4+1 Accelerated Master Program
Lehigh’s 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Public Health (MPH) allows highly motivated undergraduates to earn both their bachelor’s degree and an MPH in just five years. Students take up to 12 graduate credits during their junior and senior years, then complete the remaining MPH requirements in one additional graduate year.
What is a 4+1 MPH program?
A 4+1 program lets you take graduate courses as an undergraduate, giving you an early start on your master’s degree. This streamlined path helps you move smoothly into graduate study while reducing the overall time and cost. It’s perfect if you know your intended career requires a master’s degree, or you already know you want to pursue one.
In the 4+1 MPH, approved undergraduate students take graduate public health courses that count toward the MPH degree (but not toward undergraduate credit requirements). After completing 12 credits of graduate coursework with a grade of B or higher, students enroll in the MPH program and finish their master’s degree in one year, full-time.
What’s a Master of Public Health (MPH)?
A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional graduate degree that prepares students to improve population health through research, policy, community engagement, and evidence-based practice. Our MPH program trains students in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and health promotion.
Lehigh’s 4+1 Bachelor’s Degree + MPH
Lehigh undergraduates with strong academic performance can accelerate their path into public health careers. Key program elements include:
- Complete both degrees in five years, compared to 6+ years in the traditional format
- Begin graduate public health coursework as early as junior year (or after completing 54 credits)
- Seamless continuation into the MPH after graduation
- Study at an R1 research university, gaining access to faculty experts, research opportunities, and evidence-based public health training
- Build advanced skills in epidemiology, data science, health policy, community health, and research methods
Students interested in learning more about the 4+1 program are encouraged to attend an information session or to contact the College of Health graduate advising team at cohgrad@lehigh.edu.
Lehigh students who do not meet the automatic-admission GPA threshold may still apply for consideration.
What majors can you pursue with the 4+1?
The MPH 4+1 is designed to be flexible and interdisciplinary. Students from any major may apply.
Students should work with their undergraduate advisor and the College of Health graduate advising team to ensure they have room in their schedule for required graduate coursework.
The Benefits of a 4+1 MPH
Students in the 4+1 MPH pathway receive substantial academic and financial advantages, including:
- Master’s degree completed in half the usual time
- Automatic admission for students with a 3.5+ overall GPA upon reaching junior standing (54+ credits)
- Up to four graduate courses completed before graduating
- More than 40% total savings on the cost of the MPH degree
- Earlier entry into public health careers or doctoral study
4+1 Tuition & Funding
Graduate-level MPH courses taken during the undergraduate years are included in undergraduate tuition (no extra charge!)
Students receive a 30% tuition reduction for the +1 year of full-time graduate study.
For details on tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, visit Lehigh’s Tuition and Financial Aid page to explore funding opportunities that make a Lehigh education accessible.
Recommended 4+1 MPH Schedule
Junior Year (Fall)
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PUBH 401 | Health Promotion and Education | 3 |
Junior Year (Spring)
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PUBH 402 | Health Services, Administration, Politics, and Policy | 3 |
Senior Year (Fall)
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PUBH 403 | Health Program Planning and Implementation | 3 |
Senior Year (Spring)
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EPI 404 | Methods in Epidemiology I | 3 |
(Not following the recommended course schedule may result in a delayed graduation)
Frequently Asked Questions about a 4+1 MPH
Students work closely with academic advisors to ensure they can take graduate classes without delaying their bachelor’s degree. Careful planning, usually beginning sophomore is key.
Current high school students should visit our Undergraduate Admission page to learn about next steps, application requirements, deadlines, and tips for submitting a strong application.
Lehigh students interested in learning more about the 4+1 program are encouraged to attend an information session or to contact the College of Health graduate advising team at cohgrad@lehigh.edu.
Most students explore the option during their sophomore year so they can meet prerequisites and build space in their schedule for graduate-level courses by junior year, but it’s never too early to build it into your academic plan!
Most 4+1 students complete up to 12 graduate credits before earning their bachelor’s degree.
Students with a 3.5+ GPA just need to complete a declaration form to share that they intend to participate once they reach junior standing; all others may apply through the standard 4+1 application process.
Yes, but students should discuss timing with advisors to create an alternate plan to complete the 12 graduate credits.
It’s ideal for students who want a faster, more cost-effective route to a master’s degree and who plan to enter fields (like public health) where graduate training provides a competitive advantage.
Students who complete all required undergraduate and graduate-level coursework (12 credits) and stay on track with the curriculum can finish in one year.