Combined Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health

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Why Choose Public Health?

Prepare to become a leader in improving the health and well-being of communities through Wright State University's combined Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health program. Designed for motivated students who want to maximize their academic experience and accelerate their professional goals, this program offers a streamlined route from undergraduate study to advanced public health training. Whether you are interested in disease prevention, health promotion, policy, research or population health, the combined B.S.–M.P.H. program provides the foundation, flexibility, and expertise to help you make a lasting impact.

Public health professionals tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges, from preventing disease and improving health outcomes to addressing environmental health risks and strengthening communities. At Wright State University, you will gain the scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and real-world experience needed to make a meaningful impact at the local, national and global levels.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health combines coursework in public health, epidemiology, environmental health, biology, and data analytics to prepare students for a wide range of careers and graduate study opportunities. Through collaborations with local health departments, healthcare organizations, and community partners, students gain hands-on experience and complete a research or internship capstone project that demonstrates career-ready skills.

For students planning to continue their education, the combined degree program provides an accelerated route to a Master of Public Health degree. You can begin graduate-level coursework during your senior year and apply up to nine credit hours of M.P.H. coursework toward both degrees. This allows you to earn your B.S. and complete the M.P.H. in less time.

Academics and Curriculum

View the combined Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health program information, degree requirements, and graduation planning strategy in the Academic Catalog. This combined degree program will be available beginning in Fall 2026.

Senior-Year Enrollment and Course Structure

  • Approved students are able to enroll in graduate courses during their senior year.
  • Students may only enroll in M.P.H. foundational courses, such as PPH 6310, PPH 7010, PPH 7020, PPH 7040, PPH 7050, PPH 7430, PPH 7510, PPH 7520, PPH 7650, and MBA 7500.
  • No more than nine credit hours of these courses may count toward the M.P.H. degree.

How Dual Credits Work

  • M.P.H. courses completed during the senior year may count as undergraduate electives or approved substitutions while fully applying toward the M.P.H. after B.S. conferral.
  • Course grades appear on the undergraduate transcript but follow graduate grading standards.
  • Students must maintain the minimum M.P.H. of 3.0.

Advising and Oversight

  • Each student is assigned an undergraduate advisor and an M.P.H. advisor.
  • Required advising checkpoints include pre-senior enrollment approval, end-of-semester transcript review, and B.S. graduation clearance.
  • Students who do not meet progression requirements may complete the B.S. only or reapply to the M.P.H. later per university policy.

Transition to Full M.P.H. Status

  • Upon B.S. completion and degree conferral, students are reclassified as full M.P.H. graduate students.
  • Students complete remaining M.P.H. requirements, including practicum and capstone experiences.

Time-to-Degree Summary

  • Years 1–3: Undergraduate B.S. coursework and prerequisites
  • Senior Year: Dual-status enrollment with nine M.P.H. credits
  • Year 5: Full-time graduate study, between 6–12 credit hours per semester, to reach the required 42 graduate credits
  • Year 6: Full-time graduate study culminating in M.P.H. completion, between 6–12 credit hours per semester, to reach the required 42 graduate credits

Admission

Admission Requirements

Students must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours, or senior status
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will receive conditional acceptance into the M.P.H. program.
  • All applications will receive conditional acceptance until earning the B.S. in Public Health.
  • Completion of, or enrollment in, required public health prerequisites, including PPH 1080, PPH 2000, PPH 2100, PPH 2200, PPH 3200, PPH 3300, PPH 3500, PPH 4100, PPH 4200, and PPH 4980
  • Approval of the M.P.H. Program Director
  • Approved academic plan confirming on-time B.S. completion

Application Process

Junior Year (Completion of 60+ credits)

Timing: Beginning of junior year, such as August through October or January through March.

Required materials include:

  • M.P.H. application
  • Current resume or CV
  • Statement of purpose. Applicants should respond to the following questions without exceeding 1,500 words:
    • Why are you interested in pursuing an M.P.H. degree and how will this prepare you for your career?
    • How have your previous work and/or volunteer experiences led you to apply to the M.P.H.?
    • How have you supported and engaged people from different backgrounds or perspectives in your work, volunteer experiences, or personal life?
  • Two letters of recommendation, on official letterhead with signature, from professionals who can speak to your professional or academic experience
  • Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
  • Proposed senior-year course plan

Applications are reviewed jointly by undergraduate and M.P.H. program leadership. Conditional admission is granted pending successful B.S. completion.