BS in Public Health/MPH in Health Equity: Combined Degree Programs
Jumpstart your career in public health
As a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health student, you can accelerate your path to a career in public health by completing the Master of Public Health in Health Equity through Simmons University.
The MPH Program focuses on the intersections of public health and social justice, preparing you to critically analyze structural determinants of health and persistent systems of oppression; undertake policy analyses and practices to advance systems change; engage in community organizing and innovation, and advance community-based research methods in partnership with local communities and organizations.
Delivered through a blend of online courses, self-paced content, and in-person immersion experiences, our program's practice-based curriculum will equip you with real-world skills needed to graduate ready to serve as effective public health practitioners.
Academic Pathways
- The 3+1 BS to MPH Program is open to students applying to Simmons University for their bachelor's degree, and to matriculated undergraduate students who pursue this option during their first year at Simmons.
- The Edge Exploratory Pathway is available to matriculated students who may pursue this option during their junior year of undergraduate studies.
Spotlight on Public Health Students and Alums
Celebrating the 2025-26 Passionate Leaders Scholars
Six undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected for a $3,000 grant that supports student-driven initiatives focused on advancing scientific research and improving communities, and represents unique voices through the arts and humanities.
First-Gen Commuter Student Navigates Higher Education
Valeria Cardoza ’27 shares her unique experience as a first-generation student at Simmons, and a participant in the Bonner Leaders Program.
Simmons Alumna Centers Survivorship
Kenyora Lenair Johnson ’10, CEO of End Rape On Campus (EROC), is dedicated to elevating survivorship and centering marginalized populations. To honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we spoke with her about EROC’s bold initiatives, as well as Simmons’ intergenerational community.
Six Students Selected for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award
Ginjer Doherty ’25, Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25 have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research across different disciplinary fields.
Simmons Student-athletes Excel On and Off the Field
Early mornings and late evenings. Long practices and rigorous academic courses. Team bonding and unforgettable moments. These are just a few of the hallmarks of the student-athlete experience at Simmons, according to field hockey player Sydney Gonyea ’25 and softball pitcher Piper Kinney ’26.
Thriving through Diversity: A Nursing Success Story
The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program pairs first-generation and other underrepresented nursing student mentees — called Scholars — with experienced Mentors (typically School of Nursing alumnae/i). Sasha DuBois ’08BSN has served as a mentor since the program began in 2009. LaDonna Christian ’16PhD became director of the program in 2010.
Honoring the National Day of Racial Healing
January 21, 2025 — the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day — is the ninth annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH). Created by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, NDORH "is an opportunity to engage in collective action to create a more just and equitable world."
Simmons Exercise Science Alumnae Share Research at Conference
Health and Exercise Science alumnae Haleigh St.Hilaire ’24, ’26MPH and Caroline Aspinwall ’24 recently presented their respective research at the New England chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (NEACSM) conference.