The Respiratory Therapy /Public Health (BSRT/MPH) program is designed for undergraduate Respiratory Therapy students interested in pursuing an MPH degree. The curriculum allows students to earn BS and MPH degrees with potentially 10 fewer credits than if completing the degree programs separately.
The degrees are independent; each is awarded when completed, with specified courses accepted for the MPH degree after the BS degree is awarded.
The BSRT program is offered in a traditional online format, and the MPH program can be completed completely online using traditional online and hyperflex technology. Some MPH courses may also be elected in a face-to-face format or a mixed-mode format in the evening. Courses for both programs can be taken as part of a part-time or full-time schedule.
Admission to the Program
The program is open to students who have completed at least 60 credits in the Radiation Therapy BS program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and who have completed MTH 090 , MTH 105 or a higher-level mathematics course with a grade of B (3.0) or better.
Application Requirements
The application must include:
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members
- A typewritten statement of purpose in a typewritten document of 500 words or less that describes:
- Your MPH concentration of interest (health education or health administration) and how completion of the MPH program would allow you to live your purpose
- How coursework and work/volunteer and life experiences have prepared you to be successful in the MPH program, including experiences that have helped you better understand, address and/or advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity issues
- Your experiences in facing and overcoming adversity
- How your characteristics and goals are congruent with the Program’s mission and values (see below)
- How your personal or academic background and experiences would bring a unique perspective to the program and positively contribute to the Public Health community
- Any special circumstances applicable to your application
Mission
Our mission is to improve health in the community through collaborative research and community service. We aim to produce future practitioners who promote healthy populations by providing experiential learning opportunities through community engagement.
Values
- Diversity, Inclusion & Equity: Our diverse faculty and students bring their highly varied ideas, beliefs, and cultures to classroom interactions, scholarly activities, and community partnerships.
- Social Justice: Our students and faculty engage in professional activities to reduce social disparities and health inequities in our communities.
- Ethical Practice: Uphold high standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness in public health research, teaching, and service.
- Professionalism: Model the duties and responsibilities of public health consistent with the code of conduct for the field.
- Community and Partnerships: Engage in mutually beneficial community collaborations built on respect, trust, and personal commitment to improve the public health status of local and global communities.
- Local-Global Synergy: Create an educational synergy among domestic and international students, faculty, and communities that foster learning and practice opportunities that improve public health across cultures.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Coursework must be completed within six (6) years of the date of first admission to the program. Students may request or petition for an extension of this time limit. Approval of a time extension will be at the discretion of the program director, program faculty, and the Dean of Graduate Programs.
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