The Department of International Health and Development is dedicated to improving the health status of populations throughout the world through the education and training of young and mid-career MPH students in an environment of interdisciplinary, creative problem solving in the health and social sectors. There is only one degree offered by the department at the master's level, the MPH. Students will design their own unique programs of study which draw upon the strengths of the department in consultation with the appropriate faculty advisor. The purpose of the MPH is to train public health professionals for a career in an international setting. Graduates of IHD typically pursue careers in international organizations as mid-level specialists or senior managers of social sector programs in the developing world. Graduates of the Department of International Health and Development work around the world in a wide range of agencies including: the World Bank, UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDs, Family Health International (FHI), the Population Council, IPAS, Helen Keller International, Save the Children-UK, and CARE. The Department stresses the development of analytic and technical skills that will give students a comparative advantage in future employment. The teaching program draws directly on the faculty's experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs in developing country settings. The curriculum translates theory into practical applications to current problems in developing countries. The research and teaching programs of the department have several major areas of strength including, nutrition and food security, emergencies and disasters management, reproductive health and population, infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS, policy-programs-management, and monitoring & evaluation. These areas have been identified to help the student prepare for future professional opportunities in a specific sector or technical specialization.
The Department of International Health and Development also welcomes students to join us as Masters Internationalists. These students will complete their MPH course work on campus, however, their practicums will be completed during two years of service with the Peace Corps. The culminating experience may be completed before leaving for the Peace Corps or during the time of service. If you'd like more information about the Peace Corps Masters Internationalist program please click here.
By the end of the program, students in the MPH in International Health and Development will be able to: - Identify target populations or subgroups that require specific intervention approaches using demographic, epidemiologic and economic analysis
- Design population, health, environmental and/or public nutrition programs/projects in the context of national and international policy
- Incorporate cultural factors in the design and management of projects/programs
- Assess critically strategic obstacles to successful social change in these sectors
- Evaluate development programs/projects in terms of their quality, effectiveness and efficiency using qualitative and quantitative research techniques
- Utilize state-of-the-art information technologies in the design and monitoring of programs/projects
- Access and utilize effectively the programming resources of local, national and international organizations engaged in social sector activities.
To view a matrix which illustrates how these competencies are achieved through courses, practical training and culminating activities please click here.
Applicants must meet general admission requirements of the school. Applicant's credentials will also be reviewed by the departmental admissions committee: We are looking for demonstrated commitment to international work, and relevant prior experience, training and skills. Course and Credit Requirements School Core Courses | Course | Course Title | Credits | | SPHL 6010 | Biological Basis of Disease | 3 | | SPHL 6030 | Social & Behavioral Aspects of Global Health | 3 | | BIOS 6030 | Introductory Biostatistics | 3 | | EPID 6030 | Epidemiologic Methods I | 3 | | HSMG 6030 | Principles of Health Systems Administration and Management | 3 | | ENHS 6030 | Survey of Environmental Health | 3 | | TOTAL SPHTM CORE CREDITS | 18 |
Program Core Courses | Course | Course Title | Credits | | INHL 6040 | Health and Economic Development | 3 | | INHL 6050 | Principles for Policies and Programs in Population, Health, and Nutrition in Developing Countries | 2 | | TOTAL PROGRAM CORE CREDITS | 5 |
Elective Courses The Department of International Health and Development offers more than 30 different elective courses. Students must take a minimum of 22 credits of elective courses, unless they meet the exceptions shown below in bullet #4. Students should work with their academic advisers to select electives that meet their academic and program goals. | | TOTAL ELECTIVE COURSE CREDITS | 22 |
TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS 45
(unless exceptions exist as noted in bullet #4 below) Practicum Requirements -- (click here to view the practicum guide) A 300-hour practicum in an actual international health and development agency, program, or project. For a list of possible practicum sites click here. Culminating Experience Requirements -- (click here for further information on the culminating experience in IHD) A comprehensive exam, a public health analysis, or a thesis is required as a culminating experience in student's final semester. The comprehensive exam is the preferred option for IHD. Other Requirements Proficiency in a language other than English, as determined by an oral exam.
We have proposed a sequencing of classes for students who start the program in fall or spring. To view the suggested schedules click here.
The students in the MPH program must complete all departmental requirements at least four weeks before the expected date of graduation. Specific courses and requirements may be waived on the basis of previous studies with the approval of the appropriate professors, advisors and the department chair. For a detailed discussion of course and program requirements please visit the Advising Guidelines which are used each year for incoming students at orientation. Here is a brief summary of the graduation requirements. - Complete all SPHTM core courses (18 credits total).
- Complete the IHD core courses (5 credits total): INHL 6040 and INHL 6050.
- Complete the remaining required 22 credit hours with elective courses.
- Students in the MPH program will normally complete a total 45 didactic credit hours with two exceptions: Peace Corps MI participants and students with previous professional training such as MD, RN, DVM, etc. must complete a minimum of 42 didactic credit hours.
- Maintain a GPA above 3.0.
- Complete the language certification. All IHD students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English prior to graduation. Proficiency is determined by an oral exam given by a member of the department's faculty or staff.
- Complete the 300 hour practicum and submit all required forms in a timely fashion. The practicum provides students with experience in an actual international health and development agency, program or project, in which students apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their coursework to practical settings.The specific reporting requirements of the practicum are detailed in field practicum handbook. Modifications or clarifications related to International Health and Development students are detailed in the addendum.
- Beginning in January 2007, students at Tulane are required to complete a culminating experience that draws together the students' classroom learning and practice experiences. This culminating experience will be completed by the writing of a thesis, preparation of a public health analysis, or a comprehensive exam. For more information on the culminating experience click here.
For more information on the MPH program please contact Penny Jessop, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor, at pjessop@tulane.edu. |
