Master of Public Health Curriculum

Required MPH Courses - Generalist Track

Course Title	Course #	Credit Hours
Introduction to Biostatistics	SPPH 5311	3
Introduction to Public Health	SPPH 5313	3
Responsible Conduct of Research and Communication in Public Health	SPPH 5316	3
Introduction to Epidemiology	SPPH 5307	3
The US Healthcare System	SPPH 5337	3
Public Health Policy	SPPH 5310	3
Community Based Methods and Practice	SPPH 5334	3
Public Health Ethics and Law	SPPH 5350	3
Organizational Leadership and Management	SPPH 5315	3
Applied Practice Experience	SPPH 5319	3
Integrated Learning Experience	SPPH 5399	3
Electives		12
Total Program		Minimum of 45 hours

SPPH 5311: Introduction to Biostatistics

This course will introduce students to basic biostatistics as used in public health practice. Through the utilization of SPSS software, students will learn to interpret their statistical analysis results in order to describe, measure, and analyze quantitative data. Additionally, students will learn to interpret their statistical analysis results in order to describe, measure, and analyze public health problems. Applications of these interpretations will be useful in several avenues of public health including research and policy making.

SPPH 5313: Introduction to Public Health

This introductory course will explore the history of public health, the successes and challenges faced by public health practitioners over the years, and the current trends in public health in the United States. Students will learn the core functions of public health and the essential services of public health, and how public health is practiced in the United States.

SPPH 5316: Responsible Conduct of Research and Communication in Public Health

This three-credit hour course applies an active, participatory approach to help public health and health care professionals learn about the regulatory environment as well as the normative ethics of conducting public health research as well as how to better communicate more effectively in written and spoken communications.

SPPH 5307: Introduction to Epidemiology

SPPH 5337: The US Healthcare System

This course provides an overview of healthcare in the United States. The historical context as well as trends that could impact the healthcare system is presented. Several aspects of health care systems and services are explored.

SPPH 5310: Public Health Policy

This course presents competencies surrounding public health policy formulation. The main focus will be on the policy issues in the U.S. health care system, but some global health will be explored. The course will include application of principles of policy formulation, development budgeting, implementation, evaluation and analysis. An historical overview of seminal health policy events in U.S. history is also explored through competing stakeholder dynamics.

SPPH 5334: Community Based Methods and Practice

This course deals with public health practice at the community, organizational, and political levels and Community Based Participatory Research methods. We want you to feel comfortable with all of these levels, and would like you to be able to work on health issues at all levels. In this class you will learn how to select qualitative methods and how to do them (focus groups, photo voice, key informant interviews, nominal group process). In this class you will develop a community-based project, intervention, or program.

SPPH 5350: Public Health Ethics and Law

This course is intended to introduce students to key concepts of law and ethics as applied to public health. It seeks to demonstrate, with both current and historical examples, constrains in public health decision-making and actions. This course will help students identify and appropriately assess legal and ethical issues that underlie the field of public health.

SPPH 5315: Organizational Research and Management

This three credit course provides an overview of theory and practice of leadership and management as applied to public health. Public health managerial concerns such as leadership, strategic planning, decision making, negotiations, and budget and resource management, will be introduced in this course. This course is intended primarily for MPH students with little or no previous graduate-level academic preparation in leadership and management.

SPPH 5319: Applied Practice Experience

The Applied Practice Experience is an integral component of professional training in public health, enabling students to observe from professionals in the field. The Applied Practice Experience also allows students to apply theoretical learning toward achievement of practical goals and skills while under the supervision of a preceptor and an Applied Practice Experience advisor. Prerequisites: SPPH 5307, SPPH 5310, SPPH 5311, SPPH 5313, SPPH 5315 and SPPH 5334.

SPPH 5399: Integrated Learning Experience

The Integrated Learning Experience requires the student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. The student will choose between either a capstone course or a public health project. Prerequisites: SPPH 5307, SPPH 5310, SPPH 5311, SPPH 5313, SPPH 5315, and SPPH 5334.