The DPT-MPH is a dual degree consisting of both the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees. Physical therapy practice has traditionally been seen as rehabilitation or tertiary prevention. In the evolving healthcare environment, physical therapy practice is expanding into primary and secondary prevention activities. As physical therapists’ roles and responsibilities have increased, so have their educational needs and desires. The combined DPT-MPH degree will enable future physical therapists to become leaders in health care policy and impact healthcare and public health in innovative ways.
About the DPT-MPH
Emory University is excited to offer one of the few DPT-MPH dual degree programs in the country. Through a unique collaboration between the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the Rollins School of Public Health, students earn the dual degrees in four years rather than the usual five years if the degrees are earned separately. Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)/ Master of Public Health (MPH) program will learn to be strong leaders in preventative health care, as well as effective therapists following a public health crisis.
Curriculum
The DPT/MPH program is four years in length consisting of 144 semester credit hours. Students spend their first two years in the DPT program, developing a strong foundation in the basic and clinical science, with an emphasis on movement and movement dysfunction. In their third academic year, students focus on the MPH degree, enrolling at Rollins.
The DPT program requires nine semesters of training including courses and clinical rotations. Departments and academic programs participating in the DPT/MPH dual degree program are behavioral sciences and health education, epidemiology, global health, global epidemiology, and health policy and management.
- Years one, two, and four are spent in the DPT program
- Year three is spent at Rollins (minimum 32 credit hours)
Admission Requirements
- Students must apply to and be accepted into each school separately in order to be eligible for a dual degree.
- All applications to Rollins are completed through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS).
- Visit the Rollins School of Public Health website for instructions on applying.
- Visit the MD and Public Health Dual Degree page, for instructions on applying.