The Best Online MSN/MPH Dual Degree Program

A master of science in nursing/master of public health (MSN/MPH) dual degree can be an excellent background for a nursing administration or other community health leadership role. Many prestigious schools offer a joint MPH nursing degree to prepare nurses to develop and manage public health initiatives.

This guide explains more about these programs and how they might help you reach your career goals.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best MSN/MPH dual degree programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

An MSN/MPH dual degree program combines classroom education and fieldwork in both disciplines. Learners complete the coursework and other requirements for both degrees, with overlapping credits. This saves time and money over pursuing the degrees separately.

Your coursework covers topics in epidemiology; social determinants of health and how to address them; disease and injury prevention; nursing leadership; understanding and applying evidence-based practices; and program assessment and evaluation. If the MSN is part of an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) program, it will also include advanced nursing skills.

The specifics for applying to an MSN/MPH dual degree program vary somewhat, based on the program’s structure. Some MPH nursing programs may require admission to both programs, while others have a single admission requirement and process. You must meet requirements for both programs for admission.

Accreditation is the single most important factor in determining whether a program meets your goals. Therefore, this guide and website only list accredited programs.

During the accreditation process, an independent group of experts in both teaching methods and the subject review a program to determine whether it meets current standards for preparing students to practice safely. While an unaccredited program may offer lower tuition or take less time, most employers will not even consider hiring graduates of unaccredited MSN/MPH dual degree programs, and accredited schools will not accept transfer credits. Graduates of unaccredited programs often find they wasted time and money on a valueless degree.

There are several online MSN/MPH program options, but you must complete some fieldwork in person, especially for APRN programs. Schools may offer to help you find clinical placement in your community.

Most MSN/MPH programs take 3-4 years for full-time students to complete. Students with a nursing degree can complete program requirements in three years.

Most graduates of an MSN/MPH program work in nursing or public health, in either patient care or administration. The specifics vary on the program. For example, a dual MSN/MPH program for nurse midwives would focus on maternal and infant health, either domestically or, if the school emphasizes global health, in developing nations.

Some programs feature MSNs in an APRN discipline, such as acute pediatric care or family practice, so students graduate as nurse practitioners. Similarly, public health programs can offer specialties, such as global public health. In addition to MSN/MPH dual degree programs, there are also doctoral programs, with the student graduating with a doctorate in either discipline.