Four Year MD / MPH Program
What is the MPH?
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is the most widely recognized professional degree in public health. Core disciplines of public health are: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Social and Behavioral Health, and Management and Policy Science.
Who should earn an MPH?
If you are interested in community health, clinical research, infectious disease, health promotion, global health, primary care specialties, preventive medicine, public policy, or administration, you may benefit from public health training, and the MPH would be beneficial to your career path.
Why should I consider this program?
You have the opportunity to earn both degrees in 4 years, saving you both time and money. Through partnership with The University of Texas School of Public Health (UTSPH), you may receive credit toward your MPH for some of your medical school courses. You will also benefit from studying public health and medicine concurrently, and through close interaction with your MD/MPH peers.
Where is the UTSPH?
The UTSPH has a Regional Campus in San Antonio with full-time faculty and access to all the public health disciplines. The campus is located about one mile from the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio main campus, with convenient parking. Classes are offered online, via ITV with instructors from other SPH campuses, or “live” with local instructors. Students who take their 3rd and 4th year of medical school at the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) in Harlingen may complete their MPH at the UTSPH Regional Campus in Brownsville.
Do I need to start taking public health classes this summer? What about the fall?
To finish the MPH in 4 years, you should plan to begin your MPH studies in the summer before you begin medical school. We recommend that you take 2 online core classes, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, this summer. There is a short overlap between the UTSPH summer semester and the start of your medical studies. You will not take any UTSPH classes in your first semester of medical school. We feel it is important that you focus on your medical studies the first semester. You will take UTSPH courses again in the spring of your first year of medical school.
If I start the dual-degree program, can I change my mind?
Absolutely. You will learn a lot about yourself and your career path through your studies. You may choose to leave the dual degree program, to take a leave of absence, or to extend the program to 5 years. You may also opt for the Certificate in Public Health, which requires 5 core classes (16 hours). Because you are admitted separately both to the School of Medicine and the SPH, your performance or continuation in one program will not affect the other program.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. If you are in the MD/MPH program, additional aid for MPH tuition, fees, and supplies may be arranged through the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio financial aid office. Financial aid for summer MPH classes prior to starting medical school presents a challenge. Detailed information is available in the UTSPH San Antonio 4-Year MD/MPH Program Guidebook (contact mdmph@uthscsa.edu to receive the Guidebook). The current estimated 4-year cost for tuition, fees, and books for the MPH part of the program is ≈$7,500. Mr. John Strieb (Strieb@uthscsa.edu or (210)567-2635) with the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio financial aid office is your primary contact for financial aid questions regarding the MD/MPH Program, including for the summer prior to starting your medical studies.
How can I learn more about the 4-year MD/MPH degree program?
Contact the MD/MPH Coordinator, Ms. Tatjana Walker, at mdmph@uthscsa.edu or (210) 567-7463, and visit our website at http://som.uthscsa.edu/AcademicAffairs/mdmph.asp.
How do I apply?
If you are at all interested in applying, please begin by completing Step 1 below. The UTSPH will accept students to the program through a rolling admissions process and recommends that you submit your application by March 1st. The UTSPH will accept applications through March 15th, but cannot guarantee space in the summer online classes, and this could prevent you from finishing the MPH degree in 4 years.
STEP 1: Contact the MD/MPH Program Coordinator, Ms. Tatjana Walker, at mdmph@uthscsa.edu or (210) 567-7463 and let her know that you are interested in the program. She will explain the application process and send you the UTSPH San Antonio 4-Year MD/MPH Program Guidebook.
STEP 2: A completed application consists of (1) the application form and (2) your TMDSAS records of college work and letters of recommendation. Once accepted to the School of Medicine, you may request that our Registrar forward your TMDSAS material to the UTSPH to complete your application. Detailed application instructions and an Application Checklist are provided in the UTSPH San Antonio 4-Year MD/MPH Program Guidebook.
If you are accepted to the MD/MPH Program, the $30 application fee will not be collected until the first tuition and fee bill is due. You are responsible for ensuring that your application and supporting documents are received by the UTSPH Registrar. The Guidebook explains how to do this.