Master of Public Health, Epidemiology Emphasis (MPH)

In collaboration with the Office of Public Health Studies, the Global Environmental Science (GES) program offers a combined Bachelor of Science in Global Environmental Science and Master of Public Health, Epidemiology Emphasis (MPH) pathway that helps students earn both degrees in an accelerated timeframe. This pathway allows GES students to earn eleven (11) graduate-level credits that apply to the MPH degree, in addition to the nine (9) upper-division credits that will be double-counted towards both GES and MPH degrees in their senior year. Once in the MPH program, after graduating with their GES BS degree, students take the remaining 22 credits necessary to complete the MPH degree.

BAM pathway guidelines:

  • Minimum Credits: A minimum of 153 credits total is required for both degrees, including 42 credits of MPH degree coursework (inclusive of thesis or capstone credits).
  • Double Counting: The following courses (nine total credits) will be double-counted for both GES and MPH degrees: PH 655, 663, 664. To be double counted, these courses must be:
    • Passed with a grade of B or better; and
    • Taken at UHM (not transferred in from another university) and while as an undergraduate
  • Eligibility (Gateway Course): PH 310 is the “gateway” course that determines eligibility for the pathway and which must be passed with a minimum grade of B to be considered for this pathway.
  • Application: Interested candidates must submit the Graduate Admissions Application and fee as well as all required program admission materials in the fall semester of their junior year (December 1).
    • Students must notify GES and the MPH program of their intent to apply for this pathway.
    • Accepted pathway applicants will not be required to take the GRE.
  • Pathway Admission: Once accepted, students will be dually-enrolled in GES and MPH in the fall semester of their senior year and begin the double-counted coursework (PH 655, 663, and 664) at the undergraduate tuition rate. Pathway students are considered dual program students.
    • An overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (upon graduation with the GES degree) is required to apply for and continue in the MPH program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: The GES degree is conferred after successful completion of all required GES coursework, including meeting the minimum upper division credit requirement (currently 45 credits) for the undergraduate degree (ideally in the 8th semester).
  • Graduate Enrollment: Pathway students begin their 9th semester as graduate students in the MPH program and complete semesters 9 and 10 at the graduate tuition rate.
    • Continuous enrollments after conferral of the bachelor’s degree is required (unless on approved leave of absence (LOA) after the first semester as a graduate student).
    • If the baccalaureate degree is not conferred, graduate status will be inactivated and the student may not continue to take courses applicable to the graduate program.
  • Leave of Absence (LOA): Until the bachelor’s degree is conferred, pathway students should follow the undergraduate procedures to request a LOA, if needed. Graduate students, once classified, must be enrolled for at least one semester before becoming eligible for a LOA.
  • Undergraduate Excess Credit Policy: GES undergraduate seniors earn eleven (11) total credits (PH 600, 656, 658, and 681) toward the MPH degree (but not towards the GES degree) by completing those courses during the final two semesters as an undergraduate student. These credits would be in addition to the double-counted credits identified in the pathway. These graduate courses are in excess of the GES degree requirements.

Advising:

Interested and eligible pathway students will need to be advised appropriately throughout this process by both GES and MPH for their respective degree requirements.

Office of Public Health Contacts: Faculty Advisor Dr. Eric Hurwitz | Student Services

Compare all GES Bachelor’s and Master’s pathways here.

Updated November 4, 2022.