If you want to develop expertise in the fields of public health and business administration, then you might consider earning an MPH MBA dual degree.
While healthcare and management can act as two separate career tracks, they can also complement each other tremendously. Earning these two degrees together can often allow you to finish them sooner than if you were to complete them individually.
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An MBA/MPH dual-degree program can help you advance your qualifications for business opportunities as well as leadership opportunities in the public health sector.
MPH MBA Dual Degree Programs
An MPH MBA dual degree program brings together two prestigious graduate degrees: a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
With MPH MBA dual degree programs, the curriculum for both the MPH and the MBA are integrated, so you’ll generally take classes for both degrees at the same time. Since some coursework may overlap between the two degrees, it’s often quicker to earn both degrees in a dual program rather than individually.
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An MPH MBA dual degree involves rigorous training in leadership combined with a strong foundation in planning and administering public health systems. Graduates can emerge with an in-depth knowledge of how healthcare works along with a more generalized exposure to fundamental business concepts, such as finance and operations management.
What Is an MPH Degree?
A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate degree that focuses on improving the health of entire communities, societies, and populations.
You can receive training in analyzing health trends, conducting research, planning health policies and programs, and raising awareness about challenges such as chronic disease and climate change. An MPH is considered interdisciplinary because it encompasses scientific methods as well as topics like sociology and organizational management.
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Many professionals enter management-level roles after earning their MPH, so it can also help pave the way for more career opportunities.
What Is an MBA in Public Health?
While a traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) delves into general management, an MBA in Public Health is specifically geared toward leadership in healthcare businesses and organizations.
For example, many students in this type of program are health professionals looking for additional training in how to run organizations. An MBA in Public Health program will likely include classes on business processes and frameworks. Your studies could also delve into the unique opportunities and challenges of the healthcare field.
Public Health Careers and Salaries
Jobs in the healthcare industry are expected to increase by 13% over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Professionals with a graduate degree in public health work in a variety of settings. For instance, some work in healthcare institutions, private companies, healthcare centers, or government agencies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of some common professions that are related to public health or business administration.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Hospitals |
$119,450 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Government | $117,000 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Offices of Physicians |
$98,230 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Statisticians | $95,570 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $83,550 |
| Epidemiologists | $78,830 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
Salaries can vary based on a number of factors, such as location, industry, and level of experience and seniority. Many of these public health professions are expected to grow faster than average. Statisticians For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 28% job growth for medical and health services managers over the next ten years.
Joint MPH/MBA Curriculum & Courses
A joint MPH MBA degree program features a balanced mix of public health and business courses. Since the curriculum of both degrees is integrated, it usually involves fewer courses than if you were to complete both degrees separately.
Here are some classes that commonly appear in joint MPH MBA programs:
- Environment and Health: This course explores how environmental factors affect the wellbeing of individuals and communities and how illness and injury from environmental hazards can be prevented.
- Public Health Policies: You’ll dive into the healthcare system as a whole and study how to assess and develop policies for improving health.
- Statistical Methods in Public Health: This course focuses on analyzing and interpreting public health data using statistical concepts such as probability, hypothesis tests, and confidence intervals.
- Public Health Leadership: This course dives into the organization and management of healthcare facilities, from team development to costs and financing.
- Principles of Epidemiology: You’ll study the causes, distribution, and prevention of infectious diseases and other health conditions that are found across communities.
- Accounting and Financial Reporting: This course teaches you how to make strategic management decisions based on a company’s costs and finances.
- Managerial Economics: This course delves into how market forces affect organizations and how managers can take advantage of these for long-term growth.
- Corporate Finance: You’ll examine financial and investing issues in companies, such as business valuation, capital budgeting, corporate control, and real estate financial markets.
- Marketing Strategy: You’ll learn how to design and implement marketing efforts in an organization. You’ll also get to apply marketing principles, such as digital marketing and consumer psychology, to case studies and projects.
- Operations Management: In this course, you’ll assess business and manufacturing processes from start to finish and find ways to improve both efficiency and quality.
MPH/MBA students are also typically required to complete an internship or work on a hands-on project so they can apply what they’ve learned.
Dual MBA/MPH Programs Advantages and Disadvantages
When considering a dual MPH/MBA degree, it’s beneficial to be aware of some of the pros and cons. Here are some advantages of dual MPH/MBA programs:
- Career advancement. Holding these two graduate degrees may impress potential employers. You can also gain knowledge and skill sets that can potentially increase your income.
- Leadership opportunities. These graduate programs can help qualify you to enter senior, managerial, or entrepreneurial roles.
- More flexible career options. You’ll likely have access to more diverse career paths with these two graduate degrees that cover complementary but distinct specializations.
On the other hand, here are some of the main disadvantages:
- Heavy course load. The workload for a dual MPH/MBA program can be quite heavy since you’re earning two degrees. It usually takes more time than the average graduate degree to finish.
- Competitive admissions process. As dual degree programs gain more popularity, the admissions process becomes more competitive. You’ll generally submit two applications, one to the public health department and one to the business department.
- Longer completion time. While earning two degrees in a dual program is quicker than earning two degrees separately, a dual degree program still takes longer to complete than a single graduate degree.
Thinking about these factors may help you decide whether or not pursuing a dual MPH/MBA degree is right for you.
MBA MPH Dual Degree Admissions Requirements
MPH MBA programs tend to be more rigorous with their admissions. In many schools, you’ll have to apply to each program separately and get accepted into both.
The admissions process can vary from school to school, but here are some common application requirements:
- Academic transcripts. This serves as proof that you graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Schools will also likely look at your GPA.
- Recommendation letters. It’s standard for graduate programs to ask for recommendation letters from both academic and professional sources.
- CV or Resume. To qualify for an MBA, you usually need to have at least 2 years of work experience.
- Statement of purpose. Many programs want to know your ambitions and what you hope to gain from their program.
Some programs may also ask for GRE or GMAT scores, though a growing number of schools are no longer requiring them.
Combined MBA/MPH Programs Accreditation
When choosing an MPH MBA program, school accreditation can be a major factor to consider. If a graduate school is accredited, it means that their classes and teaching practices are regularly reviewed by experts and found to meet quality standards.
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To check which schools have regional accreditation, you can look at the database of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). There’s also programmatic accreditation, where programs receive specific accreditation. Some organizations that give accreditation to MBA and MPH programs are the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Council on Education for Public Health.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MPH-MBA Programs
Multiple forms of financial aid are available for graduate students who qualify. To apply for government-funded grants and loans, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can also determine your eligibility for federal work-study programs, where you may pursue part-time jobs while studying.
Another option is to explore scholarship opportunities from schools and organizations. Some examples include the Winston Scholarship, the Freemont Foundation Scholarship, and scholarships from the Medical Group Management Association. Most schools have a list of scholarships that you might be able to apply for. These are typically based on merit or academic achievement as well as financial need.
MPH vs. MBA, Which Is Better?
Both MPH and MBA programs can be very rewarding depending on your goals, interests, and choice of school.
- Master of Business Administration: An MBA is a more generalist degree, in the sense that you gain exposure to different industries. The emphasis of this degree is on business management.
- Master of Public Health: An MPH is very much focused on the healthcare field. It will also have more classes on science, research, and statistics. Public health professionals often work directly with communities or focus on policymaking.
Common applicants to a dual MPH MBA degree program include healthcare professionals who want formal management training as well as entrepreneurs looking to explore the health and wellness industries.
Can You Get an MBA and an MPH at the Same Time?
Similar to MBA and MSW dual degree programs, it is possible to get MBA and MPH degrees at the same time, but it depends on the school. Some schools don’t have an integrated dual programs, making it necessary to pursue both degrees separately while coordinating with the respective business and public health departments.
Not all schools will allow this, and they may even recommend that you pursue the degrees one after the other instead of at the same time. It’s much more efficient to pursue a dual degree program that combines an MBA and an MPH, which more schools are already offering. This also enables you to take fewer classes than if you were to pursue both degrees separately.
What Can You Do with an MPH/MBA Dual Degree?
An MPH/MBA dual degree can equip you for a variety of senior or leadership roles. The most standard track for graduates is to pursue senior positions in the healthcare industry.
Some graduates work at clinics, hospitals, private medical groups, and international health agencies, just to name a few. Depending on their focus area, they might become epidemiologists, healthcare managers, clinic directors, or public health consultants.
Even if you take on a more unconventional career, the leadership and organizational skills you can pick up in a MPH MBA dual degree program can be beneficial and applicable in a variety of industries.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Joint MBA MPH Program?
Most master’s degrees consist of between 30 credits and 60 credits, which can generally be completed in 1 to 2 years with full-time enrollment. Because a joint MBA MPH program is a dual degree, it requires more credit hours, usually ranging from 50 credits to 80 credits. The average time it takes to finish is around 2 to 3 years.
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Some schools allow you to pursue accelerated programs. While the workload will often be heavier, you may be able to finish it in less time. On the other hand, you can also opt for a part-time arrangement. This might extend your completion time, but it can also be easier to juggle your academics with other commitments.
What’s the Difference Between an MHA vs. MBA?
You may be considering whether to apply for a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Here are some distinctions between the two:
- MHA: An MHA helps train students for executive and leadership roles specifically in the healthcare field. The case studies, examples, and projects included in the coursework will all be related to the healthcare industry.
- MBA: An MBA has a more diverse approach to management and business administration training. You can study a wide variety of industries, and there will also be more of an emphasis on marketing.
While an MHA is directly applicable to the healthcare field, there are also MBA programs that offer specializations in healthcare administration.
Is a Joint MBA/MPH Worth It?
Yes, a joint MBA/MPH is worth it for many professionals. The healthcare sector is growing rapidly, and medical and health services managers are projected to see 28% job growth over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Overall, healthcare occupations are anticipated to see 13% job growth.
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It’s one of the fastest growing industries around, and having an MBA/MPH joint-degree can help equip and qualify you for leadership roles. Common careers in this field include healthcare directors, pharmaceutical managers, and hospital administrators. A dual MBA MPH also exposes you to other business industries, so you can explore positions outside of healthcare as well.
Universities Offering MPH and MBA Dual Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online, on campus, or in a hybrid format.
Benedictine University offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health dual degree program. It can be completed online and requires students to finish 24 credit hours and an internship to graduate. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and a letter of intent when applying.
Benedictine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Boston University offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health dual degree program. Students must complete 82 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must submit an admissions essay along with their application and complete a virtual interview. GMAT and GRE test scores are not required but are accepted for consideration.
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Campbell University offers a dual degree program for a Master of Science in Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. Students must complete 71 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must submit GRE or GMAT test scores and have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to be eligible for the program. Acceptance into both programs must be obtained separately.
Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Case Western Reserve University offers an online dual degree program for those interested in a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health. The program can typically be completed in 2.5 years and requires 78 credit hours to graduate. Those interested in the program must apply to and be accepted into both programs.
Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Claremont Graduate University offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. Students may also add one of six concentrations to their degree. The program can typically be completed in 3 years of full-time study. Those interested in the program must get into contact with the school’s administration representative.
Claremont Graduate University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Columbia University offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health. Students must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours over the course of two semesters to graduate. Applicants must be accepted into the business degree program and be working toward their MBA before applying to the public health program.
Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Dartmouth College offers a dual degree program for those interested in a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health degree. The program typically takes 2 years to complete and requires students to complete a summer internship. Applicants must be eligible for both programs and need to submit GRE or GMAT test scores for both applications.
Dartmouth College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
DePaul University offers a Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration dual degree program. To graduate, students must complete 26 credit hours, a nine month practicum, and a capstone thesis project. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, GMAT or GRE test scores, two letters of recommendation, and two personal essays.
DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Emory University offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health dual degree program. Students who begin the program through the business school will need to complete five semesters to graduate. Applicants must have approximately five years of work experience and submit GMAT or GRE test scores, an admissions essay, and recommendations.
Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
John Hopkins University offers a dual degree program for those interested in a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. The program can typically be completed in 2 years and includes a summer internship. Applicants must submit their applications to the School of Public Health. Any questions may be submitted to the school’s admissions team.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Rutgers University offers a dual degree for a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. Students must complete 84 credit hours to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit GMAT or GRE test scores with their applications. Both degree programs must be applied to.
Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Stony Brook University offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health dual degree program. Students must complete 81 credit hours to graduate. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and need to submit copies of their official transcripts from all schools attended and three letters of recommendation.
Stony Brook University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University at Buffalo offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. To graduate, students must complete 48 credit hours, including an internship. Those interested in the program must submit an application and GMAT test scores to both programs.
The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Alabama—Birmingham offers a Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration dual degree program. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours. Those interested in the program must have an undergraduate degree. While the Master of Public Health does not require GRE test scores, test scores are required for the Master of Business Administration.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arizona offers a dual degree program for those interested in both a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. The program may be further customized by adding a concentration. A minimum of 78 credit hours are required to graduate. Applicants must apply online with official transcripts.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of California—Berkeley offers a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health dual degree. The program can typically be completed in 2.5 years and allows students to complete an internship. Those interested in the program need to submit an application to the Master of Business Administration degree program and must have 5 years of work experience.
The University of California – Berkeley is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges.
The University of Georgia has a dual degree program for those interested in both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health. Students must complete 68 credit hours, including a summer internship, to graduate. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, transcripts, two admissions essays, and their self-reported GMAT or GRE test scores.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Illinois—Chicago offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health dual degree program. Students must complete 58 credit hours to graduate. Those interested in the program must apply to both the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Public Health degree programs.
The University of Illinois – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Michigan offers a Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration dual degree program. Students must complete a total of 90 credit hours to graduate. Admission to both degree programs is required to pursue the dual degree. Students that have already earned a Master of Health Services Administration, a Master of Public Health, or a Master of Business Administration are not eligible.
The University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Nebraska—Omaha offers a dual degree program for a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health. A total of 63 semester hours are needed to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit an application for both the Master of Business Administration program and the Master of Public Health program.
UNO is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill offers a Master of Business Administration dual degree program with the option to add a Master of Science in Public Health. The program can typically be completed in 3 years. Applicants must submit GRE or GMAT test scores and have five years of work experience to be eligible for the program.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Texas—San Antonio offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health dual degree program. To graduate, students must complete 57 credit hours. Applicants must submit two letters of reference, a personal statement, official transcripts, and a current resume.
The University of Texas at San Antonio is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Toledo offers a dual degree program for those interested in both a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. Students must complete a total of 57 credit hours to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must apply and be admitted into both programs separately.
The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Virginia offers an online dual degree program for a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health. The program can typically be completed in 5 years and includes summer courses. To pursue the dual degree, applicants must first enroll in the Master of Public Health Program before applying to the Master of Business Administration.
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Yale University offers a dual degree program for those interested in both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health. Students may choose to complete the program in 3 years or take the Intensive Track, which can potentially be completed in 2 years. Applicants must be accepted into both programs to pursue the dual degree.
Yale University is accredited by NECHE.
Getting Your MPH MBA Dual Degree Online
If you’re interested in pursuing an MPH MBA dual degree, you actually have several program options to choose from.
Instead of having to physically go to a campus, you can opt to earn your MPH MBA dual degree online. With the current emphasis on distance learning and remote work, more schools than ever are now offering accredited business degrees online that pair with public health degrees online.
If you’re driven to lead and passionate about making a difference in healthcare, you may want to explore the various MPH MBA dual master’s degree programs online from accredited universities.
