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Leading Community Health Reform
Make an Impact
This joint degree prepares students to integrate advanced nursing practice with population-based public health perspectives. Offered jointly through the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the MSN/MPH Joint Degree equips students with advanced mastery of nursing theory and practice, while public health training provides a population-based, multidisciplinary team perspective. Students learn to work with and guide teams in the development of innovative, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate health care services for identified high-risk populations locally and globally.
Integrate Skills
The MSN/MPH Joint Degree is designed specifically for nurses seeking to link their clinical expertise and interests with population health in various local and global settings. With the joint degree, students acquire complementary skills, knowledge, and perspective of both disciplines. Topics include: epidemiology, health promotion, illness prevention, biostatistics, clinical care of marginalized populations (e.g. women and girls, LGBTQ, indigenous populations, sex workers), health systems, humanitarian health, environmental health, program development and implementation, management and leadership, and program evaluation, among others.
Certification
A new assessment methodology to achieve ANCC board certification in advanced public health nursing is in place. Although no exam is required, certification is through a portfolio. Information about the portfolio requirements is available at nursecredentialing.org.
Learn More from our Faculty and Students
Program Options
MSN/MPH Public Health Nursing Joint Degree is online with onsite immersions.
On-Campus Requirement for MPH
Up to 80% of the curriculum may be completed online. For the remaining 20%, students have the opportunity to attend on-campus courses. The required “face-to-face” time adds up to a minimum of 4 weeks over the course of 2-3 years.
There is no limit on the number of on-campus courses that an online/part-time student can take. On average, these students complete about 25% of courses on campus.
To learn more, please visit the Johns Hopkins Institutes of Public Health.
Priority Application Deadline
Summer Entry
November 1, January 1
Still accepting applications.
Curriculum
MSN/MPH Public Health Nursing
Curriculum includes nursing requirements and electives from each master's program allowing students to pursue specific interests. Program may be completed in 36 credits/60 units and provides 504 clinical hours. Students work closely with faculty academic advisers in the School of Nursing and the School of Public Health to plan individual academic curriculum.
Full Curriculum
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Core Courses (14 Credits, 168 Clinical Hours)
- Philosophical, Theoretical, and Ethical Basis for Nursing (3)
- The Research Process and Its Application to Evidence-Based Practice (3)
- Context of Healthcare for Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
- Program Development and Evaluation in Health Care (2)
- Population-Based Public Health Nursing Interventions (2-3, 112-168 cl)
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Joint MSN & MPH Requirement* (12 Credits / 20 Units, 336 Clinical Hours)
- Public Health Nursing Theory & Practice (3/5u)
- Public Health Nursing Theory & Practice - Practicum (3/5u, 168 cl)
- Public Health Nursing Leadership & Management (3/5u)
- Public Health Nursing Leadership, Management, & Evaluation Capstone Practicum (3/5u, 168 cl)
*These courses count towards the 36 MSN credits and 60 MPH units simultaneously
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Biostatistics* (4-12 credits & 6-16 units)
- Statistical Reasoning in Public Health I-II (4/6u), or
- Statistical Methods in Public Health I-III (9/2u), or
- Methods in Biostatistics in I-IV (12/16u)
*These courses count towards the 36 MSN credits and 60 MPH units simultaneously.
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Public Health Requirements
- Environmental Health (5u)
- Principles of Epidemiology (5u)
- Public Health Policy (4u)
- The Tools of Public Health Practice (1u)
- Introduction to Bioethics in Public Health Practice and Research (1u)
- Population Dynamics and Public Health (2u)
- Introduction to MPH Studies (0u)
- Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH (0u)
- Public Health Biology Requirement – select one course from 20 options (2-6u)
- Management Sciences Requirement – select one course from 10 options (3-4u)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirement – select one course from 12 options (3-4u)
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Electives
- 6 MSN credits
- 0-8 MPH units*
*Number of MPH elective units will depend upon courses selected to meet required MPH courses, as well as the sequence of biostatistics courses selected; students can take as much additional electives outside of these as desired (these can be used to complete certificates and concentrations with the School of Public Health)
* Curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change.
Course Schedules and Descriptions Academic Catalog Public Health Course Catalog
Frequently Asked Questions
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What time of year does this program begin?
The program begins in July of each year, combining the one-year Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus in Public Health Nursing and the 11-month Master of Public Health (MPH) into 18 months of full-time study. Part-time study is also available.
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Who should apply?
Nurses seeking to integrate advanced nursing practice with population-based public health perspectives and link their clinical expertise and interests with population health in various local and global settings. Nurses with an interest and/or experience in global and public health, including former Peace Corps Volunteers.
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What does this program teach me?
With the joint degree, students acquire complementary skills, knowledge, and perspectives of nursing and public health. Graduate work in nursing equips students with advanced mastery of nursing theory and practice, while public health training equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle major public health problems locally and globally. Topics include: epidemiology, health promotion, illness prevention, biostatistics, clinical care of marginalized populations (e.g. women and girls, LGBTQ, indigenous populations, sex workers), health systems, humanitarian health, environmental health, program development and implementation, management and leadership, and program evaluation, among others.
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What does the coursework look like?
Two-thirds of the program includes core courses from each master's program; the remaining elective courses allow students to pursue curriculums customized to their specific interests, in such areas as: infectious diseases, child and adolescent health, health leadership and management, health systems and policy, humanitarian health, women’s and reproductive health, social and behavioral sciences, global environmental sustainability and health, and food systems and health. Courses include both theory and skills-based work, using a variety of assessments (e.g. quizzes, exams, papers, group work, presentations). Students will also undertake three practicums, with the opportunity of working with organizations locally or globally for extended periods of time in the implementation, assessment, and evaluation of public health interventions and programs.
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What kind of job could I get after completing the program?
Former students have found jobs in local, state, and federal agencies, and national and international advocacy groups, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and faith-based initiatives. Upon completing the program, students have gone on to design, implement, and evaluate behavior change programs for health agencies, as well as influence local and global strategies for health promotion and disease prevention in vulnerable populations, among other things.
Funding Opportunities
Scholarships & Grants
Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit.
To be given consideration for a Merit Scholarship Award, you must be accepted for admission by March 1.
Loans
Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing Education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs.
Employment
Many students locate part-time employment to help pay education expenses. Numerous positions are available on campus and within various community-based organizations. These jobs provide students with opportunities to gain practical work experience. Most positions are funded through the Federal Work-Study Program.