Public Health

Graduate Program HeadCheryl Thompson
Program CodePH
Campus(es)

Hershey (M.P.H., Dr.P.H.)

World Campus (M.P.H.)

Degrees Conferred

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Integrated B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and M.P.H. in Public Health

Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.P.H. in Public Health

Integrated B.S. in Kinesiology and M.P.H. in Public Health

Integrated B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and M.P.H. in Public Health

Joint J.D./Dr.P.H. with Dickinson Law

Joint J.D./M.P.H. with Dickinson Law

Joint J.D./M.P.H. with Penn State Law

Joint M.D./M.P.H. with the College of Medicine

Joint M.D./M.P.H. with Taipei Medical University

Joint Pharm.D./M.P.H. with Taipei Medical University

The Graduate Faculty

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The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in Public Health program is a professional degree program that builds knowledge and skills in the areas of systems thinking, evidence-based public health, leadership, program planning and management, public health and health systems, communication, and interprofessional practice. In addition, the M.P.H. in Public Health program advances expertise in community and behavioral health, epidemiology and biostatistics, global health, and health systems organization and policy. The M.P.H. degree leads to careers in a wide variety of fields and settings, including local, state, and federal government agencies; health care settings; health insurance industry; health services networks; nonprofits; and the pharmaceutical industry.

The Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) in Public Health program is a professional degree program that provides advanced public health education and training to prepare its graduates for evidence-based practice and leadership in the application of translational science and implementation research findings. It allows graduates to pursue career opportunities in the federal, state, and local government, as well as in the non-profit, academic, and private sectors. Educationally it places an emphasis on discovery, teaching, integration, and application with a primary purpose of bridging research and practice to protect and improve the public’s health. The Dr.P.H. builds on Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) competency domains and, as a professional degree, integrates public health practice and project-based learning with local, state, and federal networks to enrich learning in health policy and program development and implementation. The Dr.P.H. program of study includes course work, an advanced field experience, and integrative doctoral research and provides an opportunity for further specialization within a specified cognate.

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Admission to the Penn State M.P.H. Program is granted jointly by the M.P.H. Program and the Graduate School at Penn State.

For admission to the M.P.H. Program, applicants must submit:

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

For admission to the Dr.P.H. Program, applicants must submit:

  • Completed online Graduate School application with nonrefundable application fee
  • Three recommenders to provide letters of academic and professional reference
  • Statement of purpose
    • Describe why you want to pursue a Dr.P.H., how you plan to use your education and training, the needs and/or challenges you perceive as important in your field of study, and any personal qualities, characteristics, skills and experiences you believe will enable you to be successful in public health
  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores taken within the past five years
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • CV or resume
  •  

Degree Requirements

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.

M.P.H. students must complete a total of 42 credits of graduate level course work, the majority of which are 500 level courses, specifically:

  • 24 credits in prescribed courses, including:
    • 18 credits of core classroom-based courses
    • 3 credit practicum experience
    • 3 credit capstone course
  • 18 credits in elective courses

The Capstone Course (PHS 894) provides the students with the knowledge and skills to design, carry out, and present a scholarly public health project based upon competencies gained in previous courses. Topics include defining a scholarly project, selecting a topic and project type, describing the problem, reviewing the literature, identifying project methodology, presenting project results, ethics and scholarly work, writing and critiquing scholarly work, and creating and delivering a poster presentation.

Required Courses
PHS 809Principles of Public Health3
PHS 504Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies3
or BBH 504 Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies
PHS 520Principles of Biostatistics3
or STAT 500 Applied Statistics
PHS 539Qualitative Health Research Methods3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Principles of Epidemiology
Epidemiological Applications in Health Services Research
Epidemiologic Research Methods
PHS 571Health Services Organization and Delivery3
or HPA 520 The U.S. Health Care Industry and Health Services Organizations
PHS 895AMaster of Public Health Internship3
Additional Courses
Select 18 credits from a list of approved courses that is maintained by the graduate program office. Multiple tracks of specialization are available.18
Culminating Experience
PHS 894Capstone Experience (Capstone Course)3
Total Credits42

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.

Dr.P.H. students must complete a minimum of 60 credits of graduate-level course work beyond a master's degree, the majority of which are 500-level and 800-level courses, specifically:

  • 27 credits in prescribed, core classroom-based courses
  • 18 credits in elective courses
    • 9 credits of track elective courses
    • 9 credits of general (cognate) elective courses
  • 15 additional credits
    • 6 credits of Advanced Field Experience
    • 9 credits of Integrative Doctoral Research
Required Courses
PHS 536Health Survey Research Methods3
PHS 575Integrative Seminar in Public Health Leadership3
PHS 576Integrative Seminar in Public Health Policy3
PHS 577Integrative Seminar in Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health3
PHS 554Statistical Methods in Public Health I3
PHS 555Statistical Methods for Public Health II3
ADTED 550Qualitative Research in Adult Education3
PHS 806Public Health Ethics3
PHS 892Directed Studies in Public Health3
PHS 895BAdvanced Field Experience6
Electives
Select 18 credits from a list of approved courses that is maintained by the graduate program office. Multiple tracks of specialization are available.18
Culminating Experience
PHS 896AIntegrative Doctoral Research I6
PHS 896BIntegrative Doctoral Research II3
Total Credits60

Dr.P.H. students must meet Penn State doctoral degree requirements as outlined in GCAC-700 Professional Degree Requirements, including qualifying examinations, English competencies, and professional doctoral committee composition. Dr.P.H. students must also meet the following additional Dr.P.H.-specific requirements.

The Dr.P.H. degree is conferred in recognition of advanced preparation of a high order for work in the profession of education as evidenced by:

  1. Satisfactory completion of a prescribed period of study;
  2. Ability to apply translational science and implementation research findings in evidence-based public health practice;
  3. Successful performance of qualifying and comprehensive examinations, covering public health core areas of study and a field of specialization; and
  4. The preparation and acceptance of integrative doctoral research.

Residency requirement

The Doctor of Public Health requires 24 core credits to be taken in residence as a registered student engaged in academic work at the Hershey and Harrisburg campuses.

Additional Course Requirements for Applicants without a Master of Public Health

Applicants must have a graduate (e.g. master’s) or advanced professional (e.g., M.D.) degree. Applicants without a Master of Public Health or related degree are required to take core courses to ensure a firm foundation in discipline-specific M.P.H. competency domains. These foundation courses include:

PHS 504Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies3
PHS 520Principles of Biostatistics3
PHS 550Principles of Epidemiology3
PHS 571Health Services Organization and Delivery3
PHS 809Principles of Public Health3

For applicants entering the program without a Master of Public Health, the minimum credits required for the Dr.P.H. degree will include these 15 credits of foundation courses, for a minimum total of 75. Some or all of the foundation courses may be waived based on previous graduate-level course work, in which case the total credits required for the degree may be reduced in an equivalent manner, down to the base minimum of 60 credits. Students must petition the head of the graduate program to obtain a waiver for the foundation courses, and students’ transcripts will be reviewed to assess their eligibility for a waiver.

Comprehensive Examination

Upon completing all core and most cognate course work, Dr.P.H. students will take comprehensive exams to ensure they meet Dr.P.H. core and track program competencies. Comprehensive exams will be overseen and evaluated by students’ professional doctoral committee.

Integrative Doctoral Research

Dr.P.H. students will be required to complete two major components for their Dr.P.H. integrative experience: two publishable-quality manuscripts and a doctoral portfolio.

With guidance from their doctoral adviser and professional doctoral committee, students will develop two manuscripts that comprehensively address, generate, and/or interpret and evaluate knowledge applicable to public health practice. Manuscripts are encouraged to be of an applied nature and must demonstrate students’ abilities to conduct independent research on a contemporary public health issue. Students will demonstrate the application of advanced public health practice skills and knowledge in the design and execution of a scholarly project, the analysis and interpretation of the findings, and the application of the new knowledge to advance public health practice. This work should contribute to the evidence base of public health practice, be of publishable quality, and demonstrate critical thinking and rigorous analytic strategies.

Throughout their doctoral program, students will develop a doctoral portfolio that will document how Dr.P.H. courses, advanced field experience, other experiential learning, and self-knowledge has informed their leadership style and approach to integrating evidence-based research into public health practice. Components of the portfolio may include, but are not limited to, research (e.g., publications, conference presentations), teaching (academic and non-academic, community-based teaching), and field and other service learning experiences. Portfolios will require reflection on in-class and out-of-class experiences and demonstrate students’ broad public health knowledge, specialized knowledge, translation of this knowledge into evidence-based public health practice, and leadership style. Integrative Doctoral Research will demonstrate the following competencies:

  • data and analysis,
  • communication, systems thinking,
  • leadership,
  • critical thinking, and
  • problem solving.

Written and oral presentation of this work will be required.

Integrated Undergrad-Grad Programs

Integrated B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and M.P.H. in Public Health

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-210 Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Programs.

This Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) degree program combines the B.S. in Biobehavioral Health with the M.P.H. in Public Health offered at the following campuses:

Undergraduate Degree

  • Greater Allegheny
  • Harrisburg
  • Lehigh Valley
  • New Kensington
  • University Park
  • World Campus

Graduate Degree

  • Hershey
  • World Campus

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

Students must apply to and meet the admissions requirements of the Graduate School, as well as the graduate program in which they intend to receive their master’s degree. Admission to the IUG and the M.P.H. degree program is granted jointly by the M.P.H. Program and the Graduate School at Penn State. The requirements presented here are in addition to the Graduate School’s requirements for admission. To be eligible to apply to the IUG program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Requirements Guidelines
GPA
  • Cumulative GPA: 3.25 or greater
  • GPA in BBH major courses: 3.0 or greater
Education

The M.P.H. in Public Health program will continue to monitor the academic performance of undergraduate students who apply and are admitted to the IUG program. If students fall below the GPA requirements during the undergraduate portion of the IUG plan of study, they may be put on probation or terminated from the IUG program altogether.

IUG application requirements include the following:

  • Completed online Penn State Graduate School application with nonrefundable application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation, including one from the student’s undergraduate academic adviser that proves the academic adviser has worked with the student to develop a draft IUG plan of study
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Preliminary draft plan of study. The plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser as the student advances through the program.

Before applying to the Graduate School, students must have completed entrance to their undergraduate major and have completed no less than 60 credits. Transfer students must have completed at least 15 credits at Penn State to enroll in an IUG. Students can be admitted no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree.

Degree Requirements

B.S./M.P.H. degree requirements are the same as that of the standalone M.P.H. degree program. Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the B.S. in Biobehavioral Health are listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Degree requirements for the M.P.H. degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

Students must sequence their courses so all undergraduate degree requirements are fulfilled before taking courses to count solely towards the graduate degree. Students are expected to complete the undergraduate degree requirements within the typical time to degree for the undergraduate major. In the semester in which the undergraduate degree requirements will be completed, IUG students must apply to graduate, and the undergraduate degree should be conferred at the next appropriate Commencement. If students accepted into the IUG program are unable to complete the M.P.H. degree, they are still eligible to receive their undergraduate degree if all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfied.

Up to 15 credits of M.P.H. degree course work will double count towards the B.S. in Biobehavioral Health degree requirements. A minimum of 50% of the double-counted credits must be at the 500 or 800 level. Independent study courses and credits associated with the culminating experience for the graduate degree cannot be double-counted.

Courses Eligible to Double Count for Both Degrees
PHS 504Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies3
or BBH 504 Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies
PHS 520Principles of Biostatistics3
or STAT 500 Applied Statistics
PHS 550Principles of Epidemiology3
or STAT 507 Epidemiologic Research Methods
PHS 571Health Services Organization and Delivery3
or HPA 520 The U.S. Health Care Industry and Health Services Organizations
PHS 809Principles of Public Health3
BBH 407Global Health Equity3
BBH 416Health Promotion II: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation3
BBH 432Biobehavioral Aspects of Stress3
BBH 446Human Sexuality as a Health Concern3
BBH 451Pharmacological Influences on Health3
BBH 452Women's Health Issues Keystone/General Education Course3
BBH 458Critical Feminist Issues in Reproduction Keystone/General Education Course3
Advising of Students

The M.P.H. in Public Health program will assign IUG students with an academic adviser. This adviser is in addition to the one assigned to them as undergraduate students enrolled in the B.S. in Biobehavioral Health degree program. The M.P.H. in Public Health adviser will be a faculty member from the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA who is a member of the Graduate Faculty. The academic adviser will be assigned upon entry into the M.P.H. degree program. If advisers are on different campuses than their respective students, they will communicate with their students through a combination of videoconferencing (via Skype or other mechanism), phone, email, and in person meetings.

Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.P.H. in Public Health

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-210 Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Programs.

This Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) degree program combines the B.S. in Health Policy and Administration with the M.P.H. in Public Health offered at the following campuses:

Undergraduate Degree

  • Beaver
  • Harrisburg
  • Hazleton
  • Lehigh Valley
  • Mont Alto
  • Shenango
  • University Park
  • World Campus

Graduate Degree

  • Hershey
  • World Campus

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

Students must apply to and meet the admissions requirements of the Graduate School, as well as the graduate program in which they intend to receive their master’s degree.  Admission to the IUG and the M.P.H. degree program is granted jointly by the M.P.H. Program and the Graduate School at Penn State. The requirements presented here are in addition to the Graduate School’s requirements for admission. To be eligible to apply to the IUG program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Requirements Guidelines
GPA
  • Cumulative GPA: 3.25 or greater
  • GPA in HPA major courses: 3.0 or greater
Education

The M.P.H. in Public Health program will continue to monitor the academic performance of the undergraduate students who apply and are admitted to the IUG program. If students fall below the GPA requirements during the undergraduate portion of the IUG plan of study, they may be put on probation or terminated from the IUG program altogether. 

IUG application requirements include the following:

  • Completed online Penn State Graduate School application with nonrefundable application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation, including one from the student’s undergraduate academic adviser that proves the academic adviser has worked with the student to develop a draft IUG plan of study
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Preliminary draft plan of study. The plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser as the student advances through the program.

Before applying to the Graduate School, students must have completed entrance to their undergraduate major and have completed no less than 60 credits. Transfer students must have completed at least 15 credits at Penn State to enroll in an IUG. Students can be admitted no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree.

Degree Requirements

B.S./M.P.H. degree requirements are the same as that of the standalone M.P.H. degree program. Students must fulfill all degree requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration are listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Degree requirements for the Master of Public Health degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

Students must sequence their courses so all undergraduate degree requirements are fulfilled before taking courses to count solely towards the graduate degree. Students are expected to complete the undergraduate degree requirements within the typical time to degree for the undergraduate major. In the semester in which the undergraduate degree requirements will be completed, IUG students must apply to graduate, and the undergraduate degree should be conferred at the next appropriate Commencement. If students accepted into the IUG program are unable to complete the M.P.H. degree, they are still eligible to receive their undergraduate degree if all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfied.

Up to 12 credits of M.P.H. degree course work will double count towards the B.S. in Health Policy and Administration degree requirements. A minimum of 50% of the double-counted credits must be at the 500 or 800 level. Independent study courses and credits associated with the culminating experience for the graduate degree cannot be double-counted.

Courses Eligible to Double Count for Both Degrees
PHS/BBH 504Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies3
PHS 520Principles of Biostatistics3
or STAT 500 Applied Statistics
One of the following:
Principles of Epidemiology
Epidemiological Applications in Health Services Research
Epidemiologic Research Methods
PHS 571Health Services Organization and Delivery3
or HPA 520 The U.S. Health Care Industry and Health Services Organizations

Advising of Students

The M.P.H. in Public Health program will assign IUG students with an academic adviser. This adviser is in addition to the one assigned to them as undergraduate students enrolled in the B.S. in HPA degree program. The M.P.H. in Public Health adviser will be a faculty member from the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA who is a member of the Graduate Faculty. The academic adviser will be assigned upon entry into the M.P.H. degree program. If advisers are on different campuses than their respective students, they will communicate with their students through a combination of videoconferencing (via Skype or other mechanism), phone, email, and in person meetings.

INTEGRATED B.S. IN KINESIOLOGY AND M.P.H. IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-210 Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Programs.

This Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) degree program combines the B.S. in Kinesiology with the M.P.H. in Public Health offered at the following campuses:

Undergraduate Degree

  • Altoona
  • Berks
  • Harrisburg
  • University Park

Graduate Degree

  • Hershey
  • World Campus

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

Students must apply to and meet the admissions requirements of the Graduate School, as well as the graduate program in which they intend to receive their master’s degree. Admission to the IUG and the M.P.H. degree program is granted jointly by the M.P.H. Program and the Graduate School at Penn State. The requirements presented here are in addition to the Graduate School’s requirements for admission. To be eligible to apply to the IUG program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Requirements Guidelines
GPA
  • Cumulative GPA: 3.3 or greater
  • GPA in Kinesiology major courses: 3.0 or greater
Education

The M.P.H. in Public Health program will continue to monitor the academic performance of the undergraduate students who apply and are admitted to the IUG program. If students fall below the GPA requirements during the undergraduate portion of the IUG plan of study, they may be put on probation or terminated from the IUG program altogether.

IUG application requirements include the following:

  • Completed online Penn State Graduate School application with nonrefundable application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation, including one from the student’s undergraduate academic adviser that proves the academic adviser has worked with the student to develop a draft IUG plan of study
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Preliminary draft plan of study. The plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser as the student advances through the program.

Before applying to the Graduate School, students must have completed entrance to their undergraduate major and have completed no less than 60 credits. Transfer students must have completed at least 15 credits at Penn State to enroll in an IUG. Students can be admitted no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

B.S./M.P.H. degree requirements are the same as that of the standalone M.P.H. degree program. Students must fulfill all degree requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration are listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Degree requirements for the Master of Public Health degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

Students must sequence their courses so all undergraduate degree requirements are fulfilled before taking courses to count solely towards the graduate degree. Students are expected to complete the undergraduate degree requirements within the typical time to degree for the undergraduate major. In the semester in which the undergraduate degree requirements will be completed, IUG students must apply to graduate, and the undergraduate degree should be conferred at the next appropriate Commencement. If students accepted into the IUG program are unable to complete the M.P.H. degree, they are still eligible to receive their undergraduate degree if all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfied.

Up to 15 credits of M.P.H. degree course work will double count towards the B.S. in Kinesiology degree requirements. A minimum of 50% of the double-counted credits must be at the 500 or 800 level. Students can complete all 15 double-counted credits with PHS courses or they may choose to take KINES courses to meet their track elective requirements. Independent study courses and credits associated with the culminating experience for the graduate degree cannot be double-counted.

Courses Eligible to Double Count for Both Degrees
PHS 504Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies3
PHS 520Principles of Biostatistics3
PHS 550Principles of Epidemiology3
PHS 571Health Services Organization and Delivery3
PHS 809Principles of Public Health3
KINES 421Exercise Psychology3
KINES 422Physical Activity Interventions3
KINES 424Women and Sport3
KINES 425WPhysical Activity in Diverse Populations3
KINES 426Physical Activity and Public Health3
KINES 429Psychology of Sport Performance3
KINES 445Alcohol and Drug Education3
KINES 454Women's Health and Exercise Across the Lifespan3
KINES 455Physiological Basis of Exercise as Medicine3
KINES 457Exercise Prescription and Case Studies3
KINES 459Community Engagement and Outreach in Kinesiology3
KINES 481WScientific Basis of Exercise for Older Adults3
KINES 499Foreign Studies3
KINES 530Experimental Design and Methodology in Kinesiology3
KINES 588Scientific Writing in Kinesiology3

ADVISING OF STUDENTS

The M.P.H. in Public Health program will assign IUG students with an academic adviser. This adviser is in addition to the one assigned to them as undergraduate students enrolled in the B.S. in Kinesiology degree program. The M.P.H. in Public Health adviser will be a faculty member from the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA who is a member of the Graduate Faculty. The academic adviser will be assigned upon entry into the M.P.H. degree program. If advisers are on different campuses than their respective students, they will communicate with their students through a combination of videoconferencing (via Skype or other mechanism), phone, email, and in person meetings.

INTEGRATED B.S. IN NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES AND M.P.H. IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-210 Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Programs.

This Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) degree program combines the B.S. in Nutritional Sciences with the M.P.H. in Public Health offered at the following campuses:

Undergraduate Degree

  • University Park

Graduate Degree

  • Hershey
  • World Campus

 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

 Students must apply to and meet the admissions requirements of the Graduate School, as well as the graduate program in which they intend to receive their master’s degree. Admission to the IUG and the M.P.H. degree program is granted jointly by the M.P.H. Program and the Graduate School at Penn State. The requirements presented here are in addition to the Graduate School’s requirements for admission. To be eligible to apply to the IUG program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Requirements Guidelines
GPA
  • Cumulative GPA: 3.25 or greater
  • GPA in Nutritional Sciences major courses: 3.0 or greater
Education

The M.P.H. in Public Health program will continue to monitor the academic performance of the undergraduate students who apply and are admitted to the IUG program. If students fall below the GPA requirements during the undergraduate portion of the IUG plan of study, they may be put on probation or terminated from the IUG program altogether.

IUG application requirements include the following:

  • Completed online Penn State Graduate School application with nonrefundable application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation, including one from the student’s undergraduate academic adviser that proves the academic adviser has worked with the student to develop a draft IUG plan of study
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Preliminary draft plan of study. The plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser as the student advances through the program.

Before applying to the Graduate School, students must have completed entrance to their undergraduate major and have completed no less than 60 credits. Transfer students must have completed at least 15 credits at Penn State to enroll in an IUG. Students can be admitted no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

B.S./M.P.H. degree requirements are the same as that of the standalone M.P.H. degree program. Students must fulfill all degree requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences are listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Degree requirements for the Master of Public Health degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

Students must sequence their courses so all undergraduate degree requirements are fulfilled before taking courses to count solely towards the graduate degree. Students are expected to complete the undergraduate degree requirements within the typical time to degree for the undergraduate major. In the semester in which the undergraduate degree requirements will be completed, IUG students must apply to graduate, and the undergraduate degree should be conferred at the next appropriate Commencement. If students accepted into the IUG program are unable to complete the M.P.H. degree, they are still eligible to receive their undergraduate degree if all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfied.

Up to 15 credits of M.P.H. degree course work will double count towards the B.S. in Nutritional Sciences degree requirements. A minimum of 50% of the double-counted credits must be at the 500 or 800 level. Independent study courses and credits associated with the culminating experience for the graduate degree cannot be double-counted.

COURSE ELIGIBLE TO DOUBLE COUNT FOR BOTH DEGREES
PHS 504Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies3
PHS 520Principles of Biostatistics3
PHS 550Principles of Epidemiology3
PHS 571Health Services Organization and Delivery3
PHS 809Principles of Public Health3
STUDENTS MAY CHOOSE TO COMPLETE ALL 15 DOUBLE-COUNTED CREDITS WITH THE PHS COURSES IDENTIFIED ABOVE. ALTERNATIVELY, UP TO SIX CREDITS OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES COURSES CAN BE DOUBLE-COUNTED FOR M.P.H. ELECTIVES. FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES COURSES THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO THE B.S. AND M.P.H. DEGREES: 1
NUTR 425Global Nutrition Problems: Health, Science, and Ethics3
NUTR 511Maternal and Child Nutrition3
NUTR 583Nutritional Epidemiology3
1

If six credits of NUTR courses are counted toward the M.P.H. degree, only nine credits of PHS courses can be double-counted for both degrees.

Joint Degrees

Joint J.D./M.P.H. with Dickinson Law

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-211 Joint Degree Programs.

The M.P.H. in Public Health program and J.D. Program at Dickinson Law offer a joint degree program leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.).

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for the J.D./M.P.H. program are the same as those for the J.D. and M.P.H. in Public Health programs. J.D./M.P.H. students will have to meet the admissions requirements of both programs, and each program will make a separate admissions decision. Admissions requirements and applications for admission for Dickinson Law are listed in the J.D. Admissions section of the Dickinson Law website. The admission requirements for the Master of Public Health are listed on the Admission Requirements tab. Students will first apply and be accepted to the J.D. program at the Dickinson Law. After being accepted to and matriculating at the Dickinson Law, J.D. students will be eligible to submit a Penn State Graduate Application for Admission to the M.P.H. in Public Health. J.D. students may submit an application starting their first semester in the J.D. program up through the fourth semesters of law school.

J.D./M.P.H. students who, for whatever reason, withdraw from the J.D. program retain the option of remaining in the M.P.H. in Public Health program to earn the graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the J.D. program are listed on the Dickinson Law website. Degree requirements for the M.P.H. degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

Double-Counting of Courses

Twelve credits of J.D. course work may be double-counted toward the M.P.H. degree. In lieu of PHS 895A, J.D./M.P.H. students will complete IHCLN 997, which will double-count for both degrees. In addition, up to 9 law school elective credits will be double-counted towards the M.P.H.

Up to 9 credits of M.P.H. course work may be applied towards the J.D. degree. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Dickinson Law will approve, in advance of the student’s enrollment in M.P.H. elective courses, which of those courses will double-count towards to J.D. degree.

Advising of Students

All students in the J.D./M.P.H. program will have two academic advisers, one in the M.P.H. degree program and one in the J.D. program.

JOINT J.D./M.P.H. WITH PENN STATE LAW

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-211 Joint Degree Programs.

The M.P.H. in Public Health program and J.D. Program at Penn State Law offer a joint degree program leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admissions requirements for the J.D./M.P.H. program are the same as those for the J.D. and M.P.H. in Public Health programs. J.D./M.P.H. students will have to meet the admissions requirements of both programs, and each program will make a separate admissions decision. Admissions requirements and applications for admission for Penn State Law are listed in the J.D. Application Requirements section of the Penn State Law website. The admission requirements for the Master of Public Health are listed on the Admission Requirements tab. Students will first apply and be accepted to the J.D. program at Penn State Law. After being accepted to and matriculating at Penn State Law, J.D. students will be eligible to submit a Penn State Graduate Application for Admission to the M.P.H. in Public Health. J.D. students may submit an application starting their first semester in the J.D. program up through the fourth semester of law school.

J.D./M.P.H. students who, for whatever reason, withdraw from the J.D. program retain the option of remaining in the M.P.H. in Public Health program to earn the graduate degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the J.D. program are listed on the Penn State Law website. Degree requirements for the M.P.H. degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

DOUBLE-COUNTING OF COURSES

Twelve credits of J.D. course work may be double-counted toward the M.P.H. degree. In lieu of PHS 895A, J.D./M.P.H. students will complete a 900-level legal clinic or externship, which will double-count for both degrees. In addition, up to 9 law school elective credits will be double-counted towards the M.P.H.

Up to 12 credits of M.P.H. course work may be applied towards the J.D. degree. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Penn State Law will approve, in advance of the student’s enrollment in M.P.H. elective courses, which of those courses will double-count towards to J.D. degree.

ADVISING OF STUDENTS

All students in the J.D./M.P.H. program will have two academic advisers, one in the M.P.H. degree program and one in the J.D. program.

Joint J.D./Dr.P.H. with Dickinson Law

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-211 Joint Degree Programs.

The Dr.P.H. in Public Health program and J.D. Program at Penn State Dickinson Law offer a joint degree program leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.).

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for the J.D./Dr.P.H. program are the same as those for the J.D. and Dr.P.H. in Public Health programs. J.D./Dr.P.H. students will have to meet the admissions requirements of both programs, and each program will make a separate admissions decision. Admissions requirements and applications for admission for Dickinson Law are listed in the J.D. Admissions section of the Dickinson Law website. The admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health are listed on the Admission Requirements tab. Students will first apply and be accepted to the J.D. program at the Penn State Dickinson Law. After being accepted to and matriculating at the Penn State Dickinson Law, J.D. students will be eligible to submit a Penn State Graduate Application for Admission to the Dr.P.H. in Public Health. J.D. students may submit an application starting their first semester in the J.D. program up through the fourth semesters of law school. J.D. students can submit LSAT scores in lieu of GRE scores if they can provide evidence to show quantitative skills (B or above for graduate level statistical/math courses or other standard test consisting of quantitative evaluation).

J.D./Dr.P.H. students who, for whatever reason, withdraw from the J.D. program retain the option of remaining in the Dr.P.H. in Public Health program to earn the graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the J.D. program are listed on the Penn State Dickinson Law website. Degree requirements for the Dr.P.H. degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

Double-Counting of Courses

Twenty-four credits of J.D. coursework may be double-counted toward the Dr.P.H. degree. In lieu of PHS 895B, J.D./Dr.P.H. students will complete IHCLN 997 Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic (3 cr.), which will double-count for both degrees. In addition, up to 21 law school elective credits will be double-counted towards the Dr.P.H. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Dickinson Law will approve, in advance of the student’s enrollment in Dr.P.H. elective courses, which of those courses will double-count towards to J.D. degree.

Advising of Students

All students in the J.D./Dr.P.H. program will have two academic advisors, one in the Dr.P.H. degree program and one in the J.D. program.

Joint M.D./M.P.H. with the College of Medicine

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-211 Joint Degree Programs.

The M.P.H. in Public Health program and M.D. Program at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine offer a joint degree program leading to the degrees of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.).

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for the M.D./M.P.H. program are the same as those for the M.D. and M.P.H. in Public Health programs. M.D./M.P.H. students will have to meet the admissions requirements of both programs, and each program will make a separate admissions decision. The admission requirements for the M.P.H. degree are listed on the Admission Requirements tab. Admissions requirements and applications for admission for the Penn State College of Medicine are available at the M.D. Program section of the Penn State College of Medicine website. Students will first apply and be accepted to the M.D. program at the Penn State College of Medicine. After being accepted to and matriculating at the Penn State M.D. program, M.D. students will be eligible to submit a Penn State Graduate Application for Admission to the M.P.H. in Public Health. M.D. students may submit an application starting their first semester in the M.D. program up through the fall semester of their third year of medical school.

M.D./M.P.H. students who, for whatever reason, withdraw from the M.D. program retain the option of remaining in the M.P.H. in Public Health program to earn the graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

M.D./M.P.H. degree requirements are the same as that of the standalone M.P.H. degree program. Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the M.D. program are listed on the M.D. Program section of the Penn State College of Medicine website. Degree requirements for the M.P.H. degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab.

Double-Counting of Courses

Sixteen credits of M.D. course work may be double-counted toward the M.P.H. degree.

Advising of Students

All students in the M.D./M.P.H. program will have two academic advisers, one in the M.P.H. degree program and one in the M.D. program.

Joint M.D./M.P.H. with Taipei Medical University

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-211 Joint Degree Programs.

The M.P.H. in Public Health program and T.M.U. offer a joint degree program leading to the degrees of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from T.M.U. and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from Penn State.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for this program are the same as those for the T.M.U. M.D. and M.P.H. in Public Health programs. Students will have to meet the admissions requirements of both programs (T.M.U. and Penn State program), and each program will make a separate admissions decision. Admissions requirements for T.M.U. medical students are listed in the Admissions section of the T.M.U. website. The admission requirements for the Master of Public Health are listed on the Admission Requirements tab. Students will first apply and be accepted to the M.D. or Pharm.D. program at T.M.U. After being accepted to and matriculating at T.M.U., M.D. and Pharm.D. students will be eligible to submit a Penn State Graduate Application for Admission to the M.P.H. in Public Health. T.M.U. students may submit an application starting their first semester in the medical or pharmacy program up through their fourth year of school.

M.D./M.P.H. students who, for whatever reason, withdraw from the M.D. program retain the option of remaining in the M.P.H. in Public Health program to earn the graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements for T.M.U. students are the same as that of the standalone M.P.H. degree program including the completion of 42 credits. Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the transfer of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the M.P.H. degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab. For degree requirements for the M.D., contact Taipei Medical University.

Transfer of Courses

Sixteen credits of course work completed at Taipei Medical University may be transferred toward the M.P.H. degree.

Advising of Students

All students in the M.D./M.P.H. program will have two advisers, one administrative adviser and one academic adviser in the M.P.H. degree program.

Joint Pharm.D./M.P.H. with Taipei Medical University

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-211 Joint Degree Programs.

The M.P.H. in Public Health program and T.M.U. offer a joint degree program leading to the degrees of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from T.M.U. and M.P.H from Penn State.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for this program are the same as those for the T.M.U. Pharm.D. and M.P.H. in Public Health programs. Students will have to meet the admissions requirements of both programs (T.M.U. and Penn State program), and each program will make a separate admissions decision. Admissions requirements for T.M.U. pharmacy students are listed in the Admissions section of the T.M.U. website. The admission requirements for the Master of Public Health are listed on the Admission Requirements tab. Students will first apply and be accepted to the Pharm.D. program at T.M.U. After being accepted to and matriculating at T.M.U., Pharm.D. students will be eligible to submit a Penn State Graduate Application for Admission to the M.P.H. in Public Health. T.M.U. students may submit an application starting their first semester in the medical or pharmacy program up through their fourth year of school.

Pharm.D./M.PH. students who, for whatever reason, withdraw from the Pharm.D. program retain the option of remaining in the M.P.H. in Public Health program to earn the graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements for T.M.U. students are the same as that of the standalone M.P.H. degree program including the completion of 42 credits. Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the transfer of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the M.P.H. degree are listed on the Degree Requirements tab. For degree requirements for the M.D. or Pharm.D., contact Taipei Medical University.

Transfer of Courses

Sixteen credits of course work completed at Taipei Medical University may be transferred toward the M.P.H. degree.

Advising of Students

All students in the Pharm.D./M.P.H. program will have two advisers, one administrative adviser and one academic adviser in the M.P.H. degree program.

Minor

A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies and GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies, depending on the type of degree the student is pursuing:

Student Aid

Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of The Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by The Graduate School.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Public Health Sciences (PHS) Course List

Learning Outcomes

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

  • Demonstrate meaningful scholarship through competencies that include evidence-based approaches to public health, public health & health care systems, planning and management to promote health, policy in public health, leadership, communication, interprofessional practice and systems thinking.
  • Apply effective communication skills (oral and written) to diverse audiences and with an understanding of the importance of cultural competence.
  • Apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world public health issues.
  • Synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in course work and other learning experiences and apply it to analyzing and addressing a public health practice or research challenge.

Contact

Master of public hEalTH (m.P.H.)

Graduate Program Head: Douglas Leslie

Director of Graduate Studies/Professor-in-Charge: Wenke Hwang

Primary Program Contact: Shannon Tuininga

Email: smb611@psu.edu

Mailing Address: Dept of Public Health Sciences, A210, 90 Hope Dr, Suite 2200, Hershey, PA 17033

Telephone: (717) 531-7178

Program Website: Public Health

Doctor of Public Health (Dr. P. H.)

Graduate Program Head: Douglas Leslie

Director of Graduate Studies/Professor-in-Charge: Betsy Aumiller

Primary Program Contact: Justine Shultz

Email: jes5437@psu.edu

Mailing Address: Dept of Public Health Sciences, A210, 90 Hope Dr, Suite 2200, Hershey, PA 17033

Telephone: (717) 531-7178

Program Website: Public Health