Accelerated BSPH–MPH in Epidemiology

Become the next champion of public and population health

*We are no longer admitting students to this accelerated degree track. Students admitted to the BSPH program for fall 2023 and beyond should refer to the updated BSPH-MPH program track.

The accelerated 4+1 MPH in Epidemiology allows you to graduate with both Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health degrees in epidemiology 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 you the specialized skills and experience needed to be the next champion of public and population health.

This accelerated program combines the foundations of public health and principles of the epidemiological method (of the BSPH degree) with the public health systems, academic theory, research and real-world experience of the MPH degree. The 4+1 accelerated program may also be combined with pre-professional coursework.

Plan of study

You will complete three years of bachelor’s degree requirements. During your third year, you will apply for the accelerated program. If accepted into the accelerated program, you will complete your first year of MPH coursework during what would have been your fourth year of undergraduate study.

That MPH coursework takes the place of your final BSPH required courses. You will then graduate with your bachelor’s degree the spring after your first year in the MPH program.

Year One	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year Two	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year Three	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year Four	Master’s degree courses (take place of BSPH requirements) Graduate with BSPH degree
Year Five	Master’s degree courses

Eligibility

The accelerated program is a competitive opportunity for outstanding public health students. To be eligible, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a B or higher in the following courses: PBHL-P109, PBHL-B300, PBHL-E330 (Evidence-Based Public Health), PBHL-E322, and PBHL-E422.

Prior to the start of your senior year, you must have all but five major applications courses completed for your BSPH degree; these courses will be replaced with MPH courses taken the first year of the MPH program or last year of the BSPH program.

If you meet the above criteria you are not guaranteed admission. All elements of the application including letters of recommendation, scores, GPA, résumé, interview, and personal statement will be taken into consideration.

When to apply

You will submit your application during the spring semester of your junior year, no later than the March 1 deadline. If accepted, 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

You are strongly encouraged to meet with your academic advisor early to begin planning. Please visit our advising page for complete instructions on how to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

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

Need more information?

If you have questions about admissions at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, we encourage you to contact Student Success at (317) 274-2000 to speak with one of our admissions advisors. You are encouraged to meet with your academic advisor early to begin planning. We're happy to answer questions or schedule a visit.

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