Understanding the Accelerated Master’s Degree Experience
This accelerated program is designed for students to receive a bachelor’s degree and Master of Science degree after a combined five years of study.
This overall program experience involves two phases. Students must complete the criteria outlined in Phase 1 and apply to the accelerated master’s degree program before being accepted into Phase 2.
Phase 1 (Years 1-3)
During a student’s first three years of study, their activities will focus on their undergraduate experience and requirements. During this time, students will complete approximately 80 percent of the credits needed for a bachelor’s degree at their home institution (either Spelman College or the University of Michigan). During these three years, it is ideal for students to take all classes except for their electives. They will also complete prerequisites for their preferred Michigan Public Health master’s program.
Department of Biostatistics Prerequisites
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Three semesters of calculus, including multivariable calculus
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One course in matrix or linear algebra
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One course in statistics or biostatistics
Department of Environmental Health Sciences Prerequisites
- General Biology and/or Physiology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- General Physics
- Calculus
Department of Nutritional Sciences Prerequisites
- Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
At the end of year three, students will apply to join the accelerated master’s degree program and enter Phase 2.
Phase 2 (Years 4-5)
Once accepted into the program, a student’s fourth and fifth years of study will focus predominantly on their graduate experience and requirements. Students will take graduate-level courses at Michigan Public Health. These classes will count toward both the master’s degree and the undergraduate degree (at Spelman or the University of Michigan) to fulfill the remaining elective credits required for completion of the students’ bachelor’s degrees. After year four, students will receive their bachelor’s from Spelman College or the University of Michigan, as appropriate, and after year five, they will receive their Master of Science from Michigan Public Health.