MPH Dual Degree Programs
MD/MPH
The objective of the dual-degree MD/MPH. program is to provide high quality and in-depth training in public health to qualified medical students. he MD/MPH Dual Degree Program provides an opportunity for medical students who wish to pursue a public health or research career to graduate from medical school trained in both clinical and preventive, population-oriented medicine. The five-year program includes four years of medical school and one year of study in the M.P.H. program. The MPH curriculum is completed after the third year of medical school, focusing on the MPH curriculum during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Students take a minimum of 30 credits of didactic courses. To complete the M.P.H. requirements, students receive 12 credits for successful academic work during the first two years of medical school and take a minimum of one public health elective during the fourth year.
For details on the curriculum, visit the VCU Graduate Bulletin
MSW/MPH
The purpose of this dual degree program is to prepare graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, communities and/or organizations, advocate for social and economic justice in a diverse and multicultural society, and promote physical and mental health across the life course. Through this collaborative program between the VCU School of Social Work and VCU Public Health, students complete a three-year full time program of study, including some summer course work, to obtain the Master of Social Work and the Master of Public Health degrees. The dual program requires 78 credits, 45 from the Social Work curriculum and 33 from the Public Health curriculum.
Students spend the first year completing foundational work in the MSW curriculum, then take a mixture of public health and social work courses in the second year, with an emphasis on the MPH curriculum. Final program requirements are completed in the third year, with a relatively even mix of coursework from each curriculum. During the last year, the School of Social Work places dual degree students in a field instruction placement focused on public health and approved by the MPH Program Director. A final research project is completed through the MPH Program, with the guidance of a public health faculty advisor.
For details on the curriculum, visit the VCU Graduate Bulletin
Applications for all programs can be found here.