4+1 Accelerated Master’s Program in Public Health

Further your Lehigh education in public health with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in just one additional year.

Lehigh University’s 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Program in Public Health (MPH) is designed for undergraduates who are passionate about improving health outcomes and addressing public health challenges at the local, national, and global levels. This unique program allows you to complete your undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Public Health in just five years—one year faster than the traditional path.

The 4+1 accelerated program provides a seamless transition into graduate-level public health coursework while enabling you to continue building on your academic foundation. With this program, you will develop advanced skills in epidemiology, health policy, community health, and healthcare management, preparing you for leadership roles in public health organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and beyond.

Program Overview

Lehigh’s 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program is designed for undergraduate students who are eager to pursue an advanced degree and fast-track their careers in public health. This innovative pathway allows you to begin graduate coursework in your senior year, and complete both your undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years, saving you time and preparing you for the next stage in your career.

• Duration: Complete your bachelor’s degree and MPH in just five years—one year less than the traditional MPH route.
• Graduate Coursework in Senior Year: In your junior and senior years you'll take graduate level courses (up to 12 credits total) toward the MPH degree.
• Complete Your MPH in One Additional Year: After completing your undergraduate degree, spend one more year to finish your MPH coursework and graduate with a master's degree.

Key Benefits

• Fast-Track Your Career in Public Health: By earning both your undergraduate and master’s degree in just five years, you can accelerate your entry into the public health workforce and begin making a meaningful impact in areas like disease prevention, health policy, environmental health, and global health.
• Interdisciplinary Education: Lehigh’s MPH program integrates key areas of public health, including epidemiology, environmental health, health behavior, healthcare management, and health policy. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect population health and learn strategies to address complex health challenges.
• Hands-on Learning Opportunities: The program emphasizes applied learning through internships, fieldwork, and community-based projects. You’ll have opportunities to work with local public health agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), hospitals, and other health-focused organizations.
• Personalized Attention and Faculty Mentorship: The 4+1 MPH program offers small class sizes, allowing you to work closely with faculty who are experts in public health. You’ll benefit from personalized mentorship and career guidance as you progress through your studies.
• Strategic Location and Network: Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University offers easy access to major public health hubs in cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. Lehigh’s extensive alumni network and connections with healthcare organizations provide valuable opportunities for internships and career development.

Who Should Apply?

The 4+1 MPH program is designed for current Lehigh undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in public health. Ideal candidates for this program include:

• Students with a background in public health, health sciences, biology, environmental studies, sociology, nursing, economics, or related fields
• Students who are passionate about improving population health through policy, education, and community engagement
• Individuals who are interested in healthcare management, global health, epidemiology, environmental health, and public health advocacy

If you want to make a difference in public health, improve the health of communities, and address healthcare disparities, the 4+1 MPH program at Lehigh University is a great fit.

Master’s in Public Health Contact

Won Choi, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education: cohgrad@lehigh.edu | (610) 758-1800