BS/MPH Accelerated Program, Public Health

I. Brief Description

Students who complete this accelerated program will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Public Health (MPH) in an integrated program of study and research in the multidimensional aspects of population health, health promotion and disease/disability prevention. It is suited for students who are interested in working in a wide range of health or wellness settings. People interested in specific health careers, special health settings or in teaching credentials must take additional courses designed specifically for their field. Students will complete the majority of their undergraduate degree requirements in the first three years and begin taking graduate courses which will apply to both their remaining undergraduate degree requirements and their MPH in their fourth year. MPH emphases are available in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Administration and Policy, and Social and Behavioral Health.

II. Contact Information

School of Community Health Sciences
203 Lombardi
(775) 784-1857

Dr. Roy F. Oman, Graduate Program Director
(775) 682-7087
roman@unr.edu

III. Admission Requirements

Students interested in the accelerated BS/MPH program should submit the Accelerated Program Application to the Community Health Sciences department early in the second semester of their junior year. Students are admitted to the accelerated program at the end of their junior year and enroll in 6-12 graduate credits during their senior year. 

Qualified undergraduate students must:

• meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School;
• have completed at least 75 credits overall and designated major courses;  and
• have earned a University of Nevada grade point average of at least 3.2. 

Students apply to the BS/MPH program per the following guidelines: 

Students seeking admission to the MPH program directly must apply by April 15th for the following fall.  Students seeking admission to the accelerated BS/MPH program must apply to the program in their junior year immediately after the fall semester.

MINIMUM SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS

1. GRE required. GRE exam should be taken before the student’s fall semester, junior year, with application submitted early in the spring semester. GRE scores of accepted students are typically above the 40th percentile. However, scores will be assessed relative to other applicants in the pool and considered in the context of the overall application package. The exam must have been taken within the last five (5) years. MCAT or GMAT scores may be substituted for the GRE.
2. Student must have completed 75 credits toward their BS degree before applying to the MPH program.
3. 3.2 GPA overall and within SCHS major; any exceptions must be approved by the SCHS Graduate Admissions Committee.
4. Three Letters of Recommendation. Two letters must be from SCHS faculty.
5. Statement of Purpose.
6. Student must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School.
7. All application materials should be submitted to SOPHAS and the Graduate School, following normal graduate admission procedures.

IV. Program Requirements

Students will earn a total of 153 credit hours (108 BS hours and 45 MPH hours). 108 undergraduate credits must be completed before students may enroll in graduate courses that will apply to the MPH.  Up to 12 MPH course credits may also count toward the BS degree. Students achieve graduate standing only after completion of their bachelor’s degree. Additional guidelines:

1. Up to 12 credits of graduate work may apply to BS degree program.
2. Students must have an approved accelerated program application on file before graduate courses can be taken.
3. Students who do not finish the requirements for the MPH will be allowed to finish their BS degree; graduate coursework completed will not revert to undergraduate credit but may be used to satisfy undergraduate requirements.
4. Students begin graduate coursework in the first semester of their 4th year.
5. Only those graduate credits approved to meet specific undergraduate degree requirements will contribute to the credit requirements to receive undergraduate financial aid. The graduate-level courses will require payment of graduate credit tuition. Students should discuss their financial aid options with the office of Financial Aid http://www.unr.edu/financial-aid.
6. A Program of Study (POS) must be completed after the student’s first semester as a graduate student in the program. 

V. Bachelor’s Degree Completion

Students must complete a bachelor’s degree before advancing to graduate standing and/or receiving research or teaching assistantships. Students are expected to meet regularly with their advisor to ensure they are progressing appropriately.

VI. Financial Issues

The 12 graduate credits approved to meet undergraduate degree requirements apply towards full-time status as an undergraduate student. Undergraduate financial aid is not available to students in accelerated programs after their undergraduate degree has been posted. 

View program requirements for the Public Health, M.P.H.