Master of Public Health (MPH) in International Health and Development offered to graduates of Tulane University's BSPH program

Mission

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 BSPH graduates in an environment of interdisciplinary, creative problem solving in the health and social sectors.

Description

The 4+1 joint degree program allows outstanding Tulane BSPH students to complete the class requirements for both undergraduate and master’s degrees at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in a period of approximately five years. Fifteen credit hours of graduate core coursework taken while completing the BSPH applies towards the BSPH and the MPH (or MSPH) for those accepted into the joint degree program.

BSPH students apply to the joint degree program during their third year of the BSPH, or one year before they expect to fully matriculate as a graduate student.  For full program details please see the BSPH 4+1 webpage at http://www.sph.tulane.edu/bsph/4-1.htm.

In International Health and Development 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 technicians 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. 

Competencies

By the end of the program, students in the BSPH/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 of matrix which illustrates how these competencies are achieved through courses, practical training and culminating activities please click here.

Admissions

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.