Master of Public Health

This course presents foundational information about the field of public health – its purpose, focus, infrastructure, and tools. The seven program themes (Integration of Science and Practice, Quantitative Foundations, Health Policy, Structural Determinants of Health, Systems Thinking, Leadership, Diversity and Culture) that will be covered in the core courses are introduced in a way that demonstrates the application and integration of these disciplines in the analysis and resolution of public health problems in the community.

This course provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the social and biological mechanisms of major health concerns in the US and globally. The focus will be on understanding and interpreting the determinants of health and disease in a public health context. Students will examine major public health problems from the past century and the interventions used to address them. Prerequisite: MPH 601.

This course explores the application of fundamental statistical methods to the health care environment. Course content includes both descriptive and inferential methods including data analysis, statistical estimation, regression analysis, analysis of variance, hypothesis testing and analysis of longitudinal data. Students will analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics informatics, computer-based programming, and software.

This course provides an overview of the application and use of applied behavioral science. Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical basis of social and behavioral interventions. In addition, students will examine the psychosocial influences on morbidity and mortality where topics covered include definition of the field, sub-specialties, and real world applications, and aspects of the field. Students will examine the social and behavioral factors responsible for health-related behaviors that lead to morbidity, premature mortality and health disparities. Prerequisite: MPH 602, HIA 625 and Faculty Advisor Approved.

This course provides an introduction to epidemiology for students majoring in any aspect of public health. The focus will be on the principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation, including describing the patterns of illness in populations and research designs for investigating the etiology of disease. Students will examine quantitative measures to determine risk, association, and procedures for standardization of rates. Prerequisite: HIA 625 and Faculty Advisor Approved..

This course offers students the opportunity to acquire the leadership and management skills needed to pursue positions of authority and influence in organizations that serve the public and promote public health. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the greater health care system and how they serve culturally diverse populations. Topics to be covered include: overview of the U.S. Health Care System (private and public sectors), interface between Public Health and U.S. Health Care System, various health care delivery structures, health care workforce, health care resources, types of health services, financing of health services and health care coverage, meeting the health care needs of special populations, and critical issues in health services. The student will conduct a community health system analysis. Prerequisite: MPH 604 and Faculty Advisor Approved.

Students will illustrate the connection between physical, biological, and chemical agents in the environment. Students will also become familiar with data sources, methodologies, and policy approaches being used to address the public health impacts of environmental and occupational health hazards through the use of problem-solving frameworks. Students will also gain a more complete understanding of how built environments can affect multiple aspects of health and the populations they house. Prerequisite: MPH 606 and Preliminary Practicum Work Approved. 

A comprehensive and integrated application of the curriculum required by the MPH program which allows students to demonstrate professional competency in public health practice in a practice setting. Prerequisites: Practicum Site approval and signed approval to begin your practicum as outlined in the MPH Practicum Handbook. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non-Degree Seeking students.

A comprehensive and integrated application of the curriculum required by the MPH program which allows students to demonstrate professional competency in public health practice in a practice setting. Prerequisites: MPH 650; Practicum Site approval and signed approval to begin your practicum as outlined in the MPH Practicum Handbook. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non-Degree Seeking students.

A comprehensive and integrated application of the curriculum required by the MPH program which allows students to demonstrate professional competency in public health practice in a practice setting. Prerequisites: MPH 651; Practicum Site approval and signed approval to begin your practicum as outlined in the MPH Practicum Handbook. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non-Degree Seeking students.

The Public Health Capstone is an opportunity for students to work on a public health project that is of particular interest to them. The goal is for students to synthesize, integrate and apply the skills and competencies they have acquired to a public health problem that approximates a professional practice experience. The project is done under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: MPH 605 and MPH 650. This course may not be taken outside of this program and is not available for Non Degree Seeking students.