Public Health Courses: Fall 2023
Public Health
PH 500: Epidemiology
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course will provide an introduction to the basic concepts of epidemiology. Concepts for both chronic and infectious disease epidemiology will be taught. Course content will include an overview of the history of epidemiology, disease etiology, outbreak investigation, disease surveillance, and screening. Epidemiological research design concepts will be taught and include experimental and non-experimental designs, attributable, absolute and relative risk, odds ratios, random and systematic error, bias and confounding. Discussions of current public health issues will be illustrated and presented by faculty and students. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 510: Psychosocial and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is designed to provide you with an overview of the role of social and behavioral sciences in understanding and addressing public health problems. We will examine the psychosocial, structural, and environmental factors that influence health and well-being, health behaviors, and how these factors inform public health policy and approaches. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 512: Public Health Nutrition
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course will examine the effects of nutrition at both the individual and community level. Lifespan nutrition, nutritional assessment and the relationship between diet and disease will be taught. Linkages between agriculture, food, nutrition and public health will be made. Nutrition focused health promotion programs will be designed and presented, nutrition policy influencers discussed and plant based nutrition covered as a special topic. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 520: Research Methods in Health Promotion
3 Credit Hour(s)
Review and critical analysis of components of research design, including collection of data. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be taught. Emphasis is on the health education professional as producer and consumer of research. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 530: Environmental Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course will provide an introduction to the public health function of environmental and community health. This course is intended to give students a basic understanding of how environmental factors impact the health of people and the community, and of the efforts made to prevent or minimize the effects of negative impacts. The emphasis of this course is to explore the relationship of people to their environment -- how the environment affects their physical well-being, and what they can do to protect and enhance their health, and to influence the quality of the environment. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 540: Public Health Biostatistics
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course focuses on the application of research methods for public health. Themes include the application of statistical methods using statistical software and the interpretation of the results. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 540L: Public Health Biostatistics Laboratory
2 Credit Hour(s)
Laboratory techniques for Public Health Biostatistics. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 542: Public Health Law
3 Credit Hour(s)
This class is designed for those that have no prior coursework on legal issues. All students are expected to leave the course knowing how to find relevant law, read it and have a sense of the context from which it emerges. The content of the course includes a survey of the issues relevant to public health law. This includes the constitutional authority for the police powers of the state, the balance between civil liberties and the welfare of the community, and the role of the state in regulating health care. The course is based on general theoretical precepts that apply to the entire country, as well as laws specific to New York. Students who reside or practice in other states are welcome to research relevant laws in those states. (GR)
PH 550: Public Health Policy, Administration, and Management
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course examines public health care systems and policy with integration of concepts for administration and management. Specific areas of study will include finance, ethics/law, need/demand and quality/effectiveness. Policy issues will be utilized and include medical care and public health preparedness. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 560: Community Health Education
3 Credit Hour(s)
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction and overview of the profession of health education. This course includes an overview of key terminology; historical, philosophical, theoretical, and research foundations; professional ethical issues; professional roles and responsibilities; and future directions. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 562: Assessment and Planning in Community Health Education
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess health resources and needs, and to develop health education and promotion programs to meet specific needs in particular populations. The course further examines the program planning and development process, including both planning and program models, strategy/intervention selection, setting goals and objectives, and performing both primary and secondary needs assessments. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 563: Program Planning & Evaluation
3 Credit Hour(s)
This skill-based course provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess health resources and to develop, implement and evaluate health promotion programs to meet community health needs. Program planning and development, including both planning and program theories and models, strategy/intervention selection, setting goals and objectives and performing both primary and secondary needs assessments will be examined. Additionally, we will explore methods and considerations for implementing and evaluating community health promotion programs. (GR)
PH 564: Implementation and Evaluation in Community Health Education
3 Credit Hour(s)
Students will explore the methods and techniques used by health educators to deliver a health education and health promotion program in the community. This course will review health education theories, program designs, and program implementation. Emphasis will be placed on the methodology of the health education program including communication techniques, presentation channels and delivery, social marketing concepts, measuring outcomes and data collection. Students will design, implement and evaluate a health education program in the community. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 566: Communication, Advocacy and Consultation in Community Health Education
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course is designed to advance communication skills, explore advocacy and consultative roles within the context of community health education for the purposes of assessing and improving the health of communities. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 568: Advanced Epidemiology
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course presents epidemiology in greater depth and detail than an introductory course. The intent of this course is to provide advanced level training for public health students interested in pursuing careers in public health research and need additional expertise in advanced epidemiology. An additional aim is to explore advocacy roles within the context of public health epidemiology. Prerequisites: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director and B- or better in PH 500. (GR)
PH 570: Advanced Quantitative Analysis
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course presents advanced topics in biostatistics to provide advanced level training for public health students interested in pursuing careers in public health research and need additional expertise in advanced biostatistics. Topics will include formulating scientific questions in terms of a statistical model, multivariate logistic and linear regression modeling, measures of association, stratification, matched pairs, mixed-effects modeling, analysis of rates, and survival analysis using proportional hazards models. Coursework will include use of data analysis software to analyze data.Prerequisites: B- or better in PH 540 and PH 540L. (GR)
PH 572: Chronic Diseases, a Lifecourse Approach
3 Credit Hour(s)
This seminar course presents topics in chronic disease using a lifespan approach. Contemporary chronic health diseases across the life span, which are prevalent in both developed and developing countries, will be discussed including cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and others. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 574: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course covers concepts in the prevention and control of infectious disease. Pathogenesis, epidemiology, and control of infectious diseases affecting global health will be explored. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 577: Global Health and Comparative Global Public Health Systems
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course will help students better understand global health systems comparatively. It is a highly interactive graduate level course that examines the global lens of public health systems; - focusing on the differences and similarities between various public health systems. Students will examine health systems challenges that prevent delivery of optimal health care (especially in the developing world); and systematic approaches utilized to promote health equity nationally and globally. Case studies of various global health and healthcare systems will be examined and analyzed, in order to give students a better understanding of the uniqueness, as well as the similarities between global health systems. Students will also study in an engaging and interactive learning environment that will help promote and give students the opportunity to investigate individually or in group format for class projects and powerpoint presentations. Finally, this course will involve intensive readings, discussions of class readings, critique, critical thinking, problem solving, theoretical analyses, research, and possible solutions to the issues of global health systems.Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 579: Contemporary Issues in Community Health Education
3 Credit Hour(s)
Using examples from contemporary and emerging topics in public health, students are presented with strategies for effective community health education. This course will include discussions on contemporary health problems, the use of health education tools for treatment and prevention of health problems, and obstacles to health education. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 580: Reproductive and Perinatal Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course focuses on concepts associated with women's reproductive health, including sociodemographic, cultural, economic, environmental, and political determinants. Public health programs for improving reproductive health will include family planning and health during the reproductive years. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 581: Community-Based Participatory Research for Community Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
Community-based participatory research is an approach that combines evidence-based research strategies with collaborative community based strategies to bridge the gap between research and community health practice. Establishing effective societal behavioral change for improving community health is a primary outcome for measuring success of community-based participatory research. This approach recognizes that community partnerships are essential in the development, implementation, and evaluation of community health programs. Students will be exposed to definitions and principles for this approach. Through lectures, readings, and discussion they will also be exposed to various research designs, ranging from those that emanate from the community, community-academic partnerships, and academic research projects that depend on community participation. Students will also discuss implementation of such research and evaluation strategies. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 583: Project Management and Leadership in Public Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
This skill-based course provides a detailed exploration of public health leadership and project management skills, well suited for students interested in entering the field of public health management with a specific focus on developing knowledge and skills that can immediately be used in the field. Students will be introduced to the history and field of public health management, central leadership and management theories, the dynamic role of public health management professionals and characteristics of a successful public health leaders. Management topics will also include health program organization, financing, marketing, human resources and community relations. Leadership topics will include contemporary approaches to leadership development, self-assessment, conflict resolution, and effective communication. Case studies and invited public health leaders will be used to reinforce application of course concepts. (GR)
PH 585: Trauma-Informed Approach to Health And Well-Being
3 Credit Hour(s)
A trauma-informed approach (TIA) to care is rooted in an awareness and understanding of the widespread nature of traumatic experiences and circumstances and the potential impacts of these experiences across the life span. This course will examine the history, purpose, tenets, and strategies for implementation of a trauma-informed approach to health and well-being in various systems of care. The potential impacts of trauma will be explored, examining the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and other pertinent literature. In addition, the course will examine the potential impact of trauma and exposure to others' trauma on the worker/care provider- considering both positive and negative experiences such as vicarious trauma and vicarious resilience; compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. Finally, the course will examine an example of a truly trauma-informed model of care (Sanctuary). (GR)
PH 586: Qualitative Methods
3 Credit Hour(s)
This skill-based course provides the tools for conducting effective qualitative public health research. Qualitative approaches, use of theoretical frameworks, and strategies for designing qualitative studies will be taught. Interviewing skills, sampling, ethical issues, data management, analysis, and interpretation of qualitative data will be extensively examined, and methods for disseminating results is presented. Case studies, including mixed-methods studies, will be used to reinforce the application of concepts in qualitative research. In addition, students will engage in a small qualitative research project for class purposes that will allow them to practice data collection, data transcription, data analysis, and data reporting. (GR)
PH 589: Grant Writing and Scholarship Dissemination in Community Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
Through lectures, readings, and discussion students will learn grant writing and reviewing skills and methods for disseminating scholarship outcomes in public health. As part of this course, students will identify potential funding agencies for public health interventions, develop a grant proposal and gain experience in understanding how to disseminate public health outcomes. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 590: Foundations of Public Health Ethics and Advocacy
3 Credit Hour(s)
This course will provide an overview of various issues in public health ethics, with applications for advocating for public health policies for social justice and health equity. The course will begin with discussing the framework for public health ethics, moral considerations for public health interventions, political and legal issues, screening/ health testing/vaccination, containing communicable diseases, and ethics in health communication. The course will utilize a case-based approach in exploring public health ethical topics and decision making, incorporating contemporary examples. (GR)
PH 591: Global Public Health Policy and Development
3 Credit Hour(s)
Through lectures, readings, and discussion, students will understand the factors influencing global health, and the interdependence between developed and developing countries in improving global health. Epidemiologic, nutrition, socioeconomic, and cultural factors that affect global health efforts will be discussed. Considerations when working in a developing country, including potential problems and barriers, will be reviewed. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 593: Professional Medical Writing
3 Credit Hour(s)
Public health professionals must be able to write clearly and effectively. This course prepares the student to synthesize knowledge through the engagement of professional medical writing and scholarship. Students will learn the fundamental skills of professional writing: clarity, accuracy, precision, and brevity. Advanced instruction focuses on several forms of expository writing common in the health professions while emphasizing effective communication between the writer and different audiences. Additionally, a capacity to critically analyze and to accurately evaluate research (information and evidence) is integral to the professional writer. Emphasis is placed on cultivating critical thinking skills to prepare exemplars of scholarly medical writing. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 595: Cultural Competency and Health Disparities in Public Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
The course will take a multi-disciplinary approach to examining factors that influence health, including race, ethnicity, education, income, disability, geographic location, gender, and sexual orientation. We will examine the multiple pathways through which these factors are produced and reinforced socially and structurally, including discrimination, stigma, social network processes, culture, and policies. The course will provide historical and theoretical perspectives on the problem, foster a critical examination of empirical support for various explanatory pathways, and will explore approaches to studying and promoting both health inequity and health equity. In addition, concepts of cultural competency will be examined, requiring exploration of personal identity, actions, beliefs, communications and values, alongside social, structural, and political factors which influence such personal attributes. (GR)
PH 600: Practicum-Community Health Education
3 Credit Hour(s)
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requires that MPH students complete a planned, supervised, and evaluated practice experience. Under the direction of a faculty advisor the student completes a practicum in their area of specialty track in order to apply and to further develop their academic skills. Each practicum requires a minimum of 240 hours of work at the practicum site. The final grade for the practicum will be determined together by the student's Practicum Site Mentor and the student's Faculty Advisor. A student whose performance is evaluated as Unsatisfactory will be required to repeat the practicum. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 9 graduate credits and permission of faculty instructor oabd a Community Partner. (GR)
PH 601: Practicum-Epidemiology
3 Credit Hour(s)
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requires that MPH students complete a planned, supervised, and evaluated practice experience. Under the direction of a faculty advisor the student completes a practicum in their area of specialty track in order to apply and to further develop their academic skills. Each practicum requires a minimum of 240 hours of work at the practicum site. The final grade for the practicum will be determined together by the student's Practicum Site Mentor and the student's Faculty Advisor. A student whose performance is evaluated as Unsatisfactory will be required to repeat the practicum. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 9 graduate credits and permission of faculty instructor and a Community Partner. (GR)
PH 602: Practicum
3 Credit Hour(s)
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requires that MPH students complete a planned, supervised, and evaluated practice experience. Under the direction of a faculty advisor the student completes a practicum in their area of specialty track in order to apply and to further develop their academic skills. Each practicum requires a minimum of 240 hours of work at the practicum site. The final grade for the practicum will be determined together by the student's Practicum Site Mentor and the student's Faculty Advisor. A student whose performance is evaluated as Unsatisfactory will be required to repeat the practicum. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 9 graduate credits and permission of faculty instructor and a Community Partner. (GR)
PH 610: Capstone Seminar
1 Credit Hour(s)
This seminar provides an opportunity for students to reflect on and discuss their practicum experience with other students. It also provides a supportive setting to help prepare students to identify and plan for their capstone project in their specialty track. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPH program, Successful completion of PH 600/601/602 or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 620: Capstone Project in Community Health
3 Credit Hour(s)
The capstone project is a culminating experience that provides the student the opportunity to synthesize, integrate, and apply their curricular knowledge to a significant public health problem in the student's area of specialty or interest. Students work with a community partner to complete a capstone project. The capstone project is comprised of both written and oral components. Students begin the development of the capstone project topic during the Capstone Seminar PH 610, typically completed the semester prior to the capstone project. Prerequisite: PH 610 or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 621: Capstone Project in Epidemiology
3 Credit Hour(s)
The capstone project is a culminating experience that provides students the opportunity to synthesize, integrate, and apply their curricular knowledge to a significant public health problem in the student's area of specialty or interest. Students work with a community partner to complete a capstone project. A one-student capstone project may be completed if the project does not lend itself to a team approach and with approval of the MPH Program Director. The capstone project is comprised of both written and oral components. Students begin the development of the capstone project topic during the Capstone Seminar PH 610, typically completed the semester prior to the capstone project. Prerequisite: PH 610 or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)
PH 622: Capstone Project
3 Credit Hour(s)
The capstone project is a culminating experience that provides students the opportunity to synthesize, integrate, and apply their curricular knowledge to a significant public health problem in the student's area of specialty or interest. Students work with a community partner to complete a capstone project. A one-student capstone project may be completed if the project does not lend itself to a team approach and with approval of the MPH Program Director. The capstone project is comprised of both written and oral components. Students begin the development of the capstone project topic during the Capstone Seminar PH 610, typically completed the semester prior to the capstone project. Prerequisite: PH 610 or Permission by the Program Director. (GR)