Program Overview

PA & MPH Dual Degree

Introduction

The Physician Assistant Studies & Master of Public Health Dual Degree Program offers students an opportunity to earn a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) in conjunction with training in the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program.

Program Description

The Shenandoah University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program is a graduate entry-level professional course of study that prepares graduates for primary-care practice with emphasis on service to medically underserved populations and the team approach to the delivery of health care. The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is an interdisciplinary graduate degree in public health that provides coursework opportunities for students to obtain broad knowledge and basic skills in public health (PH).

Program Requirements

• The Physician Assistant Studies program courses may not be taken out of sequence.
• Most of the Master of Public Health courses may be taken in any sequence (except for PH 700 and PH 701, which have prerequisites).
• Given the rigor and structure of the PA program, students will complete most of the MPH coursework after completion of Year 3/Fall 3 in the PA program.
• Once the PA coursework is completed, students can continue the MPH coursework on either a full-time or part-time basis.
• For both programs, a passing grade of "C" or better in each course and maintenance of a 3.0 grade-point average is required for satisfactory progression and graduation.

Overlap of Credits Between Programs

• The total credit overlap between the PA and MPH programs is up to nine credits and 13 credits of cost savings.
• The courses and requirements that may overlap are illustrated in the table below.
• The selected overlap aligns with both programs' requirements and also meets accreditation standards for both programs.

Course Sequencing

• The PA program is expected to be a full-time program spanning over the course of 30 months (eight semesters).
• The MPH program requirements are expected to take students an additional two full-time semesters to complete after they finish the PA requirements.
• After completing PA requirements, students do have the option to complete the MPH courses on a part-time basis (with adviser approval).

Benefits of the Dual Degree

• The mission of public health is to improve health outcomes and prevent disease and disability at a population level.
• The PA profession has contributed significantly by promoting public health since its inception.
• The value of earning a public health degree concurrently with PA training is that it provides students with a broader perspective on health and the health system from a population standpoint.
• Dual degree students may possess a more holistic and global perspective on health, the determinants of health, and methods to track changes in health.

Admissions Criteria and Process

• Current PA students should apply no later than the spring semester of their first year.
• Admitted PA students can apply prior to beginning their first year in the PA program, but will not begin MPH coursework until their second year in the PA program.
• Students should follow all application requirements outlined on the Graduate Public Health Admissions site.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates who hold degrees that qualify them as both PAs and public health professionals are well-suited to enter positions in preventative medicine and public health.
• The flexibility to pursue leadership positions in areas such as education, school health, government and non-government work, allows for greater diversification of career choices.
• Additionally, PAs who hold the MPH degree may find increased opportunities for international work.