Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies recently partnered with the University of Alabama (UAB) at Birmingham’s School of Public Health to offer distance learning courses for veterinary medicine students seeking to earn a master of public health (MPH) while earning their DVM. “Auburn DVM students who chose to pursue their MPH at UAB may choose a focus in one of five options, including Environmental Health Science, Epidemiology, Health Behavior, Health Care Organization and Policy or a general MPH,” said Frank Bartol, Ph.D., associate dean of Research and Graduate Studies. “MPH focus courses can be customized to the interest and needs of the student.” The dual degree program allows students to complete the MPH degree completely online, in class or through a mix of online and in-class experiences, according to the universities. Out-of-state distance learning students will pay the same in-state tuition rate as Alabama residents. “The dual degree broadens career opportunities and perspectives of individual and population health of both humans and animals,” said Max Michael, MD, professor and dean of UAB’s School of Public Health. “In today’s world where humans and animals live together in both urban and rural environments, DVM/MPH students will be better informed in research, government policies and international health for a broader view of the health of society and the world.” Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has a similar DVM/MPH program partnership with the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. Students in the program are expected to graduate with their DVM and MPH degrees in 2017 and 2018.
