- The purpose of the MPH Program is to train public health professionals interested in a career in public health.
- The degree requirements include coursework in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Environmental Public Health, and Public Health Management and Practice.
- It also includes a practicum in a public health setting and a final comprehensive examination.
- The program has always offered a curriculum embracing the core areas of knowledge basic to public health both recognized from the community as well as our accrediting body the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
- Biostatistics - collection, storage, retrieval, analysis and interpretation of health data; design and analysis of health-related surveys and experiments; and concepts and practice of statistical data analysis
- Epidemiology - distributions and determinants of disease, disabilities and death in human populations; the characteristics and dynamics of human populations; and the natural history of disease and the biologic basis of health
- Environmental health sciences - environmental factors including biological, physical and chemical factors which affect the health of a community
- Public health administration - planning, organization, administration, management, evaluation and policy analysis of health programs
- Social and behavioral sciences - concepts and methods of social and behavioral sciences relevant to the identification and the solution of public health problems
- The MPH degree is appropriate for the student who plans a career as a practice focused professional in public health that does not necessarily involve research.
- Students take two foundational courses and choose three electives to complete the emphasis for a total of 15 credits.
- Students who have an interest in two major disciplines have the opportunity to complete a second master’s degree alongside the generalist MPH. Applicants must apply to both programs separately and must be admitted to both to be eligible to enroll in a dual degree curriculum.
- All MPH students must complete 6 credit hours (270 hours fieldwork) of practicum prior to graduation. The practicum experience is meant to give students direct, hands-on experience comparable to a career position suitable for someone with an MPH. This will not only supplement the student’s coursework and enrich their academic experience, but also prepare the student for employment after completion of their degree.
- Upon completion of the practicum experience, the student is required to complete a 3 page summary paper outlining their practicum experience.
- A credit/no credit grade will be assigned for the practicum by the practicum director based on the student’s evaluations, mentor’s evaluation of the student’s performance, 3-page report, and two products as outlined in Objectives Form.