learn to address public health challenges through behavioral health strategies and social work practices. Promote healthy lifestyles, prevent diseases and improve health outcomes through community-based interventions and social support systems. You will gain skills in health education, program planning, policy advocacy, counseling and the social determinants of health. Graduates are equipped to work in public health organizations, community health settings, social service agencies and policy advocacy to improve individual and community well-being.
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MPH-Program for Experience Professionals/Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry
This dual degree is designed for pediatric dental residents seeking to expand their dental training with an integrated curriculum in population health management and leadership.
Combined degrees
Combine degrees pair your College of Public Health graduate degree with a professional degree (i.e. MD, JD, DVM).
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Master of Public Health/Doctor of Medicine
The Master of Public Health and Doctor of Medicine degree prepares medical professionals to conduct impactful clinical research and gain a comprehensive understanding of public health principles. The combined degree equips graduates to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and public health, fostering innovations that improve patient care, influence health policy and advance medical research at the population level.
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Master of Health Administration/Doctor of Medicine
The MHA-MD program blends clinical and healthcare management expertise, equipping you to navigate both the patient care and administrative aspects of healthcare systems. You’ll gain training in medicine alongside health policy, finance, operations and leadership. The program is designed for those who aspire to take on leadership roles in hospitals, health systems and healthcare organizations, where you can influence both patient care and organizational strategy.
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Doctor of Philosophy/Doctor of Medicine-Medical Scientist Training Program
In Ohio State’s PhD-MD combined degree, you will become a physician-scientist and healthcare leader. You’ll train extensively in research and clinical medicine, gain expertise to benefit health and well-being and learn alongside professionals who provide the mentorship, sponsorship and training to ensure your success.
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MPH-Veterinary Public Health/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The MPH-Veterinary Public Health and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree prepares you to address animal health, zoonotic diseases and public health concerns from both clinical and population-level perspectives. You’ll gain knowledge in epidemiology, disease prevention, environmental health and animal welfare with rigorous veterinary training that prepares you for a career preventing and controlling diseases that threaten both animals and humans.
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Master of Health Administration/Juris Doctor
Prepare for leadership roles in health care law and management with a combined MHA-JD degree. You will gain expertise in healthcare systems, policies and administration alongside a strong foundation in legal principles, health care regulations and compliance. This combination allows professionals to influence healthcare delivery, advocate for policy change and lead organizations in a highly regulated and evolving industry.
Public health dual degrees and specializations
As a Master of Public Health student in the College of Public Health, you also have the option to pursue a dual degree program within the college or a dual specialization program. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Master of Health Administration/Master of Public Health
- MPH-Health Behavior Health Promotion/MPH-Epidemiology
- MPH-Biostatistics/MPH-Environmental Health Sciences
Learn more about the dual specialization program rules.
Undergraduate students also have options to pursue a dual degree through four approved BSPH-MPH programs (3+2 programs).
Frequently asked questions
Can I complete a combined or dual degree that is not pre-approved by the colleges?
While it may be possible to complete other combined or dual degrees, those that have not been pre-approved require the student to meet with faculty to determine if a combined curriculum is possible. This process should begin at least one year in advance of enrollment.
How long will it take to complete a dual or combined degree?
Though each student's program plan will vary, on average a dual degree can be completed in three years. A combined degree adds a minimum of one year to the professional degree.
How are course requirements determined in a dual or combined degree?
Once a student is admitted to both programs, they will be asked to complete a dual degree or combined degree form for the Graduate School. To complete the form, students must meet with an advisor from both programs and agree upon coursework to be completed.
How do students apply to a dual or combined degree program?
Students must be admitted separately to each program of interest. Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other.
For intra-college programs, students typically apply to one College of Public Health program and then apply to the second program during their first semester of enrollment in the college (except for the BSPH-MPH program).
Students interested in applying for a dual or combined degree with the College of Public Health should follow the required admission process and deadlines from the college.
Once admission to both programs is complete and a student elects to pursue the dual or combined option, the student will be asked to complete paperwork with the Graduate School to make the combination official.