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Accelerated BSPH–MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Accelerated BSPH–MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Combine the foundations of public health and principles of community 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 Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) allows you to graduate with both Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Community Health and Master of Public Health-SBS 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 you the specialized skills and experience needed to be the next champion of community and public health.

This degree combines the foundations of public health and principles of community health from the BSPH with the academic theory, research, and real-world experience of the MPH-SBS 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 to apply, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a B+ or higher in the following courses: PBHL-S120, PBHL-S220, PBHL-S305, PBHL-S315, and PBHL-S340.

Prior to the start of your senior year, you must have all but five major public health elective courses completed for your BSPH degree. These courses will be replaced with MPH courses taken the first year of the MPH program/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

Prospective accelerated program students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor early to begin planning. Please visit our advising page for complete instructions on how to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

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 Services 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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