Public Health, M.S.

Foundations of Public Health

This course will describe and evaluate the history of the field of public health, public health concepts and practices for assessing the health of the community. This course will also describe the public health system, its impact on health care, local communities and global communities in the US. Students will design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention to include roles of ethics and evidence in the policy making process. Topics include measuring community health and identifying social determinants of health, emergency preparedness, ethical and legal issues in public health and improving health literacy and patient outcomes. The roles that the law and government...

Biostatistics for Public Health

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to biostatistical methods and their applications in public health research and practice. Students will learn to understand, interpret, and apply statistical reasoning to address public health questions using real-world data. The course emphasizes descriptive statistics, probability distributions, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression analysis, analysis of variance, and non-parametric methods. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate use of statistical methods, interpretation of findings, and critical evaluation of statistical results in the scientific literature. Students will gain proficiency in statistical...

Biologic Basis of Population Health

This course delves into the fundamental biological principles underlying population health dynamics. It explores the intricate interactions between biological processes, environmental factors, and human health outcomes at the population level. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how biological systems influence population health and contribute to disease patterns, transmission, and prevention strategies. The course covers a range of topics, including genetics, immunology, microbiology, epidemiology, and the microbiome, with a focus on their relevance to population-level health outcomes. Students will examine the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to disease...

Epidemiology

This course introduces the foundational principles and methods of epidemiology as applied to public health practice and research. It emphasizes the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in populations and the application of this knowledge to control health problems. Students will explore key concepts including measures of disease frequency (incidence, prevalence), study designs (descriptive, observational, experimental), measures of association and impact, bias and confounding, and causal inference. Students will gain experience in calculating and interpreting epidemiologic measures, evaluating public health literature, and applying epidemiologic methods to...

Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health

Learners will develop public health competency in social concepts and processes that influence health status and public health interventions using the ecological approach. The focus will be on a set of central competencies which includes identifying theories, concepts, and models from a range of social and behavioral disciplines that are used in public health research and practice. A systematic approach to understanding diverse populations will utilize concepts and methods of social and behavioral sciences upon which solutions to public health problems are based. Targeted examination of population and individual behaviors which influence health will utilize a range of methods necessary...

Health Systems and Management

This graduate-level course provides an in-depth examination of health systems and management principles as they apply to public health practice. Students will explore the organization, financing, and delivery of healthcare and public health services in the United States and globally. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how healthcare systems are structured, how policy and economics shape service delivery, and how leadership and management strategies can improve population health outcomes. Topics include systems thinking, organizational behavior, strategic planning, health care financing, quality improvement, workforce development, and the role of public health agencies in emergency...

Population Health

This graduate-level course provides a comprehensive exploration of the factors that influence population health, including biological, behavioral, social, economic, and environmental determinants. Through a public health lens, students will examine the complex interplay of these factors and their impact on health outcomes, disparities, and inequities across diverse communities. The course emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and practice. Students will engage with key concepts in population health, including healthcare access, measurement tools, and evidence-based strategies for improving health equity. Topics include the social determinants of health, disease burden,...

Independent Research Project Development in Public Health

This graduate-level course provides a structured environment for students to initiate and develop their independent research project in the field of public health. The course supports students in identifying a research topic, conducting a literature review, developing research questions and hypotheses, designing the research methodology, and preparing a detailed proposal. Emphasis is placed on research ethics, scientific writing, and project planning. Students will work under the guidance of faculty mentors. (1 credit)

Global Health

This course provides an overview of major global health challenges and interventions. Students will critically examine the roles of key stakeholders, healthcare systems, and the complex interplay of cultural, political, environmental, and socioeconomic factors that shape health outcomes worldwide. Emphasis will be placed on ethics, community participation, and strategies to reduce health disparities and promote equity in health on a global scale. (3 credits)

Health Policy and Regulation

This graduate-level course examines the development, implementation, and impact of health policy and regulation in the context of public health. Students will explore the roles of federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, in shaping health policy. Topics include the policy-making process, regulatory agencies, legal and ethical frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and the role of advocacy in promoting public health. The course emphasizes critical analysis of existing policies and regulations, development of policy briefs, and assessment of how policies influence population health outcomes. Students will engage in simulations, debates, and real-world...

Seminar Series #2 Contemporary Issues in Public Health

Continuation, part 2, of the graduate-level two-part seminar series which provides an in-depth exploration of current issues, trends, and challenges in public health. Through interactive sessions, including expert guest lectures, case-based discussions, and literature reviews, students will critically examine the evolving landscape of public health. Topics include infectious disease outbreaks, healthcare disparities, environmental health threats, mental health crises, and the interplay of social, political, and economic forces on population health outcomes. Part Two extends the discussion with a deeper focus on health systems resilience, community-based approaches, policy innovations,...

Ethics of Public Health

This graduate course explores the ethical principles and frameworks that guide public health practice, research, and policy. Students will examine the tension between individual rights and community well-being, the just distribution of health resources, and the ethical implications of interventions such as vaccination mandates, quarantine enforcement, and surveillance. The course emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning in addressing contemporary public health challenges. Through case studies, philosophical readings, legal precedents, and real-world dilemmas, students will analyze issues related to health equity, social justice, autonomy, beneficence, and public accountability....

Health Disparities and Inequity

This graduate-level course provides an in-depth exploration of health disparities and inequities affecting diverse populations. It examines the historical, structural, and social determinants that influence unequal health outcomes and access to care. Emphasis is placed on understanding the roles of systemic racism, discrimination, and public policy in shaping health inequities. Students will evaluate current interventions, advocacy strategies, and evidence-based practices aimed at achieving health equity. The course integrates lectures, case studies, reflective writing, and community-based projects to foster critical thinking and practical skills. (3 credits)

Independent Research Capstone

This capstone course provides Master of Public Health (MPH) students with the opportunity to synthesize and apply their knowledge and competencies through the design and execution of an independent research project. Serving as the culminating academic experience, this course requires students to identify a public health issue, collect and analyze data, and evaluate the impact of a public health initiative at the local, national, or global level. Students will work under faculty mentorship to refine a research question, conduct a literature review, implement appropriate methodologies, and assess outcomes relevant to health care systems and community health. Emphasis is placed on applying...