Apr 19, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog

MPH/MS-Applied Anthropology


The Master of Science in Applied Anthropology and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program provides a solid foundation in both applied anthropology and public health. This program equips graduates to analyze public health problems using mixed research methods and frameworks unique to the field of anthropology. Applied anthropologists who are MPH-trained often work in government and non-governmental organizations as socio-behavioral researchers, health analysts, program coordinators/evaluators where they manage public health programs and advise policymakers on a range of health issues.  

 

Benefits of the MS/MPH degree program:

  • The MPH-trained applied anthropologist will have in-depth knowledge and competencies in: culture and health, health inequities and marginalized populations, health policy, behavior and community change strategies, and public health leadership.
  • The MPH-trained applied anthropologists will have expanded professional opportunities, particularly in federal, state, and local government agencies as well as international non-governmental organizations.
  • The MPH-trained applied anthropologists will have the ability to engage effectively with policymakers to improve health and address social justice issues.
  • The MPH-trained applied anthropologists will have the ability to effectively engage communities as partners to strengthen their capacity to change social and environmental conditions that undermine public health and maintain health disparities.
  • The MPH-trained applied anthropologists will have the ability to merge anthropological theory with a population health perspective that focuses on economic, racial, and environmental determinants of health.

Potential career paths:

  • Federal, state, and local government, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, state health departments, and county and city health departments
  • International non-governmental organizations carrying out health programming around the world, including program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Policy and advocacy for vulnerable and underserved communities
  • Addressing the needs of specific priority populations, such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, mental illness, or drug addiction, tribal communities, etc. 
  • Environmental health advocacy and regulation

The MS/MPH dual degree program in Applied Anthropology and Public Health is jointly supported by the Department of Anthropology at the University of North Texas in Denton and the HSC School of Public Health. Applicants must apply for admission to both universities. For more information and to apply to the MS in Applied Anthropology, contact: https://anthropology.unt.edu/ graduate/dual-degree-anthropology-and-public-health. For more information and to apply to the MPH in Public Health, contact: Admissions@unthsc.edu.

Curriculum


Additional Information


  1. New students must apply simultaneously to both programs. If they are accepted, they must submit new degree plans to both of their programs to ensure that their academic record reflects the dual degree program.
  2. At the end of this program, students will have two degrees - one in public health and one in applied anthropology. 
  3. Students will have a 3-person faculty committee - 2 members from Anthropology and 1 member from Public Health.
  4. Culminating Experience in Public Health Practice-Comprehensive Examination and Practice Experience
  5. Culminating Experience in Applied Anthropology (Applied Thesis) - Dual degree students must complete a major independent project. This project is completed through 6 hours of Applied Thesis (in applied anthropology). This project will be decided by the student and the student’s committee, and must be broad enough to incorporate the knowledge and tools acquired in both programs.
  6. Although the Health Science Center in Fort Worth (HSC) and UNT Denton are part of the University of North Texas System, they are separate universities. They have separate admissions, separate financial aid offices and different academic calendars. It is important that students let administrative offices know that they are a dual degree student, particularly the financial aid office. Although there is a high level of cooperation between the two programs, students will be enrolled at two universities. They will apply to two universities, submit separate degree plans to two universities, apply for graduation to two universities, and attend two commencement ceremonies.

Dual Degree Admission Requirements for MPH/MS-Applied Anthropology Applicants


To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
  • Submit an application to SOPHAS (School of Public Health Application Service) at www.sophas.org.
  • Students are not given dual degree status until they have been successfully admitted to both the MPH and the MS in Applied Anthropology programs.
  • Submit complete, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
  • Submit official scores from one of the following graduate admissions examinations: Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT), Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), or Pharmacy School Admissions Test (PCAT). The examination requirement is waived for applicants possessing a professional doctoral degree with a license to practice in the United States.
  • Applicants with foreign transcripts must also include an official WES or ECE transcript evaluation report listing course-by-course U.S. grade point equivalencies.
  • International applicants must demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in oral and written English before being granted admission. Minimum TOEFL exam requirements: written=550; computer-based= 213; internet-based=85. The TOEFL is waived if the applicant has earned a high school diploma or a bachelor or master degree from an accredited institution within the United States or Canada.
  • Submit three (3) letters of recommendation
  • Submit Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)
  • Submit current resume or curriculum vitae
  • If invited for an interview, applicants are expected to participate in either an on-campus interview or a technology-assisted interview.
  • Once an offer of admissions has been extended to a student, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended must be resubmitted directly to the SPH Office of Admissions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., SCC-120, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699.

Once an offer of admission has been extended to an international applicant, the Health Science Center will not issue immigration papers for student visas until the following documents have been received and approved by the Health Science Center:

  • Proof of financial resources

Admissions Decisions and Deferments for Dual Degree Applicants


Applicants will be furnished written notification regarding their admission status by the SPH Office of Admissions. Statements by other Health Science Center personnel concerning the applicant’s admissibility are not valid until confirmed in writing by the Office of Admissions.

Students who are admitted to a degree program and plan to enroll are required to submit an Admission Decision Form along with a non-refundable $200 assurance fee that will be used toward tuition upon arrival. Applicants admitted to a degree program that do not intend to enroll in the semester for which they applied must contact the Office of Admissions to request deferment. Deferments must be made in writing and cannot exceed one year from the original acceptance date. There is a non-refundable deferment fee of $300 that will be used toward tuition upon arrival; the deferment fee is due at the time the request is made.

Information submitted in the application materials must be complete and correct. Prospective and current students must notify the proper institution officials regarding any changes in the information provided on their application. Falsification or omission of any information on the application documents will void a student’s admission, cancel their enrollment, and/or result in appropriate disciplinary action.

All materials submitted during the application process become the property of the Health Science Center and cannot be returned.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures  

Financial Assistance

To be eligible for scholarships and assistantships offered by the SPH, applicants must complete the admission application by March 15. For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of Admissions at 817-735-2401 or Toll Free at 1-877-868-7741.You can also email us at sph@unthsc.edu.