*Please note that, starting with the JDP entering class of fall 2025, the option to concurrently pursue the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is still available, but 1) must be completed during the 5 years in residence, and 2) is likely to incur additional tuition charges in years 3-5 (specifically, the differential between part-time and full-time tuition). These additional charges cannot be covered by the JDP, and will be the student’s responsibility.
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An option for currently enrolled Ph.D. students in clinical psychology is to concurrently pursue the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in SDSU’s Graduate School of Public Health. Students jointly enrolled must first be accepted into the clinical psychology program and then apply for admission into public health. For the MPH degree, students must complete all required core classes as well as requirements for a particular specialization (Epidemiology, or Health Promotion and Behavioral Science). Subsequent to coursework, MPH candidates generally complete a final project as well. This final project is most often a first-authored publication that has not been used to meet any other requirement. This project must be approved and accepted by a separate MPH committee.
The MPH option will add coursework and a thesis requirement to the student’s program. The procedure for this option is to discuss the matter first with the student’s guidance committee to be sure that the MPH fits with the overall education/career goals. If the student needs guidance in the application process, they may speak with Dr. Penelope (Jenny) Quintana in the School of Public Health.
Process for Requesting Admission to the MPH
All students must complete the MPH Recommendation
The completed and signed copy of the MPH Recommendation Form should be submitted to the SDSU Program Coordinator. In addition to the completed MPH Recommendation Form, a copy of your JDP Supplemental Program application (including transcript(s)), unofficial SDSU and UC San Diego transcripts, and a current student CV will be forwarded to the School of Public Health (SPH).
Acceptance is decided by the MPH program.
Proposed Requirements and Course of Study with Concentration in Epidemiology (please contact the SDSU Program Coordinator)
Proposed Requirements and Course of Study with Concentration in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (please contact the SDSU Program Coordinator)
PLEASE NOTE: You must complete all required coursework for your MPH degree BEFORE you leave for internship. Also, it is not permissible to graduate with two different degrees in the same semester. Therefore, the latest you will be allowed to graduate with your MPH degree is during the Fall semester of your internship year.
Updated 09/26/2024