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BS in Public Health/MPH in Health Equity: Combined Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health students can jump-start their careers in public health by completing the Master of Public Health in Health Equity through Simmons University. The MPH@Simmons Program focuses uniquely on the intersections of public health and social justice and prepares students with skills to critically analyze structural determinants of health and persistent systems of oppression; undertake policy analyses and practices to advance systems change; engage in community organizing and innovation, and advance community-based research methods in partnership with local communities and organizations. Delivered through a blend of online courses, self-paced content, and in-person immersion experiences, our program's practice-based curriculum will give students the real-world skills needed to ensure that they graduate ready to serve as effective public health practitioners.

Simmons Academic Campus

The Public Health Department offers two combined degree pathways into the Simmons MPH program

  • The 3+1 BS to MPH Program is available to students applying to Simmons University for their Bachelor's degree, and to matriculated undergraduate students who pursue this option during their first year at Simmons.
  • The Early Admission BS to MPH Program is available to matriculated BS in Public Health majors who pursue this option during their second or third year of undergraduate studies (after completing 48-80 credits)

Requirements for 3+1 Simmons MPH Application for Simmons Undergraduates

Please consult with Prof. Val Leiter ([email protected]), the BS in Public Health Program Director, if you are interested in applying for this program.

Application deadline: May 15

As part of the admission process, currently matriculated undergraduate candidates must submit the following materials:

All post-secondary transcripts will be reviewed as part of the admissions process. The admission office will gather these on your behalf.

Matriculating Into the MPH Program

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn a 3.0 in statistics during their undergraduate studies in order to matriculate into the MPH Program upon graduation. Once the BS in Public Health is completed, students will be able to enroll in MPH coursework the following term, typically in May, and can complete the accelerated MPH degree by the following August.

The Early Admission Program allows undergraduate Public Health majors to simultaneously complete coursework toward their MPH degree. The combined degree program decreases the total number of credits needed to earn two degrees, providing an opportunity to jump-start your career as a public health professional while saving you both time and money.

  • Complete 2 MPH courses during your undergraduate studies, counting them toward both degrees.
  • Enroll in the MPH program following graduation, completing the degree in under 2 years depending on the course sequence selected.
  • Timeline to Completion: Approximately 5.5 academic years.

Applying to the Early Admission BS to MPH Program

  • As a first step, Simmons undergraduate Public Health majors should reach out to their faculty advisor. Applicants must complete a required advising checklist before beginning their application.
  • Applicants must submit an application to the MPH@Simmons program no later than March 1 of their sophomore or junior year, depending on their preferred plan of study. Simmons undergraduate Public Health majors will work with their advisor to design a plan to take 2 graduate Public Health courses during their junior and/or senior years.
  • Applicants must be public health majors in good academic standing, having earned a 3.0 GPA or higher overall.

Requirements for Early Admission MPH@Simmons Application for Simmons Undergraduates

As part of the admission process, candidates must submit the following materials:

  • Completed Academic Advising Checklist (required prior to undertaking MPH@Simmons application)
  • Completed MPH@Simmons application form
  • One essay
  • Three letters of recommendation (including one from your public health advisor describing your accelerated course plan, and preferably one from a professional or volunteer supervisor)
  • Transcripts of all undergraduate study, including your official Simmons transcript
  • Current résumé

In addition to the requirements above, you may also be required to participate in an interview with a member of the admission committee.

Matriculating Into the MPH Program

Students must earn a "B" or better in the MPH coursework completed as an undergraduate in order to continue with the combined degree program. Once the undergraduate degree is conferred and the admission office receives a final transcript, a new acceptance letter to the MPH program will be sent.

Students accepted to the Early Admission BS to MPH Programwill enroll in either one course during their junior year and one course during their senior year, or two courses during their senior year.

  • Health Equity & Social Justice (MHEO 410) will count as an undergraduate elective.
  • Epidemiology (MHEO 415) will take the place of Introduction to Epidemiology (PH 201) to fulfill the undergraduate epidemiology requirement. If PH 201 has already been completed, MHEO 415 will count as an undergraduate elective.