If you are a registered nurse who wants to make a difference in healthcare and public health, pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program may be your ticket to a successful career. The MSN MPH positions graduates for leadership and administrative roles in both fields.
The dual MSN MPH degree program promises to be a valuable step to expand nurses’ professional roles by increasing knowledge and skills in both nursing and public health. This dual focus and training prepares nurses for a wide range of roles as a public health nurse. This rigorous academic pursuit can take from two years of full-time study up to seven years if taken part-time. Job candidates with this dual MSN MPH will be equipped to push their career forward in this exciting and growing field. Read on to find the top 10 affordable MSN MPH programs to investigate and to find a program that matches your academic and career goals.
Best MSN MPH Programs Methodology
This ranking is a list of the top 10 affordable MSN MPH dual degree programs for 2021. The initial pool included 12 MSN MPH dual degree programs. The 10 programs listed have accreditation for both the nursing program and public health program. Schools were ranked according to in-state tuition cost and private school tuition cost from collegenavigator.com. Program profile information was gathered from individual school websites.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- New York University, New York, NY
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Case Western University, Cleveland, OH
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Ranking the Best Affordable MSN MPH Programs 2021
10. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
MSN MPH
Tuition $55,350
WEBSITE
Johns Hopkins University’s MSN MPH joint degree is for nurses interested in linking their clinical and management interests with public health, ensuring improved nursing care and outcomes. This joint degree program promises that students will gain skills and knowledge in both disciplines. Students learn about preventative care and health promotion, and designing, implementing and evaluating nursing services using knowledge from nursing, public health, and health policy. The skills developed will open doors to advance graduates to careers in a variety of settings. Graduates of this robust program are prepared to integrate advanced practice nursing with population-based public health perspectives. This MSN MPH joint degree program is offered through top ranked Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing. Students in this program can take up to 7 years of part-time study to earn their degree.
9. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
MSN MPH
Tuition $46,524
This MSN MPH dual degree program from Case Western Reserve University promises to prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen field. This program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice as a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife. This MPH degree prepares students to address extensive issues in public health, with the goal to enhance health in populations through community effort, education, research, and community service. The MSN MPH dual degree program prepares graduates to identify and assess health needs and to plan, evaluate and implement health programs. Graduates can find opportunities in a wide range of organizations, such as local and state health departments, colleges, universities, hospitals, and medical centers, non-profit organizations, insurance and pharmaceutical companies. If you are seeking to protect and promote health, this MSN MPH dual degree program may suit your education and career goals.
8. Yale University, New Haven, CT
MSN MPH
Tuition $43,300
Yale University’s MSN MPH dual degree program is offered through the Yale School of Nursing and the Yale School of Public Health. This dual degree opportunity is oriented to students wishing to make an impact through practice, planning, and policy-making in a wide range of healthcare systems. This robust program takes 3 to 4 years of full-time study to complete. Interested students apply to both schools and indicate they are applying to the joint degree program. Admission decisions are made independently. This program is not open to those entering the Nurse-Midwifery specialty.
7. Emory University, Atlanta, GA
MSN MPH
Tuition $42,800
This dual MSN MPH degree program from nationally ranked Emory University is designed for nurses who wish to develop knowledge and skills in public health in addition to clinical nursing. This program can be completed full-time in six or seven semesters; there is the opportunity to pursue this program part-time as well. With Emory’s unique environment with close proximity to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Carter Center, and the American Cancer Society, students in this program have networking and professional opportunities in this leading healthcare center. Graduates of this program qualify to take the Nurse Practitioner and/or Certified Nurse Midwife certification exams.
6. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
MSN MPH
Tuition $36,254
University of Pennsylvania’s MSN in Health Leadership is offered as a dual program enabling students to complete a dual MSN MPH program. With interdisciplinary learning and collaboration at the core of Penn Nursing, this dual MSN MPH may be just what you’re looking for in a program. The Health Leadership program promises to prepare professional registered nurses to take on leadership in project management, healthcare consultation, nursing education, public health, health policy, and quality improvement. Students in this rigorous program have the freedom to design their program to focus on their interests and career goals. Students in this program complete requirements for both the MPH and MSN for a total of 16 courses to graduate (which includes a capstone project requirement.) This top program can be pursued on either part-time or full-time basis.
5. New York University, New York, NY 
MS/MPH
Tuition $33,408
WEBSITE
This robust Master of Science in Nursing (MS)/Master of Public Health (MPH) three-year dual degree program from top NYU College of Nursing was designed to incorporate advanced practice nursing with public health training. This MS/MPH dual degree prepares graduates for leadership in a wide variety of settings. Graduates of this MS/MPH program are positioned for advanced options for careers in both nursing and public health. Applicants choose one of eight programs in nursing: Mental Health, Pediatrics, Adult Acute Care, Adult Primary Care, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, or Midwifery. The MPH program is offered with a concentration in Global Health.
4. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 
DNP/ MPH
In-State Tuition $17,580
Out-of-State Tuition $27,204
University of Minnesota’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Dual Degree Program is a powerful combination, allowing nursing students to incorporate advanced knowledge in both nursing and public health. Graduates of this DNP/MPH program will have the skills to create evidence based interventions to protect and promote health in individuals and populations. Students graduate with knowledge on how to effectively influence public health policy and offer population-based solutions, which are critical in healthcare reform. Graduates of this challenging program will be equipped to handle the complex situations that occur in both nursing practice and public health. Students in the DNP program can complete their MPH in just 2 additional semesters, choosing up to 12 public health elective credits to integrate into their DNP program of study. A total of 14 nursing credits transfer to the MPH, saving both time and money.
3. University of Maryland, College Park, MD 
MSN MPH
In-State Tuition $13,158
Out-of-State Tuition $29,250
This Master of Science (MSN) Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program offered by the University of Maryland promises to prepare students for diverse opportunities in nursing and public health. A combined education in nursing and public health prepares graduates for leadership in a variety of settings. This dual degree is available to students in the Community/Public Health Nursing specialty. This program saves both time and money with 15 shared credits and can be completed in as little as three years. Students can choose their MPH concentration in Epidemiology or Community and Population Health. The MPH degree is granted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the MSN degree is granted through the School of Nursing. Students may be approved for a 6-credit MPH capstone project that can serve as the final practicum or precept experience for the School of Nursing.
2. University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
MS/MPH
In-State Tuition $8,350
Out-of-State Tuition $19,048
University of South Florida’s concurrent degree program leading to an MS/MPH allows students to pursue two degrees simultaneously with 12 shared credit hours, requiring a total of 71 credit hours. This MS/MPH program prepares advanced occupational health nurses to practice in diverse settings including clinical practice, occupational health program development, and administration and management. Students earn a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing with a concentration in Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and a Master of Public Health (MPH), concentrating in Environmental and Occupational Health. This rigorous program is available to registered nurses (RN) with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or another discipline.
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
MSN MPH
In-State Tuition $8,100
Out-of-State Tuition $19,188
University of Alabama at Birmingham’s dual MSN/ MPH is a coordinated degree, with the MPH portion available either totally online, in person, or a hybrid. This program from top ranked University of Alabama at Birmingham can be completed in just 2-3 years of full time study. UAB’s MSN MPH program is designed to address health needs in women and children, and promises to prepare nurse practitioners with the skills and knowledge to develop, implement, and evaluate maternal and child health (MCH) programs and health policies. Six credits from the MSN program are credited to the MPH degree, saving time and money. Online students can expect to pay less than out-of-state tuition rates for the MPH credits for this MSN MPH dual degree program. Advanced clinical skills are combined with program planning and evaluation to promote and protect health in the MCH Arena.
FAQ
What can I do with a dual MSN MPH degree?
The dual MSN MPH degree provides graduates with the skills to pursue professional careers in both nursing and public health. Graduates can expect to qualify for leadership roles in healthcare settings, government health agencies, and non-profit organizations at home and abroad.
Are graduates of these MSN MPH programs eligible for state licensure and/or national certification?
The MSN MPH programs will lead to eligibility to licensure and certifications, depending on the specifics of the program pursued. If there is a specific license or certification sought, be sure to get specifics regarding qualifications and the program of interest.
Is it really worth getting a dual MSN MPH degree?
Many wonder if working on a dual degree is actually worth it. Of course, this depends on the individual student’s goals. A dual MSN MPH degree program will give graduates an advantage in the job market, with expanded skills and knowledge to offer in the workplace. Colleges are adding dual degrees because of the demand in the job market. Yes, these programs are demanding, but having this dual degree on your resume may communicate to prospective employers of dedication, dependability, and expertise. In addition, these dual degree programs save time and money, often having up to 15 or more shared credits.
What should I expect in the curriculum for MSN MPH programs?
Generally, these programs include advanced practice nursing courses in topics like advanced health assessment, research methods, and community health nursing, in addition to public health coursework in epidemiology, public health policy, and social science and behavioral science. Also, there will be a clinical component to put public health and nursing courses into practice.
What is the employment outlook for those with an MSN MPH?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) reports that healthcare is the fastest-growing employment sector. Employment outlook is well above average compared to all other careers.
What kind of job titles might I have once I graduate from these MSN MPH programs?
Common titles include Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner, Community Health Nurse, Public Health Nurse, Community Health Director, or Clinical Nurse Researcher, to name a few.
Which of these MSN MPH programs is the right one for me?
When researching schools, keep in mind things like:
Is this an accredited program? All MSN MPH programs listed in this article are fully accredited by a third-party accrediting association such as Council on Public Health (CPHE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Can classes be taken online? Check out your schools of interest to find out what is available. Some are completely in a classroom format, some have hybrid instruction, and some are entirely online.
What specializations are available? Check out the nursing specialties and MPH concentrations and find a combination that works for you.
How much is all this going to cost? Check out financial aid, part-time programs, and employer scholarship availability to find what will work for you. Remember to also include any fees and book costs.
Why pursue a career in public health?
The growing field of public health has a broad focus of protecting the health of populations by preventing diseases and promoting health. Professionals in public health confront complex health issues, help control infectious diseases, and help to reduce environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injuries. Public health professionals can come from many educational backgrounds and can concentrate in a variety of fields. Getting an MSN with an MPH degree promises to open broad opportunities.
What kind of people considers an advanced public health degree?
Public health is a broad field, offering job opportunities to those with a variety of interests, experience and skills. Whether a person is math-oriented, people-focused, business-oriented, or research-based, public health has something for you. People in public health typically gain satisfaction in working to improve the health and lives of others.
What is the professional organization for public health?
The organization for public health professionals is the American Public Health Association (APHA). Their vision to “create the healthiest nation in one generation,” APHA promotes health of people and communities, promoting evidence-based perspectives to develop a healthier society. APHA has an effect on policy at the federal level and brings together members from all areas of public health. The mission of APHA is to improve the health of the public and achieve health equity. Their values reflect the beliefs of their members from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries.
What is the professional organization for registered nurses?
The national American Nurses Association (ANA) represents the interests of the over 3 million registered nurses in the United States. The ANA establishes the Code of Ethics and Scopes and Standards of Nursing Practice that every RN is familiar with. The ANA provides continuing education, professional journals, and career information. There are also state affiliations to join for local information.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
December 2020
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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