Accelerated BSPH–MPH

Fast-track your master's degree in public health to become the next champion of public and population health

The accelerated BSPH–MPH program allows high-performing public health majors the opportunity to earn your master’s degree through the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health Master of Public Health (MPH) program in just five years.

This program is one year less than the traditional six-year path of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree, saving time and money and giving you the specialized skills and experience needed to be the next champion of public and population health.

This accelerated program combines the foundations of public health (of the BSPH program) with the public health systems, academic theory, research and real-world experience of the MPH degree.

Plan of study

You will complete three years of bachelor’s degree requirements. During your third year, you will apply for the accelerated program. If accepted into the accelerated program, you will complete your first year of MPH coursework in the Interdisciplinary Public Health Studies concentration, during what would have been your fourth year of undergraduate study.

That MPH coursework takes the place of your final BSPH required courses. You will then graduate with your bachelor’s degree in the summer after your first year in the MPH program.

Year One	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year Two	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year Three	Bachelor’s degree courses
Year Four	Master’s degree courses (replaces final BSPH requirements)
End of Year Four	Graduate with BSPH degree
Year Five	Graduate degree courses
End of Year Five	Graduate with MPH degree

Curriculum

You will be expected to follow the set curriculum of the MPH program if admitted. As a part of this curriculum, you will complete the public health core courses during year four. In year five, you 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.

Please note: Year four and year five require part-time enrollment (nine credits per semester). 21st Century Scholars and Honors College applicants should consult FSPH academic advising to discuss full-time enrollment options.

Eligibility

The accelerated program is a competitive opportunity for outstanding public health students. To be eligible, you must have a minimum cumulative IU GPA of 3.5 at the time of your application to the MPH program.

Prior to the start of your senior year, you must have all, but the following five classes (15 credits) completed for your BSPH degree. The classes below will be replaced with MPH courses taken the first year of the MPH program/last year of the BSPH program.

Public Health major elective (3 cr)
Public Health major elective (3 cr)
Public Health major elective (3 cr)
Public Health major elective (3 cr)
PBHL-P 491 Public Health Capstone (3 cr)

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

You are strongly encouraged to meet with your academic advisor early to begin planning. Please visit our advising page for complete instructions on how to schedule an appointment with your advisor.

When to apply

You will submit your application during the spring semester of your junior year, no later than the March 1 deadline. If accepted, you will matriculate into the MPH program during the fall semester of your senior year.

How to apply

You should complete the application in the spring semester of your junior year by the application deadline.

Accelerated application form

Accelerated application form example

Personal statement

Your personal statement should answer the following five questions in a concise and well-written short answer format. Responses to each question should not exceed 100 words (500 words total for all five questions).

Where did your interest in public health originate?
Why are you interested in the Fairbanks School of Public Health?
Which MPH concentrations are you pursuing and why?
What do you think you might be doing professionally five years from now? Please list two possibilities.
What do you think are the most pressing public health issues at this time?

Résumé

Please include your résumé with your application.

Letters of recommendation

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation. These letters should come from a professional source. The letter should provide an unbiased assessment of your abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses.

Examples of acceptable letter writers include internship supervisors, part-time or full-time job supervisors, or faculty for whom you've served as a teaching assistant or research assistant.

All letters will need to be submitted by the writer to Ms. Cher Pearcy at chepearc@iu.edu by the application deadline.

Interview

Interviewees are invited at the discretion of the admission committee.

International applicants

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health requires applicants whose native language is not English or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions to prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Scores must be under two years old.

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: March 1

Need more information?

If you have questions about admissions at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, we encourage you to contact Student Success at (317) 274-2000 to speak with one of our admissions advisors. You are encouraged to meet with your academic advisor early to begin planning. Or, if you prefer, email your questions to us at fsphinfo@iu.edu.