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. Equivalent to MPH 601

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.  Equivalent to MPH 602. Prerequisite: MPH 590.

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.

During the course, a broad snapshot of global health will be presented, providing students with insight into the challenges currently facing global health. Students will also gain an understanding of why tackling global health issues is such an important endeavor with the potential to reduce poverty, build stronger economies, and promote peace. Students will not only be exposed to the major communicable and noncommunicable diseases posing a profound effect on health (especially within the developing world), but they will also learn how socioeconomic and demographic differences can influence the burden of disease. Students will be encouraged to understand that solving global health problems requires the input of multiple disciplines (e.g. the sciences, ethics, economics and diplomacy). Prerequisite: HIA 625.

This course is designed to examine research and practice in the area of health communication with a special focus on how health media campaigns are planned and executed in order to stimulate change in knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and subsequent health outcomes. This examination will include the review of the history of health communication campaigns, selected case studies of campaigns, and the theoretical foundation for the design and implementation of campaigns health. Prerequisite: MPH 606.

Research methods are at the center of our approach to knowledge and understanding in public health. An opinion alone does not hold weight. Theories are supported by concrete evidence. This class provides an introduction to this way of thinking, i.e., into methodology or the "science of finding out." The purpose of this course is to train students in how to collect and analyze data on social phenomena in a rigorous and scientific manner. This knowledge requires an understanding of three different components: 1) inquiry and research design, 2) data collection, and 3) data analysis. Prerequisite: MPH 605.

This course is designed to assist individuals to become responsible and productive public health professionals who are capable of planning, implementing, and managing health promotion and education programs for public health. Concepts in health program assessment, organization, and mobilization for the purposes of addressing identified public health concerns will serve as the foundation for the public health planning process. Appropriate techniques of partnership building, planning strategies, data collection, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making will also be introduced. Prerequisite: MPH 609.

Public health specialists must develop the expertise and adaptability to manage the complexities of research design encountered in evaluations. Public health specialists must also develop expertise in psychometrics, statistical analysis, and in substantive disciplines, to develop and evaluate tests and assessments. These skills form a strong foundation in theory and methodology coupled with practical experience in real evaluation and assessment projects. Students will learn to apply theory and advanced methods in evaluation and assessment to public health programs, campaigns, and initiatives. Prerequisite: MPH 610.

Students will explore the history, basic structures and operations of public health and health care delivery systems based on the 10 Essential Public Health Services. They will learn to apply the core functions and essential public health services framework to public health problems, and identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing and delivery of health services and public health systems in the US. Prerequisite: HIA 625.

This course focuses upon the analysis of health care operations and planning decisions derived from the theoretical concepts of demand, cost production, profit and competition. External and internal forces challenging health care services are analyzed. Organizational effectiveness and efficiency within the complex health care environment are emphasized. 

This course focuses on forces that impact health care policymaking, emphasizing policy implications through the analyses and evaluation of organizational decision making and strategic planning. The health care leader's role in the evaluation, development, reform, and implementation of health policies based on current evidence-based and regulatory practices is evaluated. Health care human resources, program recruitment, compensation, performance evaluation, and labor relations policies are analyzed. The application of policy compliance with accreditation, regulatory and legal requirements, professional standards, economical and ethical considerations, and clinical staff and board communication is also assessed.

This course focuses upon the legal and ethical issues arising in the health care environment. Case study analysis is used to illustrate the ethical and legal implications commonly addressed in health care. Equivalent to MHA 622 

This course provides a systematic review on quality improvement and patient safety in health care. This course examines the history and evolution of continuous quality improvement, its terms, principles, theories, methodologies, and practices. Students will complete a team project focusing on the application of learned knowledge in continuous quality improvement, patient safety, industry benchmark, and accreditation.