Accelerated BS/BA in Biology - MPH

Fast-track your master's degree in public health to become the next champion of public and population health

The IU Indianapolis Accelerated BA or BS in Biology to Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed for students who want to fast-track their education and pursue a career that bridges biology and public health.

This program allows you to earn both a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in public health (MPH) in just five years, rather than the typical six or more. By combining advanced coursework in biology with essential public health training, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the biological factors affecting human health and the skills needed to address public health challenges.

This prepares you for impactful careers in areas such as epidemiology, environmental health, health education, and public health research.

Plan of study

You will spend your first three years completing your bachelor’s degree requirements. During spring of your third year, you will apply for the accelerated MPH program. If accepted into the accelerated program, you will complete your first year of MPH coursework along with select bachelor's degree courses during your fourth year.

A portion of the MPH coursework fulfills a portion of your B.A. or B.S. in Biology coursework, allowing you to graduate with your bachelor’s degree in the summer after your first year in the MPH program. During your fifth year you will complete the remaining MPH courses, allowing you to graduate with your MPH in spring of your fifth year.

Year 1	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year 2	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year 3	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year 4	Master’s degree courses + select bachelor’s degree courses
End of Year 4	Graduate with biology degree (BA or BS)
Year 5	Master’s degree courses
End of Year 5	Graduate with MPH degree

Curriculum

You will be expected to follow the MPH set curriculum if admitted. As a part of this curriculum, you will complete the public health core courses along with select undergraduate courses during year four. In year five, you have the option to continue with the interdisciplinary public health studies concentration or declare a specific concentration: Epidemiology, Social & Behavioral Sciences, or Health Policy & Management.

Eligibility

The accelerated program is a competitive opportunity for outstanding biology students. To be eligible, you must have a minimum cumulative IU cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the time of your application to the MPH program.

Prior to the start of your senior year, you must have following five classes (15 credits) remaining for your B.A. or B.S. in Biology degree. The classes below will be replaced with MPH courses taken the first year of the MPH program/last year of the BS/BA Biology program.

BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)

Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee admission. All elements of the application including letters of recommendation, scores, GPA, résumé, interview, and personal statement will be taken into consideration.

You are strongly encouraged to meet with your biology academic advisor early to declare interest in this track and begin planning. Students are also encouraged to consult with FSPH academic advising to verify program eligibility.

When to apply

You are strongly encouraged to apply during the spring semester of your junior year. The deadline for accelerated BS/BA Biology-MPH application is March 1. As an accepted BS/BA Biology-MPH accelerated student, you will matriculate into the MPH program during the fall semester of your senior year.

How to apply

You should complete the application in the spring semester of your junior year by the application deadline.

Accelerated application form

Accelerated application form example

Personal statement

Your personal statement should answer the following five questions in a concise and well-written short answer format. Responses to each question should not exceed 100 words (500 words total for all five questions).

Where did your interest in public health originate?
Why are you interested in the Fairbanks School of Public Health?
Which MPH concentrations are you pursuing and why?
What do you think you might be doing professionally five years from now? Please list two possibilities.
What do you think are the most pressing public health issues at this time?

Résumé

Please include your résumé with your application.

Letters of recommendation

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation. These letters should come from a professional source. The letter should provide an unbiased assessment of your abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses.

Examples of acceptable letter writers include internship supervisors, part-time or full-time job supervisors, or faculty for whom you've served as a teaching assistant or research assistant.

All letters will need to be submitted by the writer to Ms. Cher Pearcy at chepearc@iu.edu by the application deadline.

Interview

Interviewees are invited at the discretion of the admission committee.

International applicants

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health requires applicants whose native language is not English or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions to prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Scores must be under two years old.

The preferred minimum English language test scores for admission to the Fairbanks School of Public Health are:

Internet-based TOEFL: minimum score of 92
Computer-based TOEFL: minimum score of 263
Paper-based TOEFL: minimum score of 620
IELTS (total band score): minimum score of 7