MBS/MPH

MBS/MPH Program Description

Dual-Degree Program between the
UMDNJ Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS)
And the
UMDNJ School of Public Health (SPH)
Leading to the:
Master of Biomedical Sciences and Master of Public Health

This program combines the educational and research strengths of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) with those of the School of Public Health (SPH) in a program that provides students with a strong knowledge of contemporary research methods and scientific foundations in both the biomedical sciences and public health.

Goals of the Program
The proposed program accomplishes several desirable goals for students interested in careers in biomedical science, clinical medicine and dentistry or public health. Many students who follow a program in basic biomedical science find themselves drawn to a career in the pharmaceutical, academic or public policy areas that involve public health issues. Similarly, some students who gain a degree in public health discover that they have inadequate preparation in the basic biomedical sciences. This dual degree program allows students to gain expertise in the fields of biomedical science and public health and thus produces graduates able to solve problems common to both fields and communicate effectively with the respective professional workforces.

Examples of the potential value of this program include public health workers who understand the molecular biology of a pathogen who will be in a better position to analyze effective measures to help control the pathogen. Likewise, basic research scientists, working in an academic, pharmaceutical or biotech environment who understand the epidemiology of a pathogen will be in a better position to design experiments to critically assess ways of immobilizing or destroying the pathogen.

Public health officials trained in this program will be academically grounded in biomedical science and will be better prepared to address the complex problems facing the public health workforce in New Jersey and in the nation. The program also benefits students interested in clinical careers by simultaneously preparing them for professional school while broadening their knowledge in public health, with the desired outcome of producing clinicians who are well trained in public health. It also allows students unsure of their career goals to explore their strengths and interests in basic science research and public health as they plan their professional paths.

Target Student Population
This combined degree program is directed towards individuals holding a baccalaureate degree in any discipline of study and who express an interest in public health. Applicants must have a background in biology, chemistry and physics. Undergraduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology also would be useful, but will not be required. Some students may use the program as a terminal degree while others may use it as preparation to pursue the MD, DMD, PhD, or DrPH degrees. Positions that would find such a dual degree of benefit include:

• Urban governmental agencies
• State and Federal Departments of Health
• Non-governmental health organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, American
Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, etc.
• Pharmaceutical/biotech companies

Program Description

Program Benefits

Admission to the Program

Sample Program Core Requirements

For an application or further information contact:

Mayra Marallano
Admissions Coordinator
30 Bergen Street
ADMC Complex, suite 110
Newark, New Jersey 07107
Tel. (973) 972-4511
Fax. (973) 972-7148
Email: marallma@umdnj.edu