Program Overview

Accelerated BS/BA in Biology - MPH Program

The IU Indianapolis Accelerated BA or BS in Biology to Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed for students who want to fast-track their education and pursue a career that bridges biology and public health. This program allows students to earn both a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in public health (MPH) in just five years, rather than the typical six or more.

Plan of Study

Students will spend their first three years completing their bachelor's degree requirements. During the spring of their third year, they will apply for the accelerated MPH program. If accepted into the accelerated program, they will complete their first year of MPH coursework along with select bachelor's degree courses during their fourth year. A portion of the MPH coursework fulfills a portion of their B.A. or B.S. in Biology coursework, allowing them to graduate with their bachelor's degree in the summer after their first year in the MPH program. During their fifth year, they will complete the remaining MPH courses, allowing them to graduate with their MPH in the spring of their fifth year.

• Year 1: Bachelor's degree courses
• Year 2: Bachelor's degree courses
• Year 3: Bachelor's degree courses
• Year 4: Master's degree courses + select bachelor's degree courses
• End of Year 4: Graduate with biology degree (BA or BS)
• Year 5: Master's degree courses
• End of Year 5: Graduate with MPH degree

Curriculum

Students will be expected to follow the MPH set curriculum if admitted. As part of this curriculum, they will complete the public health core courses along with select undergraduate courses during year four. In year five, they have the option to continue with the interdisciplinary public health studies concentration or declare a specific concentration: Epidemiology, Social & Behavioral Sciences, or Health Policy & Management.

Eligibility

The accelerated program is a competitive opportunity for outstanding biology students. To be eligible, students must have a minimum cumulative IU cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the time of their application to the MPH program. Prior to the start of their senior year, they must have the following five classes (15 credits) remaining for their B.A. or B.S. in Biology degree:

• BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
• BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
• BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
• BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)
• BA/BS Biology open elective (3 cr.) (fulfilled by MPH course)

Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee admission. All elements of the application, including letters of recommendation, scores, GPA, resume, interview, and personal statement, will be taken into consideration.

Application Requirements

• Personal statement: answering five specific questions in a concise and well-written short answer format
• Résumé
• Letters of recommendation: three letters from professional sources
• Interview: if applicable

International Applicants

International applicants whose native language is not English or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions must prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. The preferred minimum English language test scores for admission to the Fairbanks School of Public Health are:

• Internet-based TOEFL: minimum score of 92
• Computer-based TOEFL: minimum score of 263
• Paper-based TOEFL: minimum score of 620
• IELTS (total band score): minimum score of 7

Application Deadline

The deadline for the accelerated BS/BA Biology-MPH application is March 1. Students are strongly encouraged to apply during the spring semester of their junior year.