Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) Major in Public Health (Epidemiology Concentration)-Accelerated Online Program

PH 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5301. Environmental Health Issues.

This course provides an in-depth examination of environmental health issues affecting the United States and global communities. The interconnections among human health, animal health, and ecosystem health are explored from an ecological and systems-based perspective. Emphasis is placed on analyzing environmental health policies, evaluating scientific research, and examining the roles of community partnerships and public health initiatives in addressing environmental exposures and associated health outcomes across various geographic, social, and regulatory settings.

PH 5302. Current Issues in Public Health.

This course emphasizes applied practice in public health by investigating and proposing evidence-based interventions for contemporary issues affecting public health on the local and national levels. Students collaborate with professionals in the field to assess organizational and/or community needs and develop public health projects. Attention will be paid to aligning experiences with the U.S. Healthy People 2030 goals and objectives and to the Core Functions of Public Health and the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

PH 5303. Social Determinants of Health.

This course examines social ecological conditions using public health frameworks and theories to analyze health outcome disparities across populations. Emphasis is placed on factors at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels that influence quality of life. Topics include socioeconomic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. The course also explores the relationship between social determinants of health and national initiatives such as Healthy People 2030. Students engage with data and research to assess how social determinants shape population health outcomes.

PH 5305. Grant Proposal Writing in Public Health.

This course provides foundational instruction in developing grant proposals within the social sciences and public health contexts. Students examine the components of competitive proposals from concept development through submission. Instruction includes defining program goals and measurable objectives, identifying appropriate strategies and implementation plans, developing evaluation approaches, and preparing detailed budgets and budget justifications. Emphasis is placed on aligning proposals with funding priorities, using evidence to support program design, and applying structured proposal development processes.

PH 5310. History and Philosophy of Public Health Education and Promotion.

This course provides an analytical overview of historical milestones and philosophical contributions to public health, health education, and health promotion. Emphasis is placed on evaluating philosophical perspectives, comparing theoretical approaches, and examining how these frameworks have influenced professional practice across various settings. The course also examines historical and contemporary social, behavioral, and public health policy issues, with attention to how evolving social contexts, policy developments, and professional standards have shaped the public health discipline over time.

PH 5312. Writing for Public Health Professionals.

This course provides a systematic approach to improve technical and professional writing skills. Specifically, theory-based methods for establishing a productive writing habit, generating and editing text, and self-identifying and self-correcting writing problems are presented. Writing for and application of public health research are emphasized.

PH 5315. Applied Behavioral Statistics in Public Health.

This course focuses on introductory and intermediate statistical methods commonly used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate methods, interpreting results, and understanding the assumptions underlying common analyses. Students use SPSS statistical software to manage data, conduct statistical analyses, and interpret output using real-world datasets. The course covers application of statistical reasoning to evaluate research findings and support analytic decision-making in public health contexts.

PH 5320. Foundations of Public Health.

This course provides an in-depth examination of public health practice, past and present. Students study the organization, structure, and function of the United States public health system while analyzing how public health professionals use assessment data to understand population health trends. Emphasis is placed on evaluating public health programs and policies and understanding how the Core Functions of Public Health and the 10 Essential Public Health Services guide the delivery of services. Students engage in evidence-based inquiry and interpret institutional frameworks.

PH 5321. Advanced Health Behavior Theory.

This course examines major theoretical frameworks used to understand and analyze health behavior across research and practice settings. Emphasis is placed on critical comparison, practical application, and integration of individual, interpersonal, community, and systems-level theories relevant to public health. The course explores the role of theory in health behavior research, intervention development, and program implementation while examining the strengths, limitations, and application of commonly used theoretical approaches across various populations, public health issues, and professional practice contexts.

PH 5325. Ethical Principles in Public Health.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of ethical standards, principles, and behaviors related to the field of public health and public health education and promotion. Students explore different ethical perspectives, ethical frameworks for decision-making and analysis, and codes of ethics for the profession. Course content emphasizes the analysis of case studies and scenarios to support ethical reasoning and application. Emphasis is placed on learning how to apply, monitor, and demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards within public health practice and professional settings.

PH 5331. Health Outcome Disparities.

This course examines patterns in population health outcomes and factors associated with variation across communities. Students analyze population-level data, interpret health trends, and evaluate evidence that informs public health programs and policies. Emphasis is placed on data interpretation, critical appraisal of research, and analytical reasoning. Through applied assignments, health outcome patterns are analyzed, the strength of available evidence is assessed, and potential strategies relevant to the population health outcomes are examined. The course also emphasizes stakeholder perspectives, ethical considerations, and effective communication of findings to inform decision-making in various public health settings.

PH 5335. Public Health Leadership.

This course examines leadership and management principles essential to public health practice, including organizational dynamics, staffing, budgeting, program administration, communication, and evaluation. Students explore leadership frameworks and ethical considerations across public health systems and organizational settings while analyzing real-world challenges that influence decision making. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to evaluate leadership approaches and create practical strategies to support effective management and organizational performance in public health contexts.

PH 5345. Public Health Issues in Human Sexuality.

This course provides an in-depth study of sexual health across the lifespan with a focus on public health principles and ecological influences. Students explore body systems, disease prevention strategies, policies related to sexual health, educator preparation and training, curriculum approaches, global perspectives, and approaches used in sexual health education. Emphasis is placed on evaluating sexual health education practices, analyzing factors that influence decision making, and interpreting information and resources relevant to the planning and implementation of sexual health instruction.

PH 5346. Public Health Research and Population Surveillance.

This course examines applied research methods and population surveillance approaches used in public health, with emphasis on study design, data collection, and interpretation for research and program evaluation. Students explore quantitative and qualitative methodologies commonly used in social and behavioral sciences and public health practice and assess their relevance to population health problems. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to analyze public health data, evaluate research designs, and create evidence-informed research plans to support decision making in public health settings.

PH 5347. Independent Study in Public Health.

This course provides students the opportunity to engage in an independent study project focused on a public health topic of individual interest or professional relevance. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students design and complete a research or applied experience that aligns with an approved learning plan. Projects may involve literature analysis, methodological development, applied practice activities, or other public health inquiry. The course supports individualized learning and development of competencies through structured academic guidance. It may be repeated once for credit with approval of the Program Coordinator and a different topic emphasis. Prerequisites: Instructor approval.

PH 5348. Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

This course provides an overview of the etiology of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, with an emphasis on public health initiatives and health promotion activities related to disease incidence and impact at both the individual and population levels. Disease patterns are examined across the lifespan, with attention to variation in causes and prevention approaches across age groups. The course also emphasizes application of scientific evidence to the critical assessment of health-related information presented across various media platforms.

PH 5350. Advanced Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation.

This course examines the use of Intervention Mapping to analyze social ecological influences on population health within the context of public health program planning. Emphasis is placed on applying epidemiological data and behavioral theory to inform development of health education and health promotion initiatives. Core concepts include needs assessment, theory- and evidence-informed strategy selection, partnership and coalition development, implementation planning, and formative, process, and outcome evaluation approaches relevant to population-based public health programs.

PH 5360. Internship in Public Health.

This course consists of a 200-hour supervised internship that provides structured professional experience in public health settings. Students engage with organizations serving a variety of populations and complete a project developed in collaboration with the internship site. The experience emphasizes application of public health principles within practice environments, including program planning, implementation, evaluation, and professional collaboration. Internships are approved and supervised by the Program Coordinator or assigned faculty in accordance with program requirements. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PH 5370. Applied Epidemiology.

This course introduces students to foundational epidemiological concepts, including determinants of health, patterns of disease in populations, population health descriptive techniques, the use of health indicators, secondary data sources, and disease reporting systems. Emphasis is placed on measures used to assess epidemiological risk and distribution, as well as interpretation of population-level data. Students also examine the foundations of epidemiologic reporting and the role of epidemiology in describing and monitoring population health trends across various populations.

PH 5371. Epidemiology Practice and Principles.

This course provides an examination of epidemiologic practice and principles, with attention to how population‑level patterns of health and disease are measured, evaluated, and interpreted. Students will study key concepts such as exposure assessment, outcome measurement, and the design of observational and experimental epidemiologic studies. Emphasis is placed on calculating and interpreting disease rates, measures of frequency, and measures of association used in public health research. Throughout the course, students analyze the strengths and limitations of different epidemiologic methods and consider how these tools support evidence‑based decision‑making across a range of public health contexts.

PH 5374. Global Public Health.

This course focuses on principles of international health across global populations by analyzing how social determinants of health influence differences in health outcomes, infectious diseases, reproductive health and nutrition, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and injury prevention. Emphasis is placed on exploring epidemiological burdens of global disease, as well as the process of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating prevention strategies. Students explore roles of public health practitioners collaborating with providers of health services to various populations.

PH 5376. Health Promotion in the Workplace.

This course examines evidence-based approaches to workplace health promotion, with emphasis on needs assessment, program design, implementation, and evaluation across organizational settings. Students analyze worksite environments and employee health data to inform intervention strategies grounded in health behavior theory. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to evaluate workplace health initiatives and create practical, theory-informed programs that support healthy behavior change in occupational contexts.

PH 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5660. Internship in Public Health.

This course consists of a 400-hour supervised internship that provides structured professional experience in public health settings. Students engage with organizations serving a variety of populations and complete a project developed in collaboration with the internship site. The experience emphasizes application of public health principles within practice environments, including program planning, implementation, evaluation, and professional collaboration. Internships are approved and supervised by the Program Coordinator or assigned faculty in accordance with program requirements. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PH 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.