Master of Public Health (MPH)

Students are introduced to current public health issues and challenges affecting vulnerable populations around the globe. Particular emphasis is given to the social and economic determinants of health and possible intervention strategies for addressing the global burden of diseases. Students learn about organizations that work to support and advance health locally and internationally and compare health systems around the globe. Students also analyze global health ethics, examine international health-related goals, and explore health communication and other strategies for social change.

Students in this course learn about biostatistical methods and concepts used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and application of concepts rather than statistical calculations. Major topics include identification of types of data, creation and interpretation of narrative and graphical descriptive statistics, conceptualization of statistical inference and probability, and interpretation of common nonparametric tests, analysis of variance, and simple linear regression models. Students are required to use the statistical computer package SPSS. (Prerequisite(s): PUBH 6032 or PUBH 6032P.)

In this course, students are provided with a foundational understanding of the administrative, managerial, and organizational practices of public health and healthcare delivery systems. Students examine theories of leadership as well as the professional attributes, skills, styles, and strategies required to advance public health goals. They engage in a variety of contextual and practical assignments focused on management theories, policy processes, systems thinking, strategic planning and partnerships, public health financing, human resource management, public health informatics, quality and performance improvement, leadership, and organizational behavior. Students also consider the impact of global trends on public health.

Students in this course are provided with an epidemiological approach to the study of the incidence, prevalence, and patterns of disease and injury in populations, and the application of this study to the control of public health problems. Key sources of data for epidemiological purposes are identified, and principles and limitations of public health screening programs are addressed. Students learn to calculate basic epidemiological measures and to draw appropriate inferences from epidemiological data and reports. (Prerequisite(s): PUBH 6033 and PUBH 6035 or PUBH 6033P and PUBH 6035P or PUBH 8033 and PUBH 8035.)

The focus of this course is on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, logic models, and collaboration with stakeholders. Strategic approaches to planning, implementation, and evaluation with particular attention to study design and sampling are addressed. Health behavior theories are considered in the development of health promotion programs, the assignment of evaluation findings, and prioritization of community concerns and resources.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental factors that affect the health and safety of 21st century communities. Students examine associations and interrelationships between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on human health. Concepts cover food, water, air, waste, radiation, noise, pests, population growth, and climate change. Students analyze and discuss current local and global problems and solutions and consider new ways to address environmental issues.

The goal of this course is to provide participants with an understanding of theories, principles, strategies, and alternative methods of applied research (quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-method designs) in public health focusing on culturally sensitive, appropriate literacy level and appropriate community engagement through participatory action research and collaborative inquiry of community-based participatory research, an appreciation of advantages and limitations of this approach, and skills necessary for participating effectively in CBPR projects.   

Students in the practicum are provided with the opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program of study and to further develop key professional competencies. Students engage in a field experience in an approved public health setting, which they align to their academic and professional goals. Supervision by an on-site preceptor is a critical component of the practicum. The on-site supervisor and the course instructor monitor and evaluate students' performance throughout the entire practicum experience. In this first course of the two-part practicum, students are required to complete a minimum 100 of the total 200 required hours of practicum work. Students also participate in the accompanying online course and begin to develop an eportfolio based on assigned professional development activities. (Prerequisite(s): PUBH 6245.)

This course is the continuation and extension of PUBH 6638 - Practicum I: Field Experience in Public Health. Students complete the remainder of their required 200 hours of practicum work, participate in the accompanying online course, and complete the eportfolio of their field experience. Students also develop their applied public health project (see PUBH 6245 course description for further explanation of the project). (Prerequisite(s): PUBH 6640.)

As a culminating experience, MPH students are provided the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to synthesize and integrate advanced knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program and to apply theory and principles in a public health project focused on social change. For this project, students write a grant proposal for a public health initiative or create a community health program plan. The project must address the need(s) of a specific population in the student's field site community. Students are also required to describe how the MPH program competencies/learning outcomes were demonstrated while carrying out the project as well as how their project relates to social change. (Prerequisite(s): PUBH 6638.)