MPH Courses

BMI 511 Introduction to Statistics for Public Health
This course will provide a breadth in biostatistical methods for public health practitioners. Topics will include research design, data collection methods and database management, statistical computing and programming, descriptive statistics in tables and graphics, and biostatistical methods for summary measures, probability and distributions, sampling distributions, statistical inference, hypothesis testing and statistical comparison, nonparametrics, correlation, regression analysis and survey sampling.

POP HLTH 788 Field Experience
This course provides students with practical experience; allowing the student to apply and incorporate skills and knowledge learned during their graduate study in a public health setting.

PHS 650 Social and Behavioral Sciences for Public Health
In this course, students analyze public health issues from a social and behavioral sciences perspective, and critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of particular theories for developing effective population and community-based intervention programs. Course content is separated into three modules: (a) examination of the prevailing social and behavioral theories, (b) application of social and behavioral theory to develop effective programs that address public health problems, (c) bridging the gaps from theory and research to practice and policy.

PHS 785 Health Systems, Management & Policy
Course topics to be discussed include healthcare system structure, management and organizations, health policy, and healthcare reform and international policies.

PHS 781 Introduction to Public Health Seminar
The purpose of this seminar is to introduce MPH students to various aspects in the field of public health. Students, Faculty, Staff, and Public Health specialists will contribute to the seminar through presentations, workshops, and discussion sessions. These seminars will serve to familiarize MPH students to the various opportunities the program provides and to facilitate frequent conversation and dialogue between faculty, staff, and students. In addition, various public health speakers will be invited to discuss their areas of expertise and to describe potential field placement sites.

PHS 787 Field Work Seminar
This seminar outlines the policies, procedures and expectations for students undertaking the MPH field work requirement. Students will learn basic field work skills to assist them in the implementation of a MPH field placement project. The format will consist primarily of group discussions based on student project issues.

PHS 740 Health Impact Assessment of Global Environmental Change
Covers contemporary methods of impact assessment in a framework to address global environmental health threats (e.g., global climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss, and urban sprawl).

PHS 780 Public Health Principles and Practice
This course provides an opportunity to learn about evidence-based public health and the difference between individual- and population-based strategies for improving health. The format will include lectures, discussions, and problem-based learning. Students will examine a contemporary public health issue using a case study approach, and understand the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to public health improvement.

PHS 797 Introduction to Epidemiology
Lectures and discussions on design, implementation and interpretation of epidemiologic studies; emphasis on methodologic problems in the measurement of disease frequency, natural history and risk factors.
Approved Elective Courses

Recommended Elective List
Elective courses are intended to deepen a student’s knowledge in one or more areas of public health: epidemiology, health policy and administration, methods, biostatistics, global health, communication, environmental health, cultural competence and community health. Below is a list of courses that have been approved as MPH electives.