Accelerated BA/BS to Master of Public Health (MPH)

Students of almost any major can earn two degrees in five years for purpose-driven career acceleration in Sacred Heart’s 4+1 Master of Public Health program.

Sacred Heart University offers an accelerated (4+1 BA/BS-MPH) option for qualified students to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree within a five-year timeframe. Students save time and money by taking graduate coursework during their senior year, allowing them to begin the next phase of their career sooner, with more advanced skills and experience.

How Does the 4+1 MPH Program Work?

• The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree requires 42 credits; 12 of which can be double-counted for both the BA/BS and MPH. The combined degree program allows students to accelerate their progress toward a master's degree by taking graduate-level coursework during their final semesters of undergraduate study.
• Students interested in the dual degree BA/BS-MPH program will work with their undergraduate advisor and the MPH program director to create a flexible course schedule that allows them to select MPH courses that fit their schedule and interests. All graduates complete the required competencies for the MPH degree. 
• Undergraduate students apply to the MPH program through Graduate Admissions. Applicants that meet the minimum GPA requirement for the graduate degree program are guaranteed admission into the graduate program.

Why Enroll in Sacred Heart’s 4+1 MPH Program?

If you are a student who is interested in a career focused on health promotion and disease prevention, the combined program is a great match for you!

• Combined degree students can earn their MPH in less time and for a reduced cost compared to those who start the MPH after graduation.
• The industry-recognized MPH credential allows graduates to enter the workforce sooner, with a variety of options for employment. For the most recent class of MPH grads, 100% were successfully employed in field-related careers or enrolled graduate/medical programs. Read our alumni testimonials and learn about job types on the MPH website.
• The accelerated MPH program is well-suited for students planning on applying to medical, dental or doctoral programs to enhance their knowledge and gain valuable research experience in public health during their gap year.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For more information and instructions on how to apply, see the SHU Combined Program Guidelines.