Fast-Track Master of Public Health w/B.S. in Public Health (B.S./M.P.H.)

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Eligible undergraduate students from selected Samford University majors-including health sciences, human development and family science, public health, and sociology-have the opportunity to engage in an accelerated program leading to both a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree. The duration of this accelerated option varies depending on the student’s undergraduate major.

Typically, students spend the first three years of their academic journey fulfilling all necessary coursework for their undergraduate degree. In their senior year, students begin taking M.P.H. courses. These courses are strategically designed to count towards both general and directed undergraduate elective requirements, facilitating the simultaneous attainment of a bachelor’s degree. Upon completing their undergraduate requirements, students transition smoothly into the M.P.H. program, where they complete the requisite number of semesters to obtain their M.P.H. degree.

Entry into this accelerated program necessitates meticulous planning and scheduling. It also requires the approval of the department chair of the student’s undergraduate major and the chair of the Department of Public Health. Students interested in this unique academic pathway are encouraged to reach out to the director of undergraduate programs for further details and guidance.

General Education - University Core Curriculum: 22 Credits

Click here to view the General Education - University Core Curriculum requirements.

General Education - Distribution Areas: 27 Credits

Public Health Major: 55 Credits

Public Health Core: 30 Credits

Geography, Health Informatics, Healthcare Admin: 13 Credits

Public Health Electives: 12 Credits

Choose four courses (12 credits) from the following, as directed by the undergraduate program director:

Public Health Electives

General Electives: 24 Credits

(directed by advisor)

NOTE: May include up to 12 credits of graduate public health courses.

Total Required Credits (B.S. Degree): 128

Graduate Courses (Master of Public Health): 42 Credits

Year 1, Spring: Graduate Public Health: 12 Credits

PHLT 509 - Cultural Dimensions of Health (3)
PHLT 533 - Communication Skills for the Health Professional (3)
Directed Elective (3)
Directed Elective (3)

Year 1, Summer: Graduate Public Health: 12 Credits

PHLT 500 - Health Systems, Organizations, & Policy (3)
PHLT 501 - Introduction to Epidemiology (3)
PHLT 506 - Planning & Management of Public Health Programs (3)
PHLT 502 - Public Health Foundations (3)

Year 2, Fall: Graduate Public Health: 9 Credits

PHLT 603 - Burden of Disease (3)
PHLT 504 - Biostatistics for Public Health Professionals (3)
PHLT 608 - Leadership for Health Professionals (3)

Year 2, Spring: Graduate Public Health: 9 Credits

PHLT 699 - Public Health Capstone (3)
Directed Elective (3)
Directed Elective (3)

See the 2024-2025 Samford University Graduate Catalog for course descriptions for graduate-level PHLT courses.