Master of Public Health in Health Education and Communication

Mission Statement

The mission of this program is to prepare graduates to work in the challenging fields of health promotion and disease prevention, with a focus on health communication, community organization and development, health education, health advocacy and evaluation of related public health campaigns.  In addition, students receive training in relation to evaluation and research methodologies.  The MPH program provides those interested in working among disadvantaged populations within the United States and in developing countries the opportunity to build such learning experiences directly into the MPH degree program. To this end, students receive training that will enable them to demonstrate skills in:

Program Description

The solution to many of today's public health problems requires some type of behavioral change. Increasingly, health practitioners are looking to the field of health education and health communication for methods to adapt behavioral science principles to the solution of selected health problems. The program is designed to prepare graduates to work in the challenging fields of health promotion and disease prevention, with a focus on health communication, community organization and development, health education, health advocacy and evaluation of related public health campaigns.  In addition, students receive training in relation to evaluation and research methodologies.  The MPH program provides those interested in working among disadvantaged populations within the United States and in developing countries the opportunity to build such learning experiences directly into the MPH degree program. To this end, students receive training that will enable them to demonstrate skills in:

• analyzing a health problem from a behavioral point of view;
• planning health education/communication programs for specific populations and in a variety of settings;
• collaborating with others in planning, implementing and evaluating programs;
• selecting and using appropriate and ethical health education and communication methods;
• coordinating health education services and providing consultation, training, and technical assistance in health education or communication;
• identifying, obtaining, and managing resources to implement and evaluate health Education and Communication programs; and carrying out research
  and evaluation of health Education and Communication programs.

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:  (Courses providing training are listed in italics).

1. Assess individual and community needs for health education/communication
   CHSC Courses -- 6110, 6120, 6130, 6210, 6220, 6350, 6360, 6800, 6820
   
2. Plan health education/communication strategies, interventions, and programs
   CHSC Courses -- 6110, 6130, 6210, 6220, 6260, 6350, 6360, 6800, 6810, 6820
   
3. Implement health education/communication strategies, interventions, and programs
   CHSC Courses -- 6110, 6130, 6210, 6220, 6260, 6350, 6360, 6800, 6810, 6820
   
4. Conduct evaluation and research related to health education/communication
   Courses -- SPHL9980, CHSC Courses: 6120, 6130, 6820
5. Administer health education/communication strategies, interventions, and programs
   CHSC Courses -- 6100, 6120, 6210, 6220, 6260, 6800
   
6. Serve as a health education/communication resource person
   Courses -- SPHL9980, CHSC Courses: 6120, 6800
   
7. Communicate and advocate for health and health education.
   CHSC Courses -- 6100, 6120, 6130, 6210, 6220, 6260, 6350, 6360, 6800, 6820
   

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)

CHS Department Requirements (3 of 4 Classes) (9 credits)

HEDC Requirements (2 of 4 classes) (5-6 credits):

HEDC Electives (6-7 credits from the list below):

HEDC Electives (6 credits minimum)
Electives can be any SPTHM or Non-SPHTM courses with approval of HEDC faculty

Sample Schedule

Click here to see a sample Schedule

Practicum

Students must also complete the School practicum requirement. It is recommended that students in this program carry out a 300-hour field practicum related to health education or communication for their practicum. Students with substantial professional experience in health education or communication may elect other practicum options in consultation with their advisor, but are still required to meet the School's 60-hour field requirement.

CHES Certification

Students who intend to apply for national health education certification (CHES) must complete at least 20 credits in Health Education courses and the practicum to meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

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 Programs

For more information, contact: Zarie Riley, 504-988-6596, lhodges@tulane.edu.