Master of Arts and Master of Science in Public Health (MA/MSPH)

This dual degree program combines the Master of Arts in International Relations degree at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC, and the Master of Science in Public Health in International Health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Each two-year program may be completed in a total of three years, mainly through the replacement of a period of MSPH field practice with course work at SAIS.

The program is designed to prepare students for careers that require a high level of health care expertise and a sophisticated understanding of international, political, socioeconomic, and cultural issues. Emphasis is given to the synthesis of knowledge and experience essential for planning and managing health services in a variety of settings around the world. Students in the combined degree program normally spend one year at the Bloomberg School of Public Health followed by the practicum outside of the school for 4-6 months. Students then start their MA degree in January of their second year. The SAIS portion emphasizes public policy, development economics, regional studies, and foreign language instruction. The School of Public Health component stresses the basic disciplines of epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy and planning, along with specialized training in public health.

Separate applications must be submitted to each school and be admitted in both. Students already enrolled in one school will be considered by the other in competition with all other applicants for admission to the incoming class. To apply to the MSPH degree, students must choose a program area of their interest and then apply online here.