MPH + MS in Community Health Nursing

Decker College's double degree graduate program in public health and community health nursing lets you earn degrees in two of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS) in Community Health Nursing (CHN) are complementary degrees, opening exciting opportunities for graduates with expertise in both fields. 

The 48-credit MPH and 48-credit MS in CHN programs can be completed together in just three years through this 78-credit double-degree option. 

91ÉçÇø the Master of Public Health program

  • The MPH program prepares professionals to apply their knowledge to solve public health challenges.
  • Students learn to develop scientific evidence and translate it into meaningful health improvements for diverse populations and communities.
  • Graduates are prepared to be effective leaders who possess the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes for assessing complex public health issues; designing, implementing and evaluating public health policies and programs; and conducting applied research to improve health services and enhance the health and well-being of communities.

91ÉçÇø the Master of Science in Community Health Nursing program 

  • This master of science in nursing program prepares post-baccalaureate nurses to become nurse educators in community health nursing.
  • Registered professional nurses learn to assess communities; make community diagnoses in relation to the community's health status; and plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs that address specific health needs of communities.
  • Program graduates serve as community leaders who promote health and wellness within a community by educating individuals and groups about healthy behaviors and disease prevention.

Why consider a double degree in public health and community health nursing?

  • Graduates holding both degrees are highly qualified for diverse healthcare careers, including positions in public health departments, hospitals, home healthcare, primary care, outpatient centers, long-term care facilities, health and human service agencies, community health programs, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions.
  • Earning both degrees enhances your marketability and broadens your access to rewarding career opportunities.
  • You will accelerate the growth of your professional network, connecting with faculty and peers across both fields.
  • You will strengthen your expertise and leadership abilities in both public health and community health nursing.

Curriculum plan

Below is a sample curriculum plan for the MPH-MS in CHN program. For printer-friendly version, visit our . If you have questions, contact one of the directors listed at the bottom of this page.

  • MPH + MS in community health nursing, full-time
    YEAR 1, FALL SEMESTER
    Course Credits
    PH 501 Experiential Public Health I 1
    PH 510 Foundations of Public Health 2
    PH 512 Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health 3
    PH 518 Environmental Health  3
    PH 520 Epidemiology I: Basic Principles and Methods 3
    Total credits this semester 12
    YEAR 1, SPRING SEMESTER
    PH 502 Experiential Public Health II 1
    PH 517 Public Health Biology 2
    PH 515 Introduction to Biostatistics 3
    PH 522 Health Policy, Finance, and Management 3
    NURS 558 Information and Educational Technology in Nursing Education 4
    Total credits this semester 13
    YEAR 2, FALL SEMESTER
    NURS 502 Advanced Physical Health Assessment 3
    NURS 600 Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses 3
    PH 503 Experiential Public Health III 1
    PH 524 Program Planning and Evaluation 2
    PH 525 Epidemiology II: Applied Epidemiology 3
    Total credits this semester 12
    YEAR 2, SPRING SEMESTER
    NURS 520 Patho/Pharm 4
    NURS 503 Scientific Inquiry: Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing 2
    NURS 541 Community Health Nursing Practice I 3
    PH 504 Experiential Public Health IV 1
    PH 552 Special Topics in Public Health 2
    Total credits this semester 12
    YEAR 3, FALL SEMESTER
    NURS 542 Community Health Nursing Practice II 3
    NURS 557 Functional Role II, Educator 4
    PH 595 Internship Practicum 3
    PH 598 Capstone Project 3
    Total credits this semster 13
    YEAR 3, SPRING SEMESTER
    NURS 543 Community Health Nursing Practice III 3
    NURS 556 Functional Role I, Educator 4
    NURS 570 Proseminar 2
    NURS 590 Functional Role III, Educator 4
    PH 595 Internship Practicum 3
    Total credits this semester

    16
    TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DOUBLE DEGREE

    78

How to apply 

To earn a double degree, you must apply and be admitted separately into both academic programs. Applicants must meet each program’s specific requirements for admission.

Important information

  • This double-degree program is open to domestic and international nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and would like to pursue graduate education in public health and community health nursing.
  • Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but who do not currently have nursing licensure in the United States may be accepted provisionally into the double-degree program and must successfully complete the National Council of State Boards of Nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) within the first year of their program. 
  • Applicants may complete a through Decker's Division of Public Health to request a waiver for the SOPHAS application fee. 
  • Students enrolled in the double-degree program are assigned two academic advisors — one from each of the programs.
  • Once accepted, students will meet with their academic advisors to map out their program plan.

Program contacts

headshot of Yvonne Johnston, DrPH, MS, FNP

Yvonne Johnston, DrPH, MS, FNP

Founding Director; Associate Professor/Founding Director, Public Health Division Program

Public Health; Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences
HSB 424