UTHealth Houston School of Public Health accelerated master’s programs provide undergraduate students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree and a graduate certificate in public health at the same time. Following the successful completion of their undergraduate degree and graduate certificate, students have the opportunity to apply their certificate coursework towards a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

Schools currently offering an accelerated master’s opportunity include:

• Austin College
• Huston-Tillotson University
• Rice University
• Schreiner University
• St. Mary’s University
• Sul Ross State University
• Texas A&M International University
• Texas Southern University
• The University of North Texas - Dallas
• The University of Texas at Austin
• The University of Texas at San Antonio
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• University of Houston
• UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry

The accelerated master’s degree program (formerly known as the 4+1 program) allows students to complete a Public Health graduate certificate while still enrolled in their undergraduate coursework. This program is an excellent opportunity for students to test out different areas of public health before applying to graduate school.

Accelerated master’s degree programs are managed by the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Office of Academic Affairs and Student Services. Interested students should first seek academic counseling with their current undergraduate institution before applying to the accelerated master’s program with UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

For questions regarding accelerated masters programs, please email [email protected]

Most accelerated master’s degree programs require students to first apply through their undergraduate school or program prior to applying to UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. All applicants will apply to the graduate certificate in public health program through SOPHAS Express.

For program-specific admission requirements and process information, contact your undergraduate program representative. Students interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) can apply to this degree-seeking program during their final undergraduate year and certificate coursework completed will apply towards the MPH program where applicable.

Admission to the graduate certificate program does not guarantee admission to the degree-seeking program.

Students accepted into the accelerated master’s program will remain enrolled at their undergraduate school while taking classes at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

Graduate certificate courses successfully completed by the student may count toward a master’s degree from the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health if: 

• A grade of A, B or Pass has been earned in any course that has been completed within the last 5 years
• The coursework is approved by the student’s advisory committee (advisor should write memo documenting approval for the student file)

Students are able to pursue multiple graduate certificates, but can only transfer up to 16 credits of completed graduate certificate coursework towards a degree-seeking program.

For more information about academic requirements at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, reference the academic catalog.