Public Health – Public Policy (Dual Degree)
Virginia University’s Public Health – Public Policy dual degree is a three-year, full-time program that combines rigorous training in population health sciences with advanced education in policy analysis and governance. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to address today’s most pressing health challenges through research-informed strategies and systems-level thinking. By integrating public health frameworks with public policy design, students develop the tools to influence change across healthcare systems, legislation, and global development initiatives.
The curriculum is structured to provide depth in both disciplines, offering coursework in epidemiology, health equity, and biostatistics alongside policy analysis, ethics, and law. Students engage in applied projects, fieldwork, and internships that bridge theory and practice across sectors. Through collaboration with faculty from both schools, learners gain a comprehensive view of how policy impacts health outcomes—and how evidence can shape effective governance. This dual focus equips graduates with a powerful interdisciplinary lens for driving reforms and improving public well-being at community, national, and global levels.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Public Health Public Policy (Dual Degree)
- Degree Type: Master of Public Health
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 28 March 2026
- Location: University of Virginia, United States
- Field of Study: Public Health
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Public Health and Policy
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Systems
- Statistical Methods for Health Research
- Foundations of Public Policy Analysis
- Ethics and Governance in Public Decision-Making
Year 2 – Integration of Disciplines and Applied Research
- Environmental and Global Health Policy
- Health Economics and Financing
- Research Methods in Public Health
- Law and Public Administration
- Policy Implementation and Evaluation
Year 3 – Specialization and Leadership in Action
- Public Health Program Design and Evaluation
- Politics of Health Reform and Advocacy
- Advanced Topics in Health Equity and Access
- Internship or Practicum in a Health Policy Setting
- Capstone Project or Master’s Thesis
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this dual degree program are highly sought after in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, global health institutions, and policy think tanks. They pursue careers as health policy analysts, public health advisors, legislative consultants, and program directors, working to shape healthcare delivery, regulation, and access. Many contribute to health equity initiatives, community-based interventions, or the design of evidence-based public programs. The combined expertise in public health and policy enables graduates to work in roles where understanding both the science of health and the mechanics of policy implementation is essential. Some also continue into PhD programs, leadership fellowships, or international advocacy roles that require systemic vision and cross-sector communication. This degree opens doors to influential, interdisciplinary, and mission-driven career paths.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who aspire to be public health leaders with policy-making power. Virginia University’s dual degree provides a rare and strategic combination of quantitative health training and in-depth policy education. Students benefit from faculty with expertise in both fields, hands-on policy engagement opportunities, and access to an expansive professional network. The three-year format ensures thorough preparation while allowing students to specialize according to their goals. Whether your passion lies in health justice, legislative advocacy, or global systems design, this program offers a comprehensive and high-impact pathway to lead change where it matters most.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 434 924 0311
Email: gradadmissions@virginia.edu
Address: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, United States
