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Public Health, MPH

Program overview

A Master in Public Health is a research-focused graduate degree that emphasizes data analysis, epidemiology, and quantitative methods to understand and improve population health. Unlike the more practice-oriented MPH, this degree typically involves advanced training in biostatistics, disease patterns, and scientific research, often culminating in a thesis. Students can specialize in areas like epidemiology, global health, or environmental health, and graduates commonly pursue careers as epidemiologists, data analysts, or researchers in government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, or international organizations.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Course Code    Course Title    Credits
PH6001    History of Public Health    3
PH6002    Principles of Sociology Behavior Research    3
PH6003    Community Health    3
PH6004    Introduction to Biostatistics and Epidemiology    3
PH6005    Health Inequities    3
PH6006    Global Health    3
PH6007    Health Communications    3
PH6100    Decision Making: Healthcare Field    3
PH6200    Program Planning    3
PH6201    Maternal Infant & Child Health    3
PH6202    Public Health Nutrition    3
PH6300    LGBTQ+ Health    3
PH7990    Public Health Practicum    3
PH7998    Public Health Capstone    3

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

PLO 1:    Identify causes of social and behavioral factors that affect the health of individuals and populations based on theories, concepts, and models from a range of social and behavioral disciplines that are used in public health research and practice. 
PLO 2:    Assess individual, organizational and community concerns, assets, resources, and deficits for social and behavioral science interventions. 
PLO 3:    Identify critical stakeholders for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs, policies, and interventions. 
PLO 4:    Demonstrate steps and procedures for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs, policies, and interventions. 
PLO 5:    Apply evidence-based, ethically grounded approaches in the development and evaluation of social and behavioral science interventions. 

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

Interdisciplinary Perspective:
Engage with global health issues through multiple lenses, integrating insights from public health, sociology, economics, politics, and environmental studies.
Contemporary Issues & Debates:
Examine current global health challenges, controversies, and emerging trends shaping health outcomes worldwide.
Social Determinants of Health:
Analyze how social, economic, political, and environmental factors intersect to influence population health across different regions.
Global Health Disparities:
Investigate inequalities in health outcomes and access to care, with emphasis on vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Social Justice & Human Rights Framework:
Apply principles of equity, ethics, and human rights to understand and address global health challenges.
Policy & Systems Analysis:
Explore how global health policies, governance, and health systems impact health outcomes at local and international levels.
Program & Research Opportunities:
Gain exposure to careers and practical pathways in global health programs, fieldwork, and research initiatives.
Critical Thinking & Application:
Develop skills to critically evaluate global health data, propose solutions, and engage in informed decision-making.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Epidemiologist: Investigate disease patterns, outbreaks, and risk factors in populations
Biostatistician: Analyze health data using statistical methods to inform research and policy
• Public Health Analyst: Interpret data and develop insights to guide health programs and decisions
• Research Associate/Scientist: Conduct studies in universities, hospitals, or research institutions
• Health Policy Analyst: Evaluate and develop policies to improve healthcare systems and access
• Program Evaluator: Assess the effectiveness of public health programs and interventions
• Community Health Researcher: Study health behaviors and design interventions at the community level
• Global Health Specialist: Work with international organizations on worldwide health issues
• Environmental Health Scientist: Study environmental impacts on human health (e.g., pollution, toxins)
• Infectious Disease Specialist (non-clinical): Focus on prevention and control strategies
• Health Data Scientist / Informatician: Use big data and technology to improve health outcomes
• Pharmaceutical or Healthcare Consultant: Support research, strategy, and product development in private sector
• Academic/PhD Path: Pursue advanced research or teaching careers in public health or related fields

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