MPH Curriculum
*Note: A “Course” refers to one set of 15 week classes on a subject conducted over one semester. For example Biostatistics I is considered one course.
Curriculum for Working Professionals
The SLGSPH program has been designed to accommodate students who wish to maintain a full or part-time employment and/or professional activities while completing their curriculum requirements. These design features include, 1) scheduling the majority of classes on weekday evenings (from 6:00 pm) and on Saturday, and 2) offering an e-learning alternative for most of required courses and some elective courses.
Please note that there are some courses which don't have an e-learning option.
Courses
The MPH curriculum requires students to successfully complete 6 required courses covering the 5 core disciplines and a minimum of about 5 additional elective courses selected based on their areas interest. Each course comprises 135 minutes of class time per week for 15 weeks in addition to active participation in discussion, readings, and assignments, and depending on the course, there may be hands-on activities, group projects, and exams.
*The e-learning version of the courses will require students to similarly complete readings, assignments, and exams in addition to viewing the recorded lectures.
Required Courses
A comprehensive education in public health includes offering a foundation in the core disciplines represented by the following courses:
Elective Courses
A generous number of elective courses in various sub-disciplines of public health are available to enhance the caliber and breadth of the educational program in this multi-disciplinary field. It is expected that students will complete a minimum of about 5 additional courses beyond the required courses from among the following:
- Public Health Research Methods
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses
- Biostatistics I Practicum
- Biostatistics II
- Biostatistics II Practicum
- Health Informatics and Decision Making
- Mathematical Methods for Public Health
- Health Economics
- Organization in Public Health
- Pharmaco-epidemiology and Pharmaco-economics
- Introduction to Health Technology Assessment
- Medical Anthropology
- Medical Ethics
- Advanced Topics in Environmental Health
- Practical measurement in Environmental Health
- Environmental Psychology
- Global Health
- Global Infectious Diseases
- Maternal and Child Health
- Healthcare Innovation
- Public Health Nutrition
- Courses offered by Graduate School of Nursing Sciences (up to 10 units)
Professional Knowledge and Skills
As a professional degree, the curriculum integrates training in various real world applications of the academic topics that students will learn in the MPH program. With the Master’s Capstone Project, Applied Practice Experience, MPH Seminar, and optional internship experience, students will be able to acquire both the skills and knowledge needed to perform independently in their future careers as public health professionals. In addition, as one aspect of our program focuses on the clinical application of MPH skills, students without a clinical background will find introductory medical courses useful to their future professional endeavors in the hospital, clinic, or other healthcare settings.
Master’s Capstone Project
The objective is to encourage students to apply their knowledge towards a tangible culminating piece of work that demonstrates intellectual command and critical thinking within a specific public health topic. Students will submit a master’s capstone project as part of their graduation requirement. This project may take one of a number of forms including, and not limited to, 1) a systematic review and/or meta-analysis, 2) data analysis project, 3) a detailed final report based on an internship experience undertaken during the MPH program. The capstone project will be pursued with close guidance and supervision by the students’ assigned faculty advisor and is expected to be initiated during the Spring semester of their final year. Students are required to make a final presentation of their capstone project.
MPH Seminar
In this final seminar course, students will be provided opportunities to solidify their understanding of the public health approach and refine their problem-solving skills by revisiting key foundational principles focused on evidence appraisal, systems thinking, and academic and professional communication. Activities and assignments are designed to enhance the integrative learning experiences related to the student’s Capstone project theme.