SUNY Oneonta and the University at Albany’s College of Integrated Health Sciences have established a master of public health (MPH) articulation agreement allowing Oneonta students in the anthropology major, health and human biology track, to begin their MPH coursework at UAlbany while completing their undergraduate degree.
The 4+1 pathway enables eligible SUNY Oneonta students to take four online MPH courses offered by UAlbany during their senior year that count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Upon completing their bachelor’s degree, students transition to UAlbany’s College of Integrated Health Sciences to finish the MPH program in their fifth year.
“SUNY Oneonta strives to partner with leading institutions as we create successful student pathways for high-demand professions, like public health,” said Tracy Allen, dean of SUNY Oneonta’s School of Sciences. “We are excited to partner with the University at Albany to offer our students a strong academic foundation and launch their next step toward a career in healthcare, research, policy or community health.”
"Anthropology majors are uniquely equipped for careers in public health, as their understanding of both biology and culture, along with their insight into cultural diversity, allows them to approach health from a holistic and inclusive perspective,” said Tracy Betsinger, chair and professor of Anthropology at SUNY Oneonta. “Learning to make space for all communities builds trust, respect and understanding – skills that benefit the public as we approach health challenges in the world today.”
"We are excited to collaborate with SUNY Oneonta to broaden access to master’s-level education in public health,” said Erin Bell, dean of UAlbany’s College of Integrated Health Sciences. “In today’s changing landscape, interdisciplinary and innovative solutions are crucial to addressing community health needs and closing gaps in the public health workforce. We look forward to welcoming SUNY Oneonta anthropology students to UAlbany and empowering them to make a lasting impact on public health.”
A program kickoff event was held March 5 in SUNY Oneonta's Physical Science building. With faculty from SUNY Oneonta's Anthropology Department and a representative from the University at Albany's College of Integrated Health Sciences on hand, students had the opportunity to learn more about program eligibility and requirements and ask questions about a career in public health.