5-year AB/MPH Program
Mission
The 5-year AB/MPH joint-degree is grounded in the mission of the Brown University Program in Public Health. The program intends to improve population health through:
- research on factors affecting population patterns of disease and injury as well as on factors promoting health and well-being,
- the education of future generations of health researchers and policy makers,
- public service by translating research into effective public policy.
The degree integrates academic, research, and public service programs relevant to population health with links across the Medical School and University academic departments as well as University-based and Hospital-based research centers. The Program in Public Health also provides a critical connection between Brown University and local, state, national governmental, public, and private health entities.
Admission
The 5-year AB/MPH Degree is a rigorous program in professional public health education. As undergraduates in the AB/MPH program, students concentrate in Community Health, must qualify for the Honors Track and successfully complete an Honors Thesis.
Students can apply to the AB/MPH program in the second semester of their sophomore year or during their junior year. Application to the AB/MPH is done through the Graduate School, with review done by the MPH Admissions Committee.
Review by the Admissions Committee of the AB/MPH Program requires not only Honors Track eligibility and the Graduate School application package, but also:
- three letters of recommendation, with at least one from Community Health faculty;
- a personal statement regarding reasons for interest in the program;
- evidence of commitment to public health through previous course work, independent study, employment and/or volunteer experience;
- transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, medical or other professional schools attended.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from January through May.
Ongoing evaluation of student performance in Semesters 5 - 8 will determine continuation in the program. Entrance into the fifth year of the AB/MPH Program can only occur after students complete the requirements for the baccalaureate degree and if they have maintained their Honors status in the concentration. Graduate level courses in the fifth year lead to the Masters thesis and completion of the MPH degree.
Careers and Advanced Study
Upon completion of the AB/MPH program, students will be well-prepared for careers in public health research and practice. Graduates will be familiar with the conduct and interpretation of scientific research related to public health, the delivery of health services, and public health aspects of medical practice. These critical skills can be applied to local, state, national and international health agencies. Graduates should also have excellent backgrounds to enter medical school, doctoral programs in public health or other advanced degree options such as law or public policy.
