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Accelerated Master of Public Health (BS/MPH) | Samford University

Complete both your Bachelor's degree and Master of Public Health in less time with Samford University’s fast-track program. Open to select undergraduate majors, this program prepares you for impactful careers in public health leadership.
accelerated public health students
 
Accelerated MPH
Master of Public Health
Earn your public health bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years

Take the Next Step Learn More

Is This Program for Me?

This accelerated program lets motivated students complete Samford’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Preventative Medicine and Master of Public Health in five years. You’ll move from foundational coursework to advanced graduate training without losing momentum, and you’ll enter the workforce with the competitive edge employers expect.

Eligible Samford majors include sociology, human development and family science, public health and other health sciences. This pathway is designed for students who want to make an impact quickly, and who are ready to step into global public health work with confidence.

Students in the accelerated program will:

  • Begin graduate‑level MPH courses during their senior year
  • Save time and tuition by double‑counting select credits
  • Gain advanced skills in epidemiology, health policy, global health and program evaluation
  • Graduate prepared for leadership roles in health agencies, nonprofits, hospitals and community organizations

What Will I Learn?

Through the program, you’ll build the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to lead in today’s complex public health landscape.

Understand & Apply Epidemiology

Track disease, prevent outbreaks, and design effective health programs and policies.

Use Biostatistics with Confidence

Interpret data, test hypotheses, and explain key concepts like correlation and regression.

Address Health Disparities

Examine public health issues through social and behavioral science frameworks and identifying the factors that drive unequal health outcomes.

Navigate the Policy Landscape

Analyze how social, political, economic, and cultural forces shape health decisions — and use management tools to address organizational challenges.

Evaluate Environmental Health Risks

Understand how pollutants and exposures affect human biology and community health.

Develop Specialized Expertise

In your chosen area of public health, you will practice through applied coursework and hands‑on experiences.
Public Health Female Student
 

What Makes Us Different?

Our program stands apart by combining academic rigor, personalized mentorship and faith centered formation in a collaborative learning environment. Students receive a flexible, purpose driven education designed to prepare them for meaningful service and leadership.

Interprofessional, Team‑Based Learning

Instruction draws on expertise across the School of Public Health and the College of Health Sciences, reflecting a collaborative approach to health care.

Hands‑On Learning

Research, service‑learning, internships and community engagement connect theory to practice and build professional confidence.

Faith‑Integrated Education

Grounded in Christian mission, the program emphasizes compassion, ethical leadership, stewardship, and care for the whole person—mind, body & spirit.

Career Preparation

Samford’s accelerated Master of Public Health prepares students to enter the field with practical experience and the applied skills to navigate complex health challenges and drive meaningful improvements in community health.

Career Support and Experiential Learning

Coursework is paired with hands-on experiences that allow students to apply what they learn in meaningful settings.

  • Faculty-guided academic and professional mentorship
  • A required applied practice experience or internship aligned with career interests
  • Opportunities to engage in program planning, implementation, evaluation and research
  • Connections with community partners and public health organizations

Students complete applied work in settings such as local health departments, nonprofit organizations and global health initiatives, gaining experience that reflects the breadth of the public health field.

Career Pathways and Alumni Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for roles across the public health landscape, including:

  • Public health education and outreach
  • Program management and evaluation
  • Epidemiology and research support
  • Health care and nonprofit leadership
  • Global and community health initiatives

Alumni pursue careers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and health systems, or continue their education in advanced clinical and professional programs.

Admission Process and Requirements

Students must first be admitted to Samford University. To apply, go to samford.edu/admission. Students must then meet the following requirements:

Entering Requirements

  • Submit an approval form
  • Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Complete all convocation credit by the end of their junior year 

Transcript(s)

Transcripts are considered official only when sent directly from the issuing institution to Samford University. We require official transcript(s) from all previously attended undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate institutions.

Transcripts may be submitted in the following ways:

  • Email (Preferred):Transcripts may be sent electronically from the institution to admission@samford.edu.
  • Electronic Services:Transcripts may also be sent through authorized electronic transcript services such as:
    • National Student Clearinghouse
    • Parchment
    • Scrip-Safe
    • Or any other secure electronic transcriptdelivery service
      Please select Samford University as the recipient during the ordering process.
  • Mail:If electronic delivery is not available, official transcripts may be mailed to:
    Samford University
    Office of Admission
    800 Lakeshore Drive
    Birmingham, AL 35229

Progression Requirements

  • Must earn B’s or better in all Master of Public Health courses to be admitted into the graduate program

Process:

Step One: Submit an Interest Form

If you are interested in pursuing this accelerated program, we ask that you submit an interest form and contact akustos@samford.edu to set up an appointment to meet with our admission staff. It is important that you fill out the interest form as soon as possible, so that we can help you stay on track with the courses you'll need in order to participate in the program.

Step Two: Complete an Approval Form

During your junior year, you will be required to fill out the approval form in order to request permission to enroll in Master of Public Health courses during your senior year.

Application Information

Freshman applications for next fall are open.
Freshman Early Action applications close November 1st.
The freshman first scholarship deadline is December 1st.
Transfer applications for the spring semester close Dec. 15.
Freshman FAFSA priority and scholarship deadlines are Feb. 15.
Decision day is coming! Freshman applications for fall enrollment close May 1st.
Transfer applications for fall enrollment close July 1st.
Freshman applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open August 1st.
Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open September 1st.
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Samford University  »  School of Public Health  »  Public Health  »  Public Health, Fast-track (BS/MPH)
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Samford University,
800 Lakeshore Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35229
      
205-726-2011

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