Curriculum

The course will introduce the profession of public health, the social ecological model, the social determinants of health, and health equity. Students learn the history and philosophy of public health as well as its core values, concepts, functions, ethics, and leadership roles. Students learn the fundamentals of health promotion and disease prevention for populations. Students are introduced to the data, determinants and systems of population health.

This course is designed to introduce students to the various types of research methodology used in population health research using various texts, scientific articles, policy statements, and coursework. During the course, students will assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities' health; understanding the ethical implications of research communication; and develop a research proposal outline to demonstrate their understanding of how to select methods for sound research practice.

Biostatistics is the foundation for many forms of public health research, with applications in several other disciplines. This course is designed to introduce the students to the core principles of statistical practices used in the Public Health research setting, and familiarize students with the applications of biostatistics in health research.During the course, students will practice applied biostatistics by using statistical programming package (SAS) to complete data analysis of a public health dataset.

This course examines the biological, environmental, socio0economic, behavioral, cultural and other factors that impact human health, influence the global and societal burden of disease, and contribute to health disparities. The cultural context of public health issues and respectful engagement with people if different cultures and socioeconomic strata will also be examined.

Students learn the concepts of project implementation and management, including needs assessment, planning, budgeting, human resources, assessment, and evaluation. During the course, students will design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention in collaboration with an external partner.

This course will provide students with theoretical principles, methods, and skills that are essential in community health.

This course examines how policy, advocacy, and health care systems influence population health and health equity. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand, analyze, and advocate for or against health policies and to critically examine healthcare systems around the world.

This course introduces students to the epidemiological perspective on health and disease. Students will integrate principles of translational epidemiology to the planning of population-wide and individual-level disease control programs and policies. These applications provide in-depth knowledge of the importance of linking the results of epidemiological studies with improved health outcomes for populations. The course emphasizes the principles and methods used to describe and evaluate the patterns of illness in communities and in population subgroups.

Using an ecological approach, students will examine the significance of active living in promoting population health and preventing chronic diseases. Students will learn both the theoretical foundations and evidence-based strategies for promoting active living and reducing sedentary behavior across a variety of populations and settings.

This course seeks to familiarize students with the field of disaster and international humanitarian studies, trends and recent developments in the field, and strategies to improve disaster resilience. This course builds basic concepts and tools that will prepare students for work in disaster and/or humanitarian studies. Students will learn to articulate concepts about disasters and the changing patterns of disasters, disaster resilience and international humanitarian response. They will develop a broad view of the key organizations involved in and components of the domestic and international humanitarian response system.

Nutrition is a key determinant of population health. The course explores how social identity and cultural values influence food security, health disparities, and risk for disease. Health promotion and disease prevention are relevant to many disciplines and in several areas. During the course, students will apply principles of translational epidemiology in various public health settings. Finally, by the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of which population groups in the U.S. require assistance from nutritional programs, what these programs are, and how they operate.

Community health development is an important approach for improving population health. This course covers the principles, strategies, and practices essential for bridging the gap between research and public health practice. Students apply what they learn in the classroom through a service learning project with an external community partner.

With an introduction to healthcare communication theory, research and practice, students will learn how to design, disseminate, and evaluate effective, evidence-based health promotion messages.

Students who register for MPH Practicum and MPH Seminar are responsible for completing an applied public health project under the supervision of MPH faculty and other qualified, approved mentors. This seminar course will supplement the Practicum. Students selecting a Practicum capstone experience must complete both MPH Practicum and MPH Seminar.

Public Health Research is a capstone course required of MPH thesis students. A thesis is a body of work that contributes new public health knowledge to the field. In order to have a thesis, you must have an original research question that be evaluated using public health methodology. There are two courses that support the completion of a Master's Thesis in Public Health. These courses are: MPH 597 - MPH Research and MPH 599 - MPH Thesis. These courses can be taken in any order, but both are required for graduation.

Students who register for MPH Practicum and MPH Seminar are responsible for completing an applied public health project under the supervision of MPH faculty and other qualified, approved mentors. A seminar course will supplement this Practicum. Students selecting a Practicum capstone experience must complete both MPH Practicum and MPH Seminar.

Public Health Thesis is a capstone course required of MPH thesis students. A thesis is a body of work that contributes new public health knowledge to the field. In order to have a thesis, you must have an original research question that be evaluated using public health methodology. There are two courses that support the completion of a Master's Thesis in Public Health. These courses are: MPH 597 - MPH Research and MPH 599 - MPH Thesis. These courses can be taken in any order, but both are required for graduation.

Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical exercises, students will develop proficiency in crafting clear, concise, and compelling scientific documents tailored to various audiences within the realm of population health. By the end of the course, students will emerge with the ability to produce high-quality scientific documents that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in population health.

Using an ecological approach, students will examine the significance of active living in promoting population health and preventing chronic diseases. Students will learn both the theoretical foundations and evidence-based strategies for promoting active living and reducing sedentary behavior across a variety of populations and settings.

This course seeks to familiarize students with the field of disaster and international humanitarian studies, trends and recent developments in the field, and strategies to improve disaster resilience. This course builds basic concepts and tools that will prepare students for work in disaster and/or humanitarian studies. Students will learn to articulate concepts about disasters and the changing patterns of disasters, disaster resilience and international humanitarian response. They will develop a broad view of the key organizations involved in and components of the domestic and international humanitarian response system.

Nutrition is a key determinant of population health. The course explores how social identity and cultural values influence food security, health disparities, and risk for disease. Health promotion and disease prevention are relevant to many disciplines and in several areas. During the course, students will apply principles of translational epidemiology in various public health settings. Finally, by the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of which population groups in the U.S. require assistance from nutritional programs, what these programs are, and how they operate.