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School of Public Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Won't MPH courses interfere with my medical studies?

We've organized the MPH courses so that they don't conflict with your medical studies. Many students find that the MPH courses give them an understanding of health and disease, so that their medical studies are easier and more relevant.

What about the extra cost of the MPH degree?
SUNY tuition is relatively low. The total cost of the MPH degree (42 credits) is about $12,000 for in-state residents. Scholarship aid and loans are available.
How many credit hours are required?
The 42 credits required for the MPH can be earned over three summers or in one year between the 3rd and 4th years of medical school.
What kinds of doctors usually have an MPH?
Leaders in community health, research, health policy, governmental agencies, and academic medicine often have an MPH.
How will an MPH help my medical career?
It will:
  • Deepen your understanding of your patients and society.
  • Prepare you for leadership positions.
  • Train you to improve the health not just of individuals, but of entire communities.
  • Help you compete for the residency of your choice.
  • Enhance your earning power.
An MPH will also equip you to work in the broad public health arena so that you can improve the health of not just individuals, but also of communities and countries. In addition, you will learn to advocate for change in health care policies, help control today's epidemic diseases, pursue a career at key agencies such as the New York State Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the National Institutes of Health and work in global health within a wide array of organizations.
What would my course schedule look like?
Option 1: The MPH in 3 Summers
Semester MPH Medical School
Summer before medical school 4 to 5 courses —
Fall Option of 1 course First year medical school curriculum
Spring Standard courses
Summer between 1st and 2nd year of medical school 4 to 5 courses —
Fall 1-credit course to plan Culminating Experience Second year medical school curriculum
Summer between 2nd and 3rd year of medical school 4 to 5 courses including Culminating Experience —
Subsequent two years Clinical rotations

Option 2: The MPH in 1 year
Semester MPH Medical School
First three years — Standard medical school curriculum
Summer after 3rd year 3 to 5 courses —
Fall 3 to 5 courses —
Spring 3 to 5 courses —
Summer 3 to 5 courses including Culminating Experience —
Fall and Spring — 4th year of medical school
How do I apply?
See the information on the Admission Policy page.
I'm not sure I want to do the full MPH degree, but some of the courses look very interesting. Am I allowed to take a course without enrolling for the MPH?
Yes, we encourage medical students to sample our courses. In the fall semester of medical school, you may choose one of two popular courses, both of which fit in well with the medical school curriculum:
  • Introduction to Public Health Theory and Practice, on Monday evenings from 5 to 8 PM
  • Issues in Immigrant Health, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 PM.
How can I learn more?

We're always happy to answer questions.

Telephone: (718) 270-1065
Fax: (718) 270-2533
Email: publichealth@downstate.edu
School of Public Health
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 43
Brooklyn, NY 11203

If you would like to attend a special Information Session, click here.

If you would like to correspond with a current MD/MPH, send your request to publichealth@downstate.edu.

If you are invited for an interview for the College of Medicine and would like to meet with someone from the MPH Program during your visit, please notify the SUNY Downstate Office of Admissions, which schedules your interview. We will make arrangements with them to meet and talk with you.