Dual Degree - Bachelor of Science - Biology and Master of Arts in Holistic Health

Biology/Master of Public Health (MPH)

St. Kate’s offers the opportunity to apply a liberal arts education in the field of public health through a unique 3+2 dual-degree program in applied science in biology/master of public health (MPH). The dual-degree program allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree while pursuing the MPH degree.

As an applied science in biology major, students will complete the biology pre-public health sequence of courses and supporting work for the MPH program. This includes courses in biology, chemistry and statistics, while providing a special emphasis in biology.

The applied science in biology major provides an understanding of the major principles of biology and encourages the development of critical thinking skills. Faculty members encourage students to take an active role in their educational experiences and foster a cooperative, rather than competitive, learning environment. Along with the first-year introductory sequence taken by all pre-MPH students, applied science biology students take the sophomore biology sequence along with comparative courses which emphasize the “whys” of anatomy and physiology. While preparing students for graduate work in public health, a biology major also prepares them for careers in industry, government and education, and for graduate work in research, medicine, dentistry, and other health professions.

To enroll in this program, students apply to the MPH program during their junior year. If they are admitted to the MPH program, students receive a B.S. in applied science in biology upon completion of the first year of the MPH program. The curriculum for the applied science in biology major is listed in the Pre-Professional Programs, Pre-Public Health section of this catalog.