The coordinated Public Health/Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 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.
This pairing of UAB's competitive, rigorous DPT program with our highly respected public health experts and curriculum ensures that you’ll graduate with a broad understanding of not only how physical therapy can transform the health of individuals but also larger groups and communities. Physical therapists have played a longstanding role in public health. Advances in medical knowledge, increased attention to chronic conditions, and the recognized importance of physical and psychosocial factors to the health of populations, have led to increased demand for physical therapists by public health organizations. Serving as connectors within communities due to the broad scope of their practice, physical therapists are uniquely poised to become leaders in health promotion, advocates for policy change, and champions of holistic care.
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.
Students must complete a total of 30 MPH credit hours in addition to the required DPT curriculum requirements. Twelve credit hours from the DPT 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 DPT programs. Upon acceptance to the DPT program, coordinated degree students will be accepted automatically to the MPH degree program.
- Learn how to apply to the DPT program.
- Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Students must apply to the MPH program through the UAB Graduate School.
Special Instructions
Select "Public Health (MPH)" program, then "On-Ground" format, then "Public Health and Physical Therapy" concentration. Once admitted to the DPT program, you will be automatically accepted to the MPH portion of the coordinated degree after submitting your application to the UAB Graduate School and their eligibility status is confirmed with the DPT program. - If a student switches into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree from a different degree program, you 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.
Contact
For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/DPT program, contact the School of Public Health at soph@uab.edu.