MPH/PhD

The coordinated Public Health/Civil Engineering degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) and the UAB School of Engineering (SOE). Earning these two advanced degrees provides students with a foundation for positions in research, government, as well as private industry.

Students in this coordinated program earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD). The PhD program is intended for students who have achieved high levels of scholarship and are capable of conducting independent and original research. Ph.D. students in civil engineering will work closely with faculty in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, but they may also work on interdisciplinary teams with faculty from other UAB departments as well as outside industry. The program offers a broad curriculum covering engineering designs, resilient and sustainable urban development, low carbon and renewable energy systems, green infrastructure, natural resource management, health and livability, transport and mobility, big data analytics, and smart technologies.

In addition to the PhD, students earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Population Health. In this 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 complete environmental health sciences courses focusing on urban health issues including air and water pollution, occupational safety, and assessing and managing environmental risks.

Graduates of this coordinated degree program will conduct research in and create solutions for human habitats that are safe, clean, and sustainable addressing issues such as the growing stressors of energy security, population growth and health, food supply, waste disposal, climate change, and future infrastructure demands.

Curriculum

Two curricula have been developed for this coordinated program, one for students entering with a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) or closely related field and another for students entering without an MSCE, most likely with on a baccalaureate degree in Civil Engineering or closely-related field. The curriculum planning grid and a breakdown of coursework by degree program is attached for both options are attached.

For students entering with an MSCE degree, a total of 81-83 credit hours of coursework are required for the coordinated PhD/MPH. Normally, 42-44 credit hours are required for the MPH; however, because of the coordinated nature of the degree 12 credit hours from the PhD curriculum are credited to the MPH. This allows students to earn both degrees in reduced time and at reduced cost. The PhD program 27 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree, plus a minimum of 24 credit hours of dissertation research.

For students entering without an MSCE degree, a total of 90-92 credit hours of coursework are required for the coordinated PhD/MPH. Normally, 42-44 credit hours are required for the MPH; however, because of the coordinated nature of the degree 12 credit hours from the PhD curriculum are credited to the MPH. Twelve credit hours from the MPH degree are used to meet PhD program requirements. This allows students to earn both degrees in reduced time and at reduced cost. The PhD program requires 48 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree, plus a minimum of 24 credit hours of dissertation research.

Online students pay less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the MPH portion of this coordinated degree.

Download Curriculum Planning Sheet with MSCE (pdf)

Download Curriculum Planning Sheet without MSCE (pdf)

Admission

To apply, students must have at least a bachelor’s degree. The GRE is not required for MPH applicants but may be required for admission into the PhD program. For additional information, contact Kristina Barlow at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Students must apply separately to each program.

• Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Students must apply through the UAB Graduate School.
  • Select "MPH dual program" and then the "MPH/PhD" track. SOPH will accept the GMAT in lieu of the GRE for students who wish to strengthen their application by including test scores.
• Learn how to apply to the School of Engineering. To apply for the PhD, students must apply through the UAB Graduate School.
  • Select "PhD/MPH dual degree program" from the drop down menu. Select "MPH dual program" and then the MPH/PhD track. The School of Engineering will accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT.
• Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student 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/PhD program contact the School of Public Health at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..