The DPT/MPH program is designed to prepare outstanding physical therapy clinicians, versed in public health. Graduates will be leaders in preventative health care and capable of addressing public health issues on an individual or societal level. This dual degree adds an additional year so that students graduate with both degrees within four years.
After admission into the DPT program, students interested in the DPT/MPH dual‑degree option may submit an application with additional requirements for consideration of admission. There is a cap of 2 students per year for acceptance into the DPT/MPH dual‑degree option.
Admissions Overview
Application Requirements
Students interested in the combined DPT/MPH option must first be accepted for admittance into the DPT program. Students interested in the DPT/MPH program must be in good academic standing with the DPT program and have the support of the Director for Student Affairs to apply.
Application Deadlines
All applications for the DPT/MPH dual degree option are due by March 1st and will be reviewed by the MPH Program Director. The DPT Director of Faculty and Student Affairs and the Director of the MPH program will notify students accepted into the DPT/MPH dual degree by April 1st. Enrollment into the MPH portion of the DPT/MPH dual degree option will occur during the second year of the DPT program. For more information about the application, click here.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition and fees vary based on the year in which the student is enrolled in the DPT/MPH dual degree program and whether you are a Maryland state resident. Students will pay DPT tuition when enrolled in DPT courses and MPH tuition when enrolled in MPH courses. See Tuition and Fees for DPT Program and MPH Program.
Curriculum
Throughout the curriculum, specific course content is determined by the goals and threads of the curricular plan, feedback from clinicians and students, the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, current literature on physical therapy teaching and practice, and competencies specified in the Associations of Schools of Public Health, Education Committee Report, Master's Degree in Public Health Core Competency Development project.
Advancement Criteria
The student is required to successfully complete the following for advancement:
- Meets all criteria outlined for academic advancement in the DPT program.
- Meets all criteria outlined for academic advancement in the MPH program.
Graduation Requirements
The student is required to successfully complete the following before graduation:
- All required DPT and MPH didactic courses
- All required Clinical Experiences
- MPH Capstone Project
Goals & Outcomes
In addition to all DPT program Goals & Outcomes, the DPT/MPH option includes the following goals and outcomes:
Program Goals
- Prepare students to apply and integrate classroom training in a public health practice environment. The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science will collaborate with the Department of Epidemiology to provide MPH core and concentration courses
- Expand the students’ ability to infuse a population health perspective into critical analysis of health issues. The dual-degree option will ensure mentorship for a public health capstone project
Student Goals
- Integrate evidence and demonstrate critical thinking to support public health. 100% of the students will successfully complete a capstone experience on a supervised project in their area of specialization. A three-year average of 50% of completed capstone projects eligible for publication
Graduate Goals
- Participate in service and / or professional activities that advance the profession of public health. A three-year average of 50% of graduates will engage in a governance committee within the public health venue on a 6-month graduate outcome survey.
- Graduates will infuse population health perspective into their professional careers. A three-year average of 50% of respondents will report strongly agree or agree to infusing population health into their career on a 6-month graduate outcome survey.
Graduate Outcomes
This is pending due to student outcome data not being available until the first class graduates.
DPT/MPH Contact
Diane Marie St. George, PhD
MPH Program Director
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health
University of Maryland School of Medicine
John Eager Howard Hall
660 West Redwood Street, 102C
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-0206
dstgeorg@epi.umaryland.edu
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is accredited by the CAPTE.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Tel: 703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Web: www.capteonline.org