WVU School of Medicine and School of Public Health offer two new accelerated pathways
The West Virginia University School of Medicine and the School of Public Health are partnering to launch two accelerated pathways that enable students to earn both an undergraduate degree from the School of Medicine and a graduate degree from the School of Public Health in just five years.
The Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) programs offer two distinct pathways:
- A pathway for Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) students to earn a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree.
- A pathway for Immunology and Medical Microbiology (IMMB) students to earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
Through these programs, students can begin graduate-level coursework during their senior year, fast-tracking their education and expanding their professional opportunities in clinical, administrative and public health roles.
“These new pathways exemplify WVU’s commitment to creating innovative academic opportunities that meet the evolving needs of students and the healthcare industry,” Mary Beth Mandich, Ph.D., PT, vice dean for Health Professions, said.
Lauryn Myer, a graduate of both the IMMB and MPH programs and an infection preventionist for WVU Medicine at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, says she sees a lot of value in the new pathway for students.
“An accelerated program like this is important for students who want to pursue higher education and make an impact on public health while saving time and money,” Myer said. “Any student with an interest in public health and a passion for immunology or microbiology should consider it because an MPH broadens your opportunities—whether in the job market or in pursuing additional graduate programs like medical or dental school.”
Myer credits WVU for laying the foundation for her career.
“WVU provided me with the education, support and connections to reach my goals,” she said. “The IMMB program gave me the microbiology background that was crucial in helping me find my passion for infectious diseases. In turn, this led me to my MPH and, ultimately, my career in infection prevention.”
Leigha Shreve, who earned her undergraduate degree in HIIM and later completed her MHA, said the launch of the new accelerated pathway between those programs is a great opportunity for students.
“I would have loved having an accelerated pathway while in school,” Shreve said. “It financially makes sense because you’re saving a full year of graduate tuition and entering the workforce sooner. One more year of schooling is worth it for a master’s degree that sets you apart.”
Shreve now serves as a data coordinator for cancer clinical trials at the WVU Cancer Institute Clinical Research Unit, where she applies many of the skills she learned at WVU. “My education in HIIM and MHA has been integral to my career,” she said. “WVU gave me the foundation, mentorship, and confidence to succeed in healthcare data management and research.”
The accelerated pathways represent a collaborative effort between the two schools to respond to student interest and employer demand for highly skilled professionals who understand both the science and systems behind healthcare.
“The accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs require a shorter timeline for completion, which is both a cost and time savings for students,” Sarah Woodrum, DrPH, FACHE, dean of WVU School of Public Health, said. “In addition, the programs allow for flexibility in tailoring studies to align with students’ career interests, while ultimately addressing workforce demands efficiently.”
Students interested in exploring pathways to these and other health professions careers can visit go.health.wvu.edu/pre-health.