The coordinated Public Health/Business Administration (MBA) degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) and the UAB Collat School of Business. Earning these two advanced degrees prepares students for a broad range of careers in health care management, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health. In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master’s-level Public Health courses (e.g., health economics, strategic planning, health policy) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.
Curriculum
Students may complete the MPH portion of this coordinated degree program totally online, in class, or through a mix of online and in-class experiences.
A total of 60 credit hours of coursework are required for the coordinated MPH/MBA. Normally, 42 credit hours are required for the MPH and 36 credit hours for the MBA; however, because of the coordinated nature of the degree 12 credit hours from the MBA curriculum are credited to the MPH and 6 credit hours from the MPH are credited to the MBA. This allows students to earn both degrees in reduced time and at reduced cost.
Online students pay less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the MPH portion of this coordinated degree.
Download Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet (pdf)
Admission
Students must apply separately to each program.
- To apply for this degree, you will submit a supplemental application directly through the UAB Graduate School.
- Learn how to apply to the School of Public Health. Students must apply through the UAB Graduate School.
- Select "MPH dual program" and then the "MPH/MBA" track. SOPH will accept the GMAT in lieu of the GRE for students who wish to strengthen their application by including test scores.
- Learn how to apply to the Collat School of Business. To apply for the MBA, students must apply through the UAB Graduate School.
- Select "MBA/MPH dual degree program" from the drop down menu. Select "MPH dual program" and then the MPH/MBA track. The School of Business will accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT.
- Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated. If a student is submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree, the student will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements. Students should meet with the current program manager prior to submitting a petition to switch programs.
Student Spotlight
Photo by John Ross
I chose the coordinated MPH/MBA program because of the benefits that the curriculum provides to my career and my future goals of progressing within my organization. I already have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, but in my current position, I help with the development of educational programs to service 320 clinics nationally and have a need for business foundations and skills. While many schools have remote education opportunities, not every institution accommodates their students the way that UAB does. The infrastructure of the coordinated degree programs really creates an opportunity for those in the middle of their professional career to evaluate whether continuing education is best for them. For a student like me, who has aspirations of integrating public health leadership and business with clinical practice, the MPH/MBA coordinated degree program has really added value to my career.
- Dr. John Ross (MPH/MBA ‘26)
Contact
For additional information concerning the coordinated MPH/MBA program, contact the School of Public Health at soph@uab.edu.