Rice - UT Public Health Scholars Program

Rice-UT Public Health Scholars Program

The Rice-UT Public Health Scholars Program is a collaborative initiative between Rice University and the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health (UTH-SPH) in Houston, Texas. This program will allow selected undergraduate students interested in public health to enroll in up to 5 core courses at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health during their senior year at Rice and obtain dual undergraduate and graduate credit. This unique BA/BS-MPH program will enable accepted students to accelerate and complete their Master of Public Health degree (MPH) in one year after completing their undergraduate degree.

Eligibility:

  • Candidates must be within one year of graduating at the end of the Spring 2025 semester.

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0.

  • Any Rice major may apply. There are no specific prerequisites.

Application must include:

  • List of remaining degree requirements (major, minor and general) required for graduation from Rice.

  • Certification of good academic standing from a major advisor.

  • Student's signature of intent to complete the MPH at UTH-SPH after graduating from Rice.

  • 1-2 page personal statement describing student’s interest in public health and reasons for wanting to complete an MPH degree.

  • Senior year course plan form.

  • Student résumé.

  • Recommendation letter from a Rice University faculty member. The faculty member should email this letter directly to the Office of the Dean of Undergraduates at ugdean@rice.edu.

Selection:

  • During the 2025-2026 year of the program, between 4 and 6 students will be admitted to the accelerated BA/BS-MPH program.

  • A joint Rice-UTH-SPH committee of faculty will review applicants.

  • Admission will be based on the quality of the application criteria and the student’s demonstrated interest in the field of public health.

  • Final admission to the 2nd year of the accelerated program requires completion of the GRE exam and the Undergraduate degree at Rice.

How to Apply:

  • For more information about the program and application process, view the slides from the latest info session which can be viewed here online.

  • Download the program application.

  • All application materials should be sent to ugdean@rice.edu.

  • Deadline for submission for Fall 2025 is Friday, February 21, 2025 by 5pm.

  • Review the FAQs.

  • For additional information, please contact the co-directors: Dr. Kirsten Ostherr, kostherr@rice.edu; or Dr. Cassandra Diep, csdiep@rice.edu.