CORE COURSES

Take the following courses:

MPH-500 Health Policy & US Health System

This graduate-level course explains the policymaking process in the United States as it relates to healthcare policy. Students will contemplate how healthcare policy is shaped by ethical considerations, research and evidence about healthcare outcomes and disparities, and political considerations.

3 Credits

MPH-501 Research Methods & Epidemiologic Studies

Designed to equip students with essential tools for evidence-based practice, this course explores the foundations of research design, methodologies, and the application of epidemiological principles to public health challenges.

3 Credits

MPH-502 Biostatistics & Health Informatics

This comprehensive course integrates the principles of biostatistics and health informatics, offering students a robust foundation in statistical methods and data-driven decision-making within the context of public health and healthcare systems. Students will gain a multifaceted skill set, combining statistical analysis with information technology to address complex challenges in health-related research and practice.

4 Credits

MPH-503 Health Promotion/Communication/Community

The Health Promotion, Communication, and Community course explores essential strategies for promoting health, communicating public health messages effectively, and engaging communities to address population health needs. Students will learn to assess population health needs, design evidence-based interventions, and cultivate partnerships for positive health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate communication strategies, fostering cultural competence, and building coalitions to influence public health. Through interactive learning experiences, students will develop practical skills to promote health, communicate effectively, and engage communities in collaborative efforts to improve population health and advance health equity.

3 Credits

MPH-504 Health Equity & Bias

This graduate-level course explores the organization, structure, and function of health care, public health, and regulatory systems worldwide. Students analyze implications on access, quality, and outcomes for diverse populations, evaluating effectiveness in addressing disparities. Cultural competency principles are applied to design, implement, and critique public health policies, focusing on mitigating cultural biases. Strategies to address structural bias, inequities, and racism are identified and proposed. Students learn advocacy skills to promote policies improving health in diverse populations, developing persuasive arguments and evidence-based strategies. They also evaluate policies for their impact on public health and equity, informing evidence-based recommendations.

2 Credits

MPH-505 Public Health Perspectives & Environment

This course explores the dynamic relationship between public health and the environment, focusing on the multifaceted factors influencing population health. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, students examine the history, philosophy, and core functions of public health, alongside the role of environmental determinants. Topics include disparities in health outcomes, prevention strategies, global health impacts, and ecological perspectives. Practical skills in budget management, program evaluation, policy analysis, and leadership are emphasized, preparing students to address complex public health challenges effectively.

3 Credits


PUBLIC HEALTH TRACKS

Complete one of the following tracks below (NOTE: track courses are based on semester offerings and are track specific):


EPIDEMIOLOGY & CLINICAL RESEARCH

Take the following courses:

MPH-510 Ethics & Conduct of Research

Ethics and Conduct of Research explores theoretical and practical issues related to scientific integrity and responsible conduct of research. The course will use a blend of lectures and group discussions to consider ethical concepts and the regulatory framework relevant to scientific research. We will discuss how standards of conduct vary among cultures and communities, as well as authorship and peer review, conflict of interest, scientific misconduct, and ethical issues related to emerging technologies. Students in this course will develop skills for dealing with difficult, real-life problems that researchers face in their professional lives, and discover the resources available to help when issues become challenging. This course satisfies National Institutes of Health (NIH) requirements for training in responsible conduct of research.

3 Credits

MPH-511 Design & Conduct of Clinical Trials

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the entire clinical trial process, encompassing key stakeholders, diverse roles, and critical phases involved in bringing a new medical intervention from conception to market. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the roles played by pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), hospitals, and various professionals within the clinical trial ecosystem. The course delves into the intricacies of different trial phases, the pre-clinical stage, and the regulatory pathways, providing a holistic perspective on the design and execution of clinical trials.

3 Credits

MPH-512 Intermed Epi. & Clinical Research Methods

Intermediate Epidemiologic and Clinical Research Methods encompasses an in-depth exploration of epidemiological principles, study design methodologies, and their application in both public health and clinical research. Students will learn to select and justify quantitative and qualitative data collection methods for specific public health contexts. Advanced statistical analyses, including multivariate regression and survival analysis, will be covered to interpret data analysis results effectively. Special attention will be given to the development of clinical trial protocols, integrating epidemiological methods. Ethical considerations in research, interdisciplinary collaboration for population health advancement, and the translation of research findings into practice will be integral components of the course. Overall, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of epidemiology and its crucial role in clinical research and public health initiatives.

3 Credits

MPH-513 Analysis of Discrete Data

Intermediate Biostatistics: Analysis of Discrete Data is a specialized course designed to advance students' statistical proficiency in the context of discrete data analysis within the field of biostatistics. Building upon foundational statistical concepts, this intermediate-level course delves into the complexities of handling categorical and count data encountered in various health-related studies.

3 Credits

MPH-514 Epidemiologic Analysis of Disease

Epidemiologic Analysis of Disease in Clinical Research is an advanced course tailored to explore the intersection of epidemiology and clinical research, providing students with the skills to analyze and interpret disease patterns within a clinical context. The course emphasizes the application of epidemiologic principles in understanding the distribution, determinants, and outcomes of diseases encountered in clinical settings.

3 Credits

MPH-515 Regression/Prediction/Survival Analysis

Intermediate Biostatistics: Regression, Prediction, Survival Analysis is a specialized course designed to deepen students' expertise in the application of advanced statistical methods within the realm of biostatistics. Focusing on regression analysis, predictive modeling, and survival analysis, this intermediate-level course equips students with the skills to analyze complex data sets commonly encountered in the field of health sciences.

3 Credits


HEALTH POLICY & ADMINISTRATION

Take the following courses:

MPH-520 Global Health Policy Systems

This course examines the intersection of culture, religion, global power relations and public health systems. What are the obstacles to the promotion of health care in underdeveloped countries? In what ways do global health programs reflect imperialist and colonial thinking? To what extent are "traditional" health care systems considered legitimate by global health leaders? How can public leaders learn from each other? Why do some countries have better public health outcomes than others?

3 Credits

MBA-521 Health Economics

Health Economics uses microeconomic principles to better understand the history and current structure of America's healthcare system. Particular attention is paid to special interest group lobbying, ethical concerns, sources of inefficiency in the system and a historical analysis of how America's healthcare system got to its current state.

3 Credits

MPH-522 Federal Policymaking & Policy Advocacy

This course is designed as an in-depth look at how health policy is crafted at the federal level. Students will look closely at the policymaking process, and practice creating and advocating for population-based health policies.

3 Credits

MPH-523 Public Health Law & Administration

Public Health Law & Administration is a comprehensive course that explores the intersection of legal frameworks, administrative policies, and public health initiatives to promote population health and address pressing societal challenges. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this course aims to integrate perspectives from various sectors and professions to advance public health agendas and foster collaborative solutions.

3 Credits

MPH-524 Population Health & Health Reform

This course examines health reform work from perspectives outside of the United States public health system. Students will look at population health policies around the world. They will also be asked to engage with views of population health initiatives from other sectors within the US.

3 Credits

MPH-525 Health Policy Research/Analysis Methods

In this graduate-level course, students will learn how to interpret data from public health research and use these findings to make public health decisions.

3 Credits


COMMUNITY HEALTH & HEALTH COMMUNICATION

Take the following courses:

BIN-510 Scientific Grant Writing

This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practices of effective grant writing. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, and peer-review sessions, students will learn how to develop compelling research proposals, effectively communicate their research ideas, and navigate the grant submission and review process.

3 Credits

MPH-530 Program Planning/Evaluation/Management

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore fundamental concepts and practical applications in health promotion and prevention. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on experience, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to assess population needs, design effective interventions, and evaluate program outcomes.

3 Credits

MPH-531 Innovative Health Communication

Strategic Multimedia Production and Innovative Health Communication: Design and Delivery explores the communication of public health messages through various media platforms, equipping students with technical production skills and strategic content creation insights to design and deliver innovative health campaigns.

3 Credits

MPH-533 Engagement for Sustainable Health

Multisectoral Engagement for Sustainable Health delves into the complexities of multisectoral engagement for advancing sustainable health outcomes. The course emphasizes understanding health as more than the absence of disease and is anchored by the social determinants of health framework, which recognizes that successful community health interventions require cross-sector collaboration and an asset-based approach. Rooted in the competencies expected of public health professionals, this course emphasizes strategies for identifying stakeholders, conducting community health needs assessments, building coalitions and partnerships, advocating for policy change, and applying negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges. Through theoretical exploration, case studies, practical exercises, and hands-on applications, students will develop the competencies necessary to navigate the dynamic landscape of public health, engage communities effectively, and advocate for positive change across diverse populations.

3 Credits

MPH-534 Community Health Research

Applied Methodologies in Community Health Research addresses theory and methods of research used by community health researchers. The goals of this course are to understand the fundamental nature, purpose, and application of research; to develop a practical and applied working knowledge of classic and contemporary research methods; and to apply knowledge of research principles and methods as critical consumers of research.

3 Credits

MPH-535 Health & Media Literacy

Health and Media Literacy for Public Health Advancement takes a critical approach to understanding and applying health and media literacy. Students analyze health literacy case examples and use literacy studies research methods to communicate public health information that different audiences will understand and design health interventions to improve health outcomes for different contexts.

3 Credits


CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

Take the following courses in addition to one of the tracks listed above:

MPH-540 Public Health Internship

The Public Health Internship is designed to provide students with practical experience in the field of public health, in accordance with the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) guidelines of 120 hours minimum. Under the supervision of experienced professionals, students will work in various settings to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world public health issues. Through hands-on projects and activities, students will develop essential competencies, gain insight into public health practice, and contribute to addressing community health needs. This internship prepares students for future careers by bridging theory with practical experience and fostering professional growth.

3 CreditsPrerequisite: MPH-541 or instructor permission.

MPH-541 Capstone Seminar

This seminar course is designed to provide students with comprehensive guidance on various aspects of academic and professional communication. Throughout the course, students will learn about formatting standards, study design principles, and presentation structures and guidelines. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and practical exercises, students will develop proficiency in formatting academic papers according to industry standards, designing research studies effectively, and structuring presentations for maximum impact. Additionally, students will receive feedback and guidance on their work to help them refine their skills and improve their communication abilities. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in conveying their ideas and research findings in both academic and professional settings.

2 Credits

MPH-542 Research Investigation

In this course, students will embark on a journey of research investigation, delving into methodologies for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. Through the lens of biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming, and software, students will learn how to scrutinize data with precision and depth. What sets this course apart is its emphasis on students' analysis of their own research projects, allowing them to apply the techniques learned directly to their own work. By interpreting the results of their data analysis within the broader context of public health research, policy, or practice, students will not only gain valuable insights but also hone their skills in contributing to the advancement of public health knowledge and practice.

3 CreditsPrerequisite: MPH-540.

MPH-543 Symposium in Public Health

The Symposium in Public Health course provides students with the opportunity to develop and present research posters on relevant public health topics. Through workshops and mentorship, students learn poster design principles, refine their presentation skills, and develop their research projects. The course culminates in a symposium event where students showcase their posters and engage in scholarly discussions with peers and professionals in the field.

1 CreditsPrerequisite: MPH-542.


Program Credit Total = 45

Any course exception must be approved by Dr. Tia Warrick.