Dual Degree Programs and Combined Degree Programs

The increasing complexity of public health and health services delivery has 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.

The College of Public Health partners with numerous departments and colleges at Ohio State to offer opportunities for students to pursue a dual or combined degree. The College offers a number of degree options that allow students to supplement their public health coursework with more focused, interdisciplinary study from another department. By pursuing a dual or combined degree, students have the opportunity to earn both degrees in a shorter amount of time than they would independently, due to the fact that some required coursework can be shared.

Dual Degrees

College of Engineering 
MPH-Environmental Health Sciences/Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering

John Glenn College of Public Affairs 
Master of Health Administration/Master of Public Affairs 
MPH-Health Behavior and Health Promotion/Master of Public Affairs

Fisher College of Business 
Master of Health Administration/Master of Business Administration

College of Social Work 
MPH-Health Behavior and Health Promotion/Master of Social Work

Combined Degrees

College of Medicine 
MPH-Clinical and Translational Science/Doctor of Medicine 
Master of Health Administration/Doctor of Medicine 
Doctor of Philosophy/Doctor of Medicine-Medical Scientist Training Program

College of Veterinary Medicine 
MPH-Veterinary Public Health/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

College of Dentistry 
MPH-Environmental Health Sciences/Doctor of Dental Surgery

Moritz College of Law 
Master of Health Administration/Juris Doctor

Intra-College Programs

The College of Public Health also offers dual and combined degree programs and dual specialization programs within the College of Public Health. Students have pursued an MHA/MPH-Health Behavior and Health Promotion, and there are four approved BSPH/MPH programs (3+2 programs).

Learn more about the dual specialization program rules.

What is the difference between a dual degree and a combined degree? 
A dual degree is a combination of your College of Public Health graduate degree and another graduate degree program at Ohio State. The combined degree is a combination of your College of Public Health graduate degree with a professional degree (i.e. MD, JD, DVM, etc.)

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 additional work by 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 approximately three years. A combined degree adds a miminum of one year to the professional degree length.

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 either 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. This will serve as a guide for students as they complete both degrees.

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 (with the exception of the BSPH/MPH program).

For students interested in applying for a dual or combined degree with the College of Public Health, they should follow the required admission process and deadlines for the College.

Once admission is complete to both programs and they elect to pursue the dual or combined option, students will be asked to complete paperwork with the Graduate School to make the combination official.