Dual-Degree Programs
Students admitted to the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine are eligible to apply to the D.O./M.P.H. program. This dual degree results in well-trained physicians with additional skills and knowledge in public health policies and procedures, enabling them to provide service to individuals within the context of population health. The D.O./M.P.H. program is designed for completion in five years.
In addition to being admitted to the Heritage College, students applying to the D.O./M.P.H. program must meet the admissions requirements for the M.P.H. program at Ohio University. All applicants must submit an application to the Office of Advanced Studies (OAS),which will be evaluated by the Heritage College Advanced Studies Advisory Committee (ASAC) and the M.P.H. Admission Committee. The prerequisites for the master of public health, as part of the dual degree, are the same as those for the Heritage College.
Students in the D.O./M.P.H. program will complete the majority of the M.P.H. courses during the third year of the five-year program while enrolled solely in OHIO's College of Health Sciences and Professions. However, students in good academic standing may take one M.P.H. course in the second semester of the first year and in each semester of the second year of medical school. Students in the fourth and fifth years of the dual degree program are enrolled full-time in the Heritage College, but time will be available during those years for the M.P.H. practicum experience.
Following admission to the D.O./M.P.H. program, students will meet with the director of the OAS and an assigned faculty mentor to map out a sequence of courses and create an individualized development plan for their dual degree. Course work is subject to change, based on course availability and satisfactory student performance.
Master of Public Health Course of Study
The Ohio University Master of Public Health curriculum has a concentration in social and behavioral science, and prepares students to examine the behavioral, social and cultural factors that impact health behavior and health outcomes. The M.P.H. degree requires 42 credit hours for completion. All students must complete 39 hours of required core course work, 3 credits of electives, 3 credits of field practicum experience and 3 credits of a capstone project.
Program Year
College Year
Curriculum
Credit Hours
Pre- DO/MPH
Students may take courses prior to medical school (potentially, fall, spring and summer before medical school)
Up to nine hours may be transferred
Years One and Two
First and Second years of Medical School
Spring semester of first year and both semesters of second year, students may take MPH courses
Up to six hours, total, possible
Year Three
Dedicated to Master of Public Health Studies
- MPH year, students will take 15 credit hours each semester
- Class work for MPH capstone course* initiated, and capstone project completion deferred until the end of Year Five.
- Summers before and after MPH year, may take MPH Practicum* in the four-week session
- 30 hours
- Three hours
Year Four
Third Year of Medical School
Dedicated to medical school only
Year Five
Fourth Year of Medical School
- MPH Practicum* in Fall (if not taken previously)
- MPH Capstone* in spring semester (total up to 12 weeks of medical school research elective OCOM 8944)
- Three semester hours (if not taken previously)
- Three semester hours
Application Process
Students wishing to participate in the dual degree D.O./M.P.H. must submit their application by Jan. 17 of their first year in medical school.
D.O./M.P.H. Program Application
Applications are reviewed by faculty from both colleges. Candidates seeking admission are evaluated based on academic and personal accomplishments, emphasizing demonstrated leadership, managerial potential, motivation and capacity to pursue a rigorous management graduate program. Professional development, diversity of background and outside interests, depth of self-appraisal and commitment are especially valued. Students will be notified of their application status in March.
Disclaimer
The D.O./M.P.H. program guidelines are continuously updated and are subject to change based on university or program recommendations and policy requirements.