The accelerated 4+1 MPH in Epidemiology allows students 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 students the specialized skills and experience needed to be the next champions 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.
Accelerated BSPH–MPH in Epidemiology
Plan of Study
Students complete three years of bachelor’s degree requirements. During their third year, they apply for the accelerated program. If accepted into the accelerated program, students complete their first year of MPH coursework during what would have been their fourth year of undergraduate study. That MPH coursework takes the place of their final BSPH required courses. The student then graduates with their bachelor’s degree the spring after their 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, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a B or higher in the following courses – PBHL-E109, PBHL-B300, PBHL E303 (Evidence-Based Writing for Public Health), PBHL-E322, and PBHL-E422.
Prior to the start of their senior year, the student must have all but five major applications courses completed for their 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.
Students who meet the above criteria are not guaranteed admission. All elements of the application including letters of recommendation, scores, GPA, resume, interview and personal statement will be taken into consideration.
When to Apply
Students are encouraged to apply during fall or spring semesters of their Junior year, however, the deadline for accelerated BSPH-MPH applications is June 1. Accepted BSPH-MPH accelerated students will matriculate into the MPH program during the Fall semester of their senior year.
How to Apply
- Submit an IUPUI Graduate Application
- Submit your Personal Statement
The personal statement should contain only 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?
- Resume
For each position on the resume 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. - Request Two Letters of Recommendation and Accelerated Form from Program Director
Students shall request the BSPH epidemiology program director to complete the accelerated BSPH–MPH progress form. Additionally, students shall request two letters of recommendation. These letters should come 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
Interviewees are invited at the discretion of the Admission Committee. The MPH Admissions Committee conducts interviews using Skype video conferencing for applicants who are unable to travel to Indianapolis for the interview. Skype is a free software application that allows users to connect through the internet to communicate. Note that applicants will need access to a webcam and microphone for the interview.
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
Begin Planning Early
Prospective accelerated program students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor early to begin planning.
Need More Information?
Students who have questions about admissions at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health are encouraged to contact Student Services at (317) 274-2000 to speak with one of our admissions advisors. We're happy to answer questions or schedule a visit.
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