Grad Programs

This 15-hour certificate program is offered to individuals interested in exploring the field of maternal and child health (MCH) and learning about programs and policies that support MCH populations-women, infants, children, adolescents, and children and youth with special health care needs. It focuses on courses that expand knowledge of approaches to conceptualizing and influencing the health trajectories of MCH populations, develop competencies in measuring progress in improving the health and well-being of MCH populations, and generate awareness of specific programs and policies that support MCH systems development. This certificate can be used as part of UAB’s new interdisciplinary master’s degree program. Application deadlines for this certificate follow the UAB Graduate School’s application deadlines for Degree-seeking Students.

Download Curriculum Planning Sheet Opens a PDF.

Application Requirements

UAB Graduate Students

Currently enrolled UAB graduate students should apply by submitting the change of program form.

Non-enrolled Applicants

Applicants not currently enrolled at UAB should apply by completing an application through the UAB Graduate School.

Admissions requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• 3.0 GPA
• Statement of purpose

Certificate students may apply for the MPH or other degree programs within the UAB School of Public Health and if admitted, the courses taken may be counted towards the completion of the degree program (per department discretion).

UAB Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students currently enrolled in any major are eligible to apply to the MCH Certificate. An application must be submitted to the UAB Graduate School.

To be considered for the certificate, students must have:

• At least a 3.5 GPA in undergraduate courses.
• Completed 60 undergraduate credit hours, and at least 36 hours at UAB. Once admitted to the certificate, undergraduate students must meet the following:
  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA in undergraduate courses
  • Receive a B or better in graduate courses taken while still an undergraduate student
  • Maintain full-time student status at UAB

For students in the certificate program who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree, this certificate can be awarded once all requirements are completed and the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

Contact

For questions about the MCH Certificate please contact Misty Altiparmak, Graduate Student Coordinator, at maltima@uab.edu.

Emergencies demand public health leaders who can navigate complex response systems and lead teams with confidence. The executive-style Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Preparedness Leadership is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their knowledge in public health preparedness, crisis management, and strategic leadership.

This degree program combines the flexibility of online learning with immersive on-campus experiences. Students engage in rigorous coursework, hands-on case studies, and applied research that addresses real-world challenges in public health emergency preparedness. Through their doctoral project, students generate evidence-based insights that inform policy, strengthen systems, and enhance community resilience.

The curriculum plan is tailored for working professionals, allowing students to complete coursework within two years and earn their DrPH in Preparedness Leadership in as little as three to four years. Each fall and spring semester during the first two years, participants attend a three-day on-campus session featuring intensive instruction from top-ranked faculty, field-based simulations, and networking with peers and experts in the field. All other required coursework is delivered online.

Further details about the program may be obtained by contacting Dr. Elayne Wilson at elaynewilson@uab.edu or Program Coordinator, Misty Altiparmak, at maltima@uab.edu.

Curriculum

To earn the DrPH in Preparedness Leadership, students must complete a total of 58 credit hours following a structured, non-elective curriculum. This includes 9 hours of foundational DrPH core, 24 hours of Preparedness Leadership concentration courses, 3 hours of scientific integrity, and 4 hours of doctoral seminar. Other requirements for the degree include a comprehensive written and oral examination (HPO 797, 3 hours), DrPH practicum (HPO 793, 6 hours), dissertation protocol development (HPO 798, 3 hours), and at least two semesters of dissertation research (HPO 799, 6 hours).

Download Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)

Program Structure*

*Curriculum information is subject to change. Due to the overlapping-cohorts format, the order of courses depends upon the year in which the student enters the Program.

Admission

Applications must be submitted through the SOPHAS system. Required application materials include a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae or resume, official academic transcripts, GRE scores and two letters of recommendation.

Applicants to the DrPH program in Preparedness Leadership should hold either an MPH or a Master’s degree in a health-related field. Applicants are expected to have a minimum of three to five years of public health, healthcare, or public service experience in a relevant field. Admissions decisions will be based upon prior academic performance, professional experience, a written statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and GRE Scores. GRE scores should be no more than five years old. Please contact the Program Coordinator to learn more about admissions requirements or request a GRE waiver.

Application Deadlines

Tuition and Fees

UAB’s tuition and fees are priced competitively. Students pay the same tuition price whether they reside in or outside of the state of Alabama for online courses. For general UAB tuition and fees, visit the UAB Cost & Aid website online courses section. In addition, there will be a professional development fee of $750 that is charged each fall semester.

The 15-hour Disability Health Studies Graduate Certificate program will prepare masters’, doctoral, post-doctoral, and post-masters’ students with advanced knowledge and skills to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate programs promoting the health of individuals with disabilities. It is a unique program that will educate and train health professionals on inclusion and implementation science in the field of disability health.

Students may choose between courses in health behavior, health policy and organization, and administrative health services. Students may choose from several online or classroom-based courses to meet the program requirements.

Download Curriculum Planning Sheet Opens a PDF.

Applicants not currently enrolled at UAB should apply by completing an application through the UAB Graduate School. Currently enrolled UAB graduate students should apply by submitting the following documents to Julie Brown (jebrown@uab.edu).

Admissions requirements include:

• Transcripts from ALL higher education institutions you attended and received college credit (unofficial transcripts will suffice)
• A bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Statement of Purpose

Certificate students may apply for the MPH or other degree programs within the UAB School of Public Health and if admitted, the courses taken will be considered counting towards the completion of the degree program. If you have questions about the program prior to enrolling, please reach out to Julie Brown at jebrown@uab.edu.

Questions

For questions about the Disability Health Studies Graduate Certificate program please contact Dr. Teneasha Washington, Program Director, at teneasha@uab.edu , Dr. Jereme Wilroy, Program Director, at jdwilroy@uab.edu, or Julie Brown, Program Coordinator, at jebrown@uab.edu.

The coordinated Public Health/Pharmacy degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health and the Office of Research and Graduate Studies at Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy or the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy.

Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health. In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master’s level Public Health courses (e.g., health economics, strategic planning, health policy) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.

The Auburn Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program is a four-year course of study that requires the completion of the pre-pharmacy curriculum prior to enrollment and includes course work in biomedical sciences; pharmaceutical sciences; behavioral, social, and administrative pharmacy sciences; pharmacy practice; and pharmacy practice experience.

The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy (PharmD) Pharmacy school consists of four years of coursework and pharmacy practice experiential education leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Admission to pharmacy school is competitive, and students may apply after completing two - three years of required pre-pharmacy coursework.

Why the MPH/PharmD?

A CDC special issue, written by pharmacists, highlights the importance of collaboration between pharmacists and other sectors of the health care system, including public health. Pharmacists are important members of team-based care, particularly in the context of workforce shortages in healthcare. Having pharmacists on a health care team improves medication adherence and chronic condition management, especially in rural and underserved areas. The MPH program specifically provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration through the Professional Passport.

Student Spotlight

An MPH degree and the training it provides can help create opportunities for pharmacists thinking about careers in industry. A graduate of the UAB School of Public Health, Joel Dobbs, shares the value of the MPH to finding a position with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK):

"It was my MPH that opened the door for my career in the pharmaceutical industry. A then unknown company, which would later become GSK, had just received approval for a product (Zantac) that would ultimately become the top selling prescription drug in the world. They needed someone to set up a postmarking surveillance program and my training in epidemiology opened the door for what would ultimately be a 35 year career with three of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world."
- Joel Dobbs, PharmD, MPH

Curriculum

Students may complete the MPH portion of this coordinated degree program totally online, in class, or through a mix of online and in class experiences.

UAB/AU: Download Curriculum Planning Sheet Opens a PDF.

UAB/Presbyterian College: Download Curriculum Planning Sheet Opens a PDF.

Admission

Students must apply separately to the MPH and PharmD programs. Upon acceptance to the PharmD program, dual degree students will be accepted automatically to the MPH degree program.

• To apply for this degree, you will submit a supplemental application directly through the UAB Graduate School.
• Learn how to apply to the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy.
  • Students must have a Bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at the time of acceptance into the UAB MPH program for the MPH degree to be awarded.
• Learn how to apply to the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy. Students must apply to the MPH program through the UAB Graduate School. Select "MPH dual program" and then the MPH/PharmD track.
  • Test score field is required, so enter GRE or MCAT and a date to advance in the application.
  • The reference letter field is also required, so enter three names from the PharmD application and select no when asked if they will be electronic submission.
  • Once the student is admitted to the PharmD program they will be automatically accepted to the MPH portion of the coordinated degree once they submit their application to the UAB Graduate School.
• Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements. Students should meet with the current program manager prior to submitting a petition to switch programs.

Application Deadlines

Student Spotlight

Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to work in various environments—hospitals, nursing homes, and grocery stores. In these spaces, we encounter significant opportunities to address healthcare gaps by providing essential access to care and illness prevention. The MPH program profoundly influenced my daily practice, by sharpening my approach to patient care as an ambulatory care pharmacist. My public health education has deeply influenced my interactions with patients and healthcare professionals, enabling me to build strong relationships and enhance my professional practice.
- Edidiong Demuren, PharmD ('20), MPH ('20)

Photo by Sifon Umoren

Contact

For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/PharmD programs, contact the School of Public Health at soph@uab.edu.

The coordinated Public Health/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) and the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (AUCVM). The addition of an MPH degree to the DVM can broaden career opportunities, providing a foundation for positions in research, government, and international health as well as private industry.

Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health. In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master’s level Public Health courses (e.g., health economics, strategic planning, health policy) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.

Curriculum

Students must complete the MPH Core plus 7 credit hours of MPH focus courses for a total of 30 credit hours, in addition to the required DVM curriculum requirements. Twelve credit hours from the DVM curriculum are credited toward the MPH degree, for a total of 42 MPH credit hours.

Online students pay less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the MPH portion of this coordinated degree.

Download Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)

Admission

Students must be admitted to the AUCVM DVM program before being considered for the coordinated MPH/DVM program.

Students who intend to earn a bachelor's degree while enrolled in the DVM program can apply to the coordinated program for the term directly following the awarding of their bachelor's degree. In this case, students can start taking MPH coursework in the semester following the completion of their bachelor's degree and are permitted to include the 12 shared hours.

Students are admitted separately to the MPH and DVM programs. Upon acceptance to the AUCVM DVM program, students will be accepted automatically to the UAB MPH degree program.

• To apply for this degree, you will submit a supplemental application directly through the UAB Graduate School.
• Learn how to apply to the AUCVM DVM program.
• Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Select "MPH dual program" and then the MPH/DVM track. Special instructions:
  • Test score field is required, so enter "GRE" and a date to advance in the application.
  • The reference letter field is also required, so enter three names from the VMCAS application and select “No” when asked if they will be electronic submission.
  • Once the student is admitted to the DVM program, they will be automatically accepted to the MPH portion of the coordinated degree once they submit their application to the UAB Graduate School.
• Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements. Students should meet with the current program manager prior to submitting a petition to switch programs.

Student Spotlight

I chose the DVM/MPH coordinated degree program due to my interest in exploring the integration of public health and veterinary medicine. Veterinarians play a crucial role in maintaining public health through disease prevention, antibiotic stewardship, and food safety inspection. The online format of the MPH program enabled me to complete the coursework around my DVM schedule each week, and I chose to incorporate a zoonotic focus into my projects whenever possible. I especially enjoyed the infectious disease course. Upon graduation, I’m interested in applying what I’ve learned through working for the USDA.
- Blake Branham, MPH (’25), DVM (’27)

Photo by Blake Branham

Contact

For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/DVM program, contact the School of Public Health at soph@uab.edu.

MSPH Concentration in Outcomes Research

Hear from Dr. Theodoros Giannouchos, Program Director of the Master of Science in Public Health: Concentration in Outcomes Research.

Learn more about this degree

Health outcomes are events and consequences resulting from lifestyle choices and living standards, policies, clinical decision making, and interventions at the individual, group, or population level. Scarcity of resources and continuous efforts to improve quality of healthcare provision and subsequent health outcomes have placed increasing emphasis on the development, measurement, and evaluation of public health and clinical recommendations, guidelines, protocols, and policies to solve pressing health issues.

The Master of Science in Public Health with a focus in Outcomes Research is a specialized, multidisciplinary graduate program that prepares students to evaluate and improve the effectiveness, equity, and quality of healthcare provision and systems.

This program is designed for individuals to gain skills in quantitative analytics ranging from measurement of health outcomes, study design, data collection and management, applied statistical modelling, to evaluating the medical-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness between competing alternatives. An important pillar of the program is to equip students with the ability to engage and conduct real-world research, to assess and synthesize evidence and findings, to understand the clinical, societal, economic, and policy implications of health outcomes, and to meaningfully contribute to evidence-based healthcare that improves patient and public health.  Our students include physicians and non-clinicians who want to expand into research to identify trends and associated factors of various health outcomes, and to assess the impact of various healthcare interventions, such as new policies, new treatments or technologies, on health outcomes, considering also both costs and patients’ own preferences.

With healthcare increasingly relying on data to shape decisions, this degree enables graduates to gain practical experience in designing studies, managing real-world data, and developing health outcomes measures, to collaborate with experienced researchers and healthcare professionals and engage in hands-on research projects, and to ultimately contribute to data-driven improvements in healthcare delivery.

Graduates of this track can work in clinical settings, government agencies, managed care organizations, insurance companies, health associations, pharmaceutical firms, and consulting firms analyzing cost effectiveness, utilization, and treatment effectiveness. Graduates of our program have gained employment across the globe at places such as academic medical centers, the Food and Drug Administration or a pharmaceutical company. There is also the option of our dual MSPH/MD program.

Program Requirements

In this program you will develop skills with interesting tools such as SAS, Stata, Treeage and AnyLogic.

Students in this track must complete 42 credit hours. This includes the MSPH Core, concentration requirements, electives and research project. Full-time students generally complete this degree in two years or less (four-to-five semesters). Part-time students may take at least six-to-eight semesters to complete.

Download Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)

Admission

The program is open to students with a bachelor's degree and strong mathematics preparation. Applicants to this program must meet the general admission requirements for the Master of Science in Public Health degree program.

Application Deadlines

The coordinated MPH/MSW: Public Health/Social Work degree program is offered through the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health and the University of Alabama (UA) School of Social Work. Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health. In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH Core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master’s-level Public Health courses (e.g., maternal and child health, program evaluation, health policy) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.

The coordinated MPH/MSW program results in two advanced degrees providing students with management and leadership skills necessary for a broad range of administrative positions; this coordinated degree program also addresses the pressing need for professionally trained social workers. The addition of the MPH degree prepares students for careers specifically focused on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and populations, both locally and globally.

Curriculum

A total of 90 credit hours of coursework are required for the coordinated MPH/MSW program. Normally, 42 credit hours are required for the MPH and 60 credit hours for the MSW; however, because of the coordinated nature of the degrees, 12 credit hours from the MSW curriculum are credited to the MPH This allows students to earn both degrees in reduced time and at reduced cost.

Online students pay less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the MPH portion of this coordinated degree.

Download Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet - TraditionalOpens a PDF.

Download Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet - AdvancedOpens a PDF.

Admission

To apply, students must have at least a bachelor's degree. Students are admitted separately to the MSW and MPH programs. The GRE is not required of MPH or MSW applicants.

• To apply for this degree, you will submit a supplemental application directly through the UAB Graduate School.
• Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Students must apply to the MPH program through the UAB Graduate School. Select "MPH dual degree program" from the drop-down menu. Select "MPH dual program" and then the MSW/MPH track. 
• Students also apply to the MSW program through the UA Graduate School.
• Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements. Students should meet with the current program manager prior to submitting a petition to switch programs.

Application Deadlines

Contact

For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/MSW program contact the UAB School of Public Health via soph@uab.edu.

The coordinated Public Health/Physician Associate Studies (MSPAS) degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) and the UAB School of Health Professions (SHP). Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health. In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master’s-level Public Health courses (e.g., maternal and child health, global health, health policy) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.

Curriculum

Students must complete a total of 32 MPH credit hours in addition to the required MSPAS curriculum requirements. Ten credit hours from the MSPAS curriculum are credited toward the MPH degree, for a total of 42 MPH credit hours. This allows students to earn both degrees in reduced time and at reduced cost.

Online students pay less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the MPH portion of this coordinated degree.

Download Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)

Admission

Students must apply separately to the MPH and MSPAS programs. Upon acceptance to the MSPAS program, dual degree students will be accepted automatically to the MPH degree program.

• To apply for this degree, you will submit a supplemental application directly through the UAB Graduate School.
• Learn how to apply to the MSPAS program.
• Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Students must apply to the MPH program through the UAB Graduate School. Select "MPH dual program" and then the MPH/MSPAS track.
  • Test score field is required, so enter GRE or MCAT and a date to advance in the application.
  • The reference letter field is also required, so enter three names from the CASPA application and select no when asked if they will be electronic submission.
  • Once the student is admitted to the MSPAS program, they will be automatically accepted to the MPH portion of the coordinated degree once they submit their application to the UAB Graduate School.
• Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements. Students should meet with the current program manager prior to submitting a petition to switch programs.

Application Deadline: December 15th

Contact

For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/MSPAS program contact the School of Public Health at soph@uab.edu.

The coordinated Public Health/Health Administration degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health and the UAB School of Health Professions. Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health. In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master’s-level Public Health courses (e.g., health economics, strategic planning, health policy) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.

The coordinated MPH/MSHA program results in two advanced degrees, giving students the management and leadership skills necessary for a broad range of administrative positions in health services organizations, research, government, international health, and private industry. The addition of an MPH to the MSHA degree provides students with a richer perspective on population and global health issues including the epidemiology of disease, health behavior, the impact of environmental and occupational factors on patient health, disease progression, management of disease states, and drug and insurance policy issues, as well as the social, legal and ethical issues affecting patient access to health care.

Curriculum

Normally, 42 credit hours are required for the MPH, however, because of the coordinated nature of the degrees, 12 credit hours from the MSHA curriculum are credited to the MPH. This allows students to earn both degrees in reduced time and at reduced cost.

Online students pay less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the MPH portion of this coordinated degree.

Download Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)

Admission

Students may complete the MPH portion of this coordinated degree program totally online, in class, or through a mix of online and in-class experiences.

To apply, students must have at least a Bachelor’s degree. The GRE is not required for MPH applicants.

Students must apply separately to each program.

Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Students must apply to the MPH program through the UAB Graduate School. Select "Public Health (MPH)" program, then "On-Ground" format, then "Public Health and Health Administration" concentration. SOPH will accept the GMAT in lieu of the GRE for students who wish to strengthen their application by including test scores. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements. Students should meet with the current program manager prior to submitting a petition to switch programs.

Application Deadlines

Student Spotlight

My initial career plan was to be a physician, but while volunteering at a children’s hospital, I began to see the challenges that families face regarding access to care. I decided to pursue UAB's coordinated Health Administration and Public Health (MSHA/MPH) master's degree due to the dual natured approach to business and public health. I saw this as a skillset to address access issues from the top down. I believe my MPH coursework prepared me for the MSHA program, and for an administrative internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Most recently my preceptor for my residency told me that they were excited to bring me on-board because of my MPH background. I feel the two programs compliment each other very well.
- Greg Jenkins, MPH (’24), MHSA (’25)

Photo by Christopher Reid, 2022

Contact

For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/MSHA program contact the School of Public Health at soph@uab.edu.

The coordinated Public Health/Optometry (OD) degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) and the UAB School of Optometry. Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health. In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master’s-level Public Health courses (e.g., maternal and child health, global health, health behavior) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.

Vision disorders and eye diseases are major public health problems, both nationally and internationally. Optometrists with training and experience in public health are needed to assess community needs for vision care services, to determine which factors contribute to treatment and prevention of visual system anomalies, to develop and apply quality assurance systems, to participate and provide leadership in health-related agencies, and to foster public awareness of the need for vision care. The MPH at the UAB School of Public Health prepares students for careers to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and populations, locally and globally. An individual qualified both in optometry and public health is expected to have the capability to:

• develop, administer, and evaluate eye and vision health programs in research projects;
• design and conduct epidemiological field studies;
• use statistical methods in data analysis of case-control and cohort studies;
• develop and implement vision health education programs; and
• develop occupational health and eye safety programs.

Curriculum

Students must complete a total of 30 MPH credit hours in addition to the required OD curriculum requirements. Twelve credit hours from the OD curriculum are credited toward the MPH degree, for a total of 42 MPH credit hours. This allows students to earn both degrees in reduced time and at reduced cost.

Online students pay less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the MPH portion of this coordinated degree.

Download Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet Opens a PDF.

Admission

Students must apply separately to the MPH and OD programs. Upon acceptance to the OD program, students will be accepted automatically to the MPH degree program.

• To apply for this degree, you will submit a supplemental application directly through the UAB Graduate School.
• Learn how to apply to School of Optometry.
• Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Select "MPH dual program" and then the MPH/OD track. Special instructions:
  • Test score field is required, so enter GRE and a date to advance in the application.
  • The reference letter field is also required, so enter three names from the OptomCAS application and select no when asked if they will be electronic submission.
  • Once the student is admitted to the OD program, they will be automatically accepted to the MPH portion of the coordinated degree once they submit their application to the UAB Graduate School.
• Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements. Students should meet with the current program manager prior to submitting a petition to switch programs.

Application Deadlines

Contact

For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/OD program, contact the School of Public Health at soph@uab.edu.