The accelerated 4+1 BS/BA in Biology to MPH allows students to graduate with both Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Master of Public Health degrees in just five years.
This program is one year less than the traditional six-year path of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree, saving time and money and giving students the specialized skills and experience needed to be the next champions of public and population health.
Students interested in the accelerated program are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic advisor in Biology throughout Years 1-3 of their biology degree. Students should also consult the program plan outlined in iGPS.
Application information
Deadline to apply: June 1
The accelerated program is a competitive opportunity for outstanding public health students. To be eligible, students must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5.
Students are encouraged to apply to the MPH program during fall or spring semesters of their junior year; however, the deadline is June 1. Students admitted to the MPH program will still be considered an undergraduate student in year four until they complete their bachelor’s degree.
How to apply
Submit the accelerated program application Applicants should complete the application in the spring semester of their junior year by the application deadline.
You are strongly encouraged to meet with your academic advisor and FSPH undergraduate academic advisor early to begin planning. Please visit our advising page for complete instructions on how to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Submit your personal statement containing responses to the following five questions in a concise and well-written essay 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 (for each position on the résumé or CV, provide the job title, employing agency, dates employed, and responsibilities held. Indicate any additional strengths or skills such as fluency in foreign languages, research experience, teaching experience, community service and demonstration of leadership skills. Include professional certifications, honors, and awards.)
Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources that can provide an unbiased critical assessment of your abilities, skills, strengths and weaknesses. Examples of professional and academic sources include professors, immediate supervisors, and advisors. Examples of sources that are not acceptable include coworkers, colleagues, classmates, and relatives.
Interview at the discretion of the admission committee.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health requires applicants whose native language is not English to submit TOEFL 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
Begin planning early
Prospective accelerated program students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor early to begin planning.
Students admitted to the 4+1 accelerated program will finish their biology credits while completing the following MPH credits in year four:
Fall semester of Year 4:
PBHL P510 Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
PBHL P511 Comprehensive Methods and Applications in Biostatistics and Epidemiology (3 credits)
PBHL Required or Elective Course in the Student’s MPH Concentration (3 credits)
Spring semester of Year 4:
PBHL P512 Communication and Leadership (3 credits)
PBHL P513 Planning, Evaluation and Management (3 credits)
PBHL Required or Elective Course in the Student’s MPH Concentration (3 credits)
Up to 15 graduate credits taken in Year 4 can be used to fulfill biology electives, thus these 15 graduate credits can double count toward both the MPH and the BS in Biology. Students should consult their MPH faculty advisor to discuss completion of the remaining MPH credits.
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