 | Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences Mission Statement The purpose of the Community Health program is to prepare and train students in the public health concepts of community-based programs and/or research. The student who is not specifically committed to a Maternal and Child Health program, a Health Education and Communication program, or a Nutrition program, will be allowed flexibility in choosing courses from all of the above-mentioned tracts, as well as being required to take all of the school core courses and the departmental required courses. This “generalist” community-based program will allow the student to generate his/her own areas of interest by their combination of course choices, supervised by their advisors. Program Description The purpose of the master's of public health degree in community health sciences program is to prepare and train students in the public health concepts of community-based programs and/or research. The student who is not specifically committed to a Maternal and Child Health program, a Health Education and Communication program, or a Nutrition program, is allowed flexibility in choosing courses from all of the above-mentioned tracts, as well as being required to take all of the school core courses and the departmental required courses. This “generalist” community-based program will allow the student to generate his/her own areas of interest by their combination of course choices, supervised by their advisors. Program Competencies It is expected that students will acquire the core public health competencies through successful completion of the school core courses. The expected terminal knowledge and skills provided by the program and expected of the student in Community Health Sciences will vary by student because of the self-direction inherent in this program. It is expected, however, with the guidance by an advisor, that students will be well-versed in planning and evaluating community programs (CHSC 611 and CHSC 612), have the knowledge and skills required for community-based work, and obtain hands-on experience in community-based work by completing a community-based practicum. Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be able to:
- Assess individual and community needs for public health programs.
(CHSC Courses: 6110, 6120, 6130, 6270, 6350, 6360, 6820)
- Demonstrate competence in planning community-based public health programs and research projects.
(CHSC Courses: 6110, 6130, 6210, 6270, 6350, 6360, 6810, 6820)
- Implement and manage preventive strategies, interventions and programs at the community level.
(SPHL603; CHSC Courses: 6110, 6210, 6270, 6350, 6360, 6810, 6820)
- Acquire the ability to identify and use various methods of evaluating community-based public health programs.
(CHSC Courses: 6120, 6130, 6820)
- Communicate and advocate for community health programs and policies.
(CHSC Courses: 6100, 6120, 6130, 6210, 6220, 6260, 6270, 6350, 6360, 6820)
- Serve as a resource person for community-based programs in public health.
(CHSC6120;SPHL6030;Practicum)
- Promote cultural competence concepts within diverse community settings.
(CHSC6100;CHSC6140;SPHL6030)
Admissions Requirements In addition to the general admission requirements of the School, the applicant’s career goals must be consonant with the educational objectives of the program, namely public health work centered in community programs. Program Requirements To meet the graduation requirements, the student will complete no less than 45 academic credits. The program requires the satisfactory completion of the school's core courses and the courses required by the Department of Community Health Sciences. SPHTM Core Requirements (18 credits) | Course | Course Title | Credits | | BIOS 6030 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 | | ENHS 6030 | Survey of Environmental Health Sciences | 3 | | EPID 6030 | Epidemiologic Methods I | 3 | | HSMG 6030 | Principles of Health Systems Admin & Mgmt | 3 | | SPHL 6010 | Biological Basis of Health and Disease | 3 | | SPHL 6030 | Social and Behavioral Aspects of Global Health | 3 | | SPHL 9980 | Practicum | 0 |
CHS Department Requirements (9 credits) Choose any three of the following four courses: | Course | Course Title | Credits | | CHSC 6100 | Introduction to Public Health Policy & Practice | 3 | | CHSC 6110 | Planning of Health Promotion Programs | 3 | | CHSC 6120 | Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs | 3 | | CHSC 6130 | Research and Analysis in Community Health | 3 |
MPH in Community Health Sciences Requirements (12 credits) The student seeking the MPH degree in community health sciences can choose any 4 of the following track-specific required courses. The remaining 6 or 7 credits can be chosen from any elective courses offered within the SPHTM with the approval of the student's advisor. Health Education and Communication: | Course | Course Title | Credits | | CHSC 6210 | Health Communication | 3 | | CHSC 6220 | Community Organization | 3 | | CHSC 6260 | Social Marketing | 2 | | CHSC 6800 | Training Methodologies for Health Professionals in Developing Countries | 2 |
Maternal and Child Health: | Course | Course Title | Credits | | CHSC 6140 | Developing Leadership & Communication Skills in Community Health | 3 | | CHSC 6410 | Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynecology | 3 | | CHSC 6460 | Child Health and Development in Public Health | 3 | | CHSC 6510 | Contemporary Issues in Maternal and Child Health | 3 |
Nutrition: | Course | Course Title | Credits | | CHSC 6610 | Community Nutrition | 3 | | CHSC 6750 | Nutrition Assessment and Monitoring | 3 | | CHSC 6770 | Food and Nutrition Policy | 3 |
Electives:
The remaining 6 or 7 credits can be chosen from any elective courses offered within the SPHTM with advisor approval Sample Course Schedule View a sample course schedule Practicum A 300-hour advanced field experience (practicum) that allows students to develop competencies in advanced practice skills, under the direction of a qualified preceptor in the practice setting, is required. This practicum should focus on developing advanced leadership skills in public health disciplines. The advisor works with each student to develop measurable learning objectives prior to their practicum experience. Self assessment and reflection as well as assessment of teams, peers and supervisors are important skills in future public health leaders. Culminating Experience Students in the Department of Community Health Sciences can choose one of two options for their culminating experience: 1. Public Health Analysis
2. Comprehensive Examination Public Health Analysis The Public Health Analysis is an in-depth written report that considers a topic of relevance to public health practice. It involves a thorough review of the literature, discussion, and recommendations for public health policy and practice. The content and format of the report are described in school and departmental guideline documents. Comprehensive Examination The Comprehensive Examination consists of two parts: Part A – a school-wide examination based on core competencies, as well as cross-cutting competencies, established by the American Schools of Public Health; and Part B – a departmental-specific examination based on principles and concepts of Community Health Sciences, as covered in the required departmental core courses. Additional Information Graduation will also be contingent upon successfully completing a two-part comprehensive exam: Part I to be administered by SPHTM and based on competencies acquired through the school core; Part II to be administered by CHS and based on competencies acquired through the required departmental core. School of Public Health Handbooks and Guides
Additional Information for all CHS MPH degrees For more information, contact: Zarie Riley, 504-988-6596, lhodges@tulane.edu. | | |
