The coordinated Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health (MSPAS/MPH) dual degree program will prepare physician assistant students for leadership roles that address community health care needs. The MSPAS/MPH program aims to increase the number primary care clinicians with public health expertise and thus improve access, quality, and cost of care.
In addition to developing clinical competencies and skills as a physician assistant, this plan of study provides students with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and a public health practice experience with rural primary care clinical community partners. This innovative program enhances physician assistant education with integrated training in public health and primary care and thereby provides students with the information and skills needed to monitor and assess community health, develop and analyze programs and policies, coordinate and integrate care, and utilize appropriate population health measures in quality improvement strategies.
Curriculum
Students enrolled in the MSPAS/MPH program can complete up to 25 credit hours of online public health coursework in the spring and summer terms prior to fall matriculation into the PA program. Courses available for completion during these two terms include the required MPH Core courses based on the Evidence-Based Public Health framework, along with public health elective courses of particular interest to MSPAS/MPH students.
Students then begin the PA program didactic year in the fall after completing the first two semesters in the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH). Ten credit hours of coursework in the PA program curriculum, such as research methods, health administration, and health behavior accrue credit toward both degrees. MSPAS/MPH students complete a specially designed integrated public health /primary care internship and tailor their master’s research project topic to address the public health needs of medically underserved communities.
View the sample curriculum sequence. The curriculum is subject to change.
Why should you pursue a dual MSPAS/MPH degree at UAB?
There are multiple reasons. Among these are a wider choice of career opportunities, broader perspective on caring for patients within their communities, increased ability to provide evidence-based medical care, and expansion of practice capability to tackle international health challenges especially in the developing world.
The UAB School of Public Health and the UAB Physician Assistant Studies Program are recognized leaders in education. The School of Public Health is ranked in the top 20 Schools of Public Health by US News & World Report. The UAB Online MPH is recognized as one of the best online Master of Public Health degree programs in the United States. The UAB Physician Assistant Studies Program is ranked #37 among Physician Assistant Programs by US News & World Report.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the second oldest Physician Assistant program in the nation, and it has a rich history of community collaboration and support. Housed within the School of Health Professions on the campus of the world class UAB Medical Center complex, a student in the dual MSPAS/MPH program will have access to the region’s medical communities with diverse clinical experiences and opportunities. Students at UAB will have outstanding opportunities to learn both the medical and public health perspectives of providing care while serving in underserved areas.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the admissions requirements for both the MSPAS degree program as well as the MPH degree program. View the MSPAS admission requirements. View the UAB School of Public Health admission requirements.
In addition to meeting the stated requirements for each degree separately, applicants for the dual degree must also have completed a bachelor degree and all prerequisites before December 30 in order to start the program in January of the following spring term.
Application Procedures
In order to be considered for admission to the UAB MSPAS/MPH dual degree program, candidates will need to complete and submit the following materials by the stated deadlines:
- August 1 - The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) Application
- August 7 - The UAB PA Supplemental Application
The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) Application: The UAB PA program participates in the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Please consult the CASPA website for more information regarding specific CASPA application requirements, procedures, and fees. Applicants should use GRE Code 0570 when sending GRE scores to CASPA. CASPA will verify the application information and send completed applications to the program.
The UAB PA Supplemental Application: The PA program supplemental application is an opportunity for PA program applicants to provide details regarding completion of the program’s prerequisite courses and to express their specific interest in the UAB program. On this form, MSPAS/MPH dual degree program applicants should also be sure to complete the information required for consideration of dual degree admission.
Completed applications are reviewed by members of the admissions committee. Interviews typically occur in October and November. Decisions regarding acceptance to the MSPAS/MPH program will occur in November and December for matriculation in January.
Students accepted into the dual degree program will also need to complete the UAB Graduate School applications. One application is for the MPH program and the other application is for the UAB PA program. Instructions for completing these applications will be provided to students upon acceptance to the MPSAS/MPH program.
Accreditation
The UAB PA program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The UAB MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Fees and Financial Aid
All tuition and fees are billed to the student by the corresponding school during matriculation. Information about tuition and fees can be found on the Office of Student Financial Aid website. If you have questions about tuition, fees, and financial aid options, please email us at