Dual Degree Program DPT/MSPH
Dual degree program in Physical Therapy and Public Health /Maternal and Child Health (DPT/MSPH)
A cooperative arrangement between the Division of Physical Therapy in the Department of Allied Health Sciences and the Maternal and Child Health Department in the School of Public Health facilitates the pursuit of DPT/MSPH. Students complete at least 102 required credits in Physical Therapy and 34 required credits for the MSPH in Maternal and Child Health with an additional 8 credits eligible for dual credit based upon approvals by both degree programs. The program includes the 3-year core curriculum required for all DPT students as well as completion of the core courses required of all Master’s students in public health. In addition, candidates must complete courses specific to the MSPH degree in the Department of MCH.
The dual degree program with Public Health focuses on population practice as it prepares physical therapy students for program planning, management and evaluation, policy development, and advocacy in maternal and child health. Students enrolled in this program register for courses through the Division of Physical Therapy in the first and second years and jointly through the School of Public Health and the Division of Physical Therapy in their third and fourth years. Students work with the Maternal and Child Health Department of the School of Public Health and the Division of Physical Therapy to plan the field experience during the third year. Each Dual Degree student’s third year summer field placement in MCH will focus on physical therapy services in a public health setting with an expanded emphasis on policy and/or program development and evaluation.
Applicants to the dual degree program must apply for admission separately to the UNC Division of Physical Therapy in Department of Allied Health Sciences, and the Department of Maternal and Child Health in UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health. Physical therapy students may apply for admission to the Department of Maternal and Child Health (MSPH/DPT program) during the first or second year of the DPT program, following the January 1 application process. Decisions on admissions are made separately by the Division of Physical Therapy’s and the Department of Maternal and Child Health's admissions committees. Each fall the schools hold an information session to provide more details about the program and the application process.
For more information about the MPH and MSPH degrees: http://www.sph.unc.edu/mch/degrees_and_certificates_240_609.html#MPH