Global Community Health and Behavioral 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 (GCHB 6110 and GCHB 6120), 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:

• Incorporate knowledge of the Public Health core areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health systems management, and the biological, social, and cultural aspects of health and disease in addressing and solving problems. (EPID 6030; BIOS 6030; GEHS 6030; GHSD 6030; TRMD 6010; GCHB 6030)
• Assess individual and community needs for public health programs. (GCHB Courses: 6110, 6120, 7130, 6610, 6750, 6270)
• Demonstrate competence in planning community-based public health programs and research projects. (GCHB Courses: 6110, 7130, 6210, 6270, 6750)
• Implement and manage preventive strategies, interventions and programs at the community level. (GCHB Courses: 6030, 6110, 6210)
• Acquire the ability to identify and use various methods of evaluating community-based public health programs. (GCHB Courses: 6120, 7130, 6750)  
• Communicate and advocate for community health programs and policies. (GCHB Courses: 6100, 6120, 7130, 6140, 6210, 6220, 6260, 6270, 6770)
• Serve as a resource person for community-based programs in public health. (SPHL 9980; GCHB Courses: 6030, 6120, 6140) 
• Promote cultural competence within diverse community settings. (GCHB Courses: 6030, 6100, 6460, 6140, 6510)  

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 (6 credits)

Choose any three of the following four courses:

MPH in Community Health Sciences Requirements (11-12 credits)

The student seeking the MPH degree in community health sciences can choose any 4 of the following 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.

Electives:

The remaining 9 or 10 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.  Here are some examples:

• Louisiana Office of Public Health
• New Orleans Health Department
• PACE of Greater New Orleans
• Tulane SPHTM Career Center - Internship List
• PublicHealthJobs.net
• Tulane Xavier National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health
• Mary Amelia Douglas-Whited Community Women’s Health Education Center
• Tulane Prevention Research Center

Culminating Experience

Students in the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences can choose one of two options for their culminating experience:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.  

Please visit the links below for details:

Requirements for the Practicum and Culminating Experience
PHA Sample 1
PHA Sample 2

Additional Information

School of Public Health Handbooks and Guides

For more information, contact us at 504-988-5391 or chs@tulane.edu