11-Month Interdisciplinary
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
"I don't think that it's the requirements that are the most difficult part of the one-year program. The most difficult part of the one year program is that there's so much to do and learn and see that you don't want to finish in a year!"
Overview
The Interdisciplinary M.P.H. is an 11-month program designed to meet the needs of mature scholars with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds who have specific public health career goals in mind and a demonstrated ability to work independently. The program focuses on an interdisciplinary understanding of complex issues and the leadership challenges of successful interventions in public health. Graduates leave as well-rounded public health professionals with a heightened understanding of the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to analysis and implementation design in public health practice.
Curriculum & RequirementsStudents in the 11-month Interdisciplinary M.P.H. program are required to complete 42 units. Students will need to take a heavy course load (15-17 units per semester), in addition to one or two summer courses to satisfy the degree requirements. Consequently, students should not plan to work during the fall and spring semesters, and should make every effort to minimize work-related responsibilities while at school. The program's curricular flexibility allows successful applicants, in consultation with their faculty advisers, to develop an individualized course of study tailored to meet their needs. Courses may be chosen from any of the academic offerings across the Berkeley campus. A comprehensive exam and a two-semester M.P.H. project is required for completion of the program.
Sample Curriculum (PDF)
Admissions Statistics Fall 2011:Admissions Ratio: 22/37 (59%)
Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.68
Average GRE scores of admitted applicants: Applicants with doctoral degrees are not required to submit GRE scores. Applicants currently in medical school may submit MCATs in lieu of the GRE.
Applicants are professionals holding a master's degree or its academic equivalent. Applicants from disciplines not traditionally associated with public health (journalism, business, social work, anthropology, economics, and law) will be considered if their future career paths include public health activities and/or significant interaction with public health systems. The program is also appropriate for select joint degree M.D./M.P.H. students, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, doctors, nurses, and post-qualifying exam Ph.D. students.
Employment Opportunities:This program is not a work preparation program. The curriculum may be customized to meet the needs of self-directed students who have their own career objectives in mind. We offer advising to help students with making those curricular choices.