5 MPH Dual-Degree Programs for Aspiring Public Health Workers

Public health professionals are in high demand, making it a great time to earn a master’s in public health (MPH). And MPH dual-degree programs let you add a second master’s to specialize your education.

Combine your MPH with a master’s in social work to explore the social welfare side of public health. Or earn an MBA-MPH dual degree to prepare for policy or program leadership roles.

Ultimately, you’ll save time and money by choosing a dual-degree program. But what’s the best MPH dual-degree program for you? And is it the right option for your career?

MPH dual-degree programs combine graduate-level public health training with a degree in a complementary field. Popular options include a master of healthcare administration and an MBA.

In a dual-degree program, you’ll earn two degrees in less time. You’ll also usually save money.

Here’s how MPH dual-degree programs work: First, you’ll choose a master’s to pair with your MPH. Next, you’ll complete core coursework in both subject areas. In Purdue’s MSN-MPH dual degree program, for example, you’ll take core nursing and core public health courses, supplemented by electives or a concentration.

By combining two degrees, you’ll typically earn fewer credits than if you pursued each separately. At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, for instance, you’d need 42 credits for an MPH and 36 credits for an MBA, coming out to a combined 78 credits. But the university’s MPH-MBA dual degree requires just 60 credits in total, saving you time and money.

Combining your MPH with another master’s degree can help you specialize your skills and prepare you for a more focused career path. Here are some of the most popular MPH dual degrees.

A master of healthcare administration (MHA) program builds management and leadership skills focused on the healthcare delivery system.

By adding an MHA to your MPH, you can dive deeper into public health administration, policy development, and health crisis management. An MPH-MHA dual degree prepares you for leadership roles such as a public health manager, director of public health, health systems clinic administrator, community health center director, and healthcare policy advisor. You’ll also strengthen your leadership and communication skills.

Coursework focuses primarily on community health, healthcare analytics, and global public health. You can earn an MPH-MHA dual degree in an on-campus or online format, with most programs taking three years or fewer to complete for full-time students.

Combine your knowledge of public health with advanced business management skills by earning an MBA-MPH dual degree.

In this program, you’ll explore population-based health while also taking graduate courses in finance, marketing, and management. Your master of business administration (MBA) coursework will emphasize management principles and strategic decision-making, adding valuable leadership skills to your MPH.

Like an MHA, an MBA prepares graduates for careers as managers, directors, and executives. For example, an MBA-MPH dual degree can lead to careers in healthcare administration, public health consulting, or healthcare marketing.

Many business schools offer online MBA programs with many MBA dual degree options.

Address social welfare and public health needs with an MSW-MPH dual degree.

In a master of social work (MSW) program, you’ll explore health disparities, community-based services, and social justice. MSW coursework pairs well with MPH classes on health equity, global health, and maternal and child health.

You’ll build the clinical knowledge and skills to become a licensed social worker with a specialty in public health. For example, you can work as a public health social worker or lead programs focused on disease prevention or health promotion in marginalized communities.

In addition to MSW-MPH dual-degree programs, you can explore other MSW dual-degree options, like MSW-MBA and MSW-MPA programs.

Public health and nursing pair well together. With an MSN-MPH dual degree, you can strengthen your community health skills with an emphasis on clinical applications.

Your master of science in nursing (MSN) coursework will cover advanced health assessment and evidence-based practice, while your MPH classes will cover environmental health, health systems, and population health.

MSN nurses with an MPH degree typically work in advanced practice roles, such as public health nurse, public health administrator, public health nursing director, and occupational health nurse. You can also work as an epidemiologist, policy analyst, or researcher.

Note that many MSN-MPH dual-degree programs require you to have a registered nursing license to enroll.

A master of public administration (MPA) strengthens your planning, leadership, and management skills, with a focus on the public and nonprofit sectors.

With an MPH-MPA dual degree, you’ll learn how to develop and implement public health programs in government agencies or nonprofit organizations. You’ll also develop policy and management skills with a focus on public health.

You can earn your MPH-MPA degree in an on-campus, hybrid, or online format, depending on the program. After earning an MPH-MPA dual degree, consider pursuing a career as a health policy analyst, community health director, or health communication director.

Is an MPH dual degree right for you? It depends on your interests and career goals. A dual degree builds interdisciplinary skills, which can help you advance into specialized roles.

With an MBA or MHA, for example, MPH graduates can hone their leadership and management skills. An MSW or MSN provides clinical training. And an MPA can benefit MPH students interested in government leadership roles.

However, a dual degree might not be the best option for everyone. You can work in many MPH careers without a second graduate degree. Carefully consider whether adding a second degree will help you reach your goals.

You can save time and money with an MPH dual degree. It can also be a great way to specialize your graduate education. An MPH dual degree can pay off if it’s a good fit for your interests and professional goals.

Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 13, 2024.