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Course Descriptions

MPH 700 Essentials in Public Health - Introduction to how the multiple determinants of health (e.g., health care, socioeconomic status, genetics, the physical environment and health behavior, and their interactions) have implications for the health outcomes of populations. Characteristics of populations defined by geography, diagnosis, and/or point of care will be discussed. Avenues in which health care systems, public health agencies, community-based organizations, retail health organizations work together to improve local, national, and global communities. Students will also learn how to view problems from a population health and population health management perspective. Descriptions of how clinical and non-clinical data is used to measure health-related outcomes, analyze patterns, communicate results, and develop evidence-based intervention practices to manage of health of populations will be explored

MPH 701 Epidemiology - This course will familiarize students with the core principles and techniques of epidemiology as applied to human populations. Topics covered will include study design (such as randomized trials, case-control studies, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies), risk estimation, and approaches to causal inference.

MPH 702 Statistical Methods in Research - This course offers an introduction to key statistical concepts and reasoning. It serves as a survey of data types and analysis methods, covering topics such as point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing (including tests of significance), correlation and regression, relative risks and odds ratios, sample size/power calculations, and study design. While the course emphasizes the interpretation and understanding of statistical concepts, it also includes formulae and computational components, ensuring that students gain practical, real-world skills upon completion

MPH 703 Health Behavior Theory - This course offers an in-depth exploration of selected theories on human behavior from psychology, sociology, and education. Adopting a multi-perspective approach, it examines theories across intrapersonal, interpersonal/social, and sociocultural/group/ecological domains. Students will critically assess and analyze key theories from each perspective, developing a deeper understanding of their foundational principles.

MPH 704 Social Determinants of Health - This course examines the social factors that impact public health, including income and opportunity inequalities, as well as racial and ethnic disparities. It explores how economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors influence health outcomes, with a focus on how systematic variations in these factors contribute to health disparities. The course also investigates the interaction between these factors and other determinants of health, such as human behavior and biology. Additionally, it reviews research methods in health disparities and evaluates relevant economic and social policies.

MPH 706 Bioethics in Public Health and Research Practice - This is a case-method course, consisting of discussion of the fundamental basics of bioethical theory. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of bioethical theory and then apply this knowledge in developing a language and toolbox for making decisions when faced with dilemmas and ethical conflicts in a healthcare setting and in regard to issues of health and healthcare. The underlying concepts are vital to selecting and applying the appropriate frame to view these dilemmas and ethical conflicts.

MPH 707 Professional Seminar - This course will focus on seminar topics in public health practice and policy for development of professional life.

MPH 710 Survey Development, Qualitative Methods and Analysis - This course will use a combination of didactic, interactive, and applied techniques to teach methodological and analysis techniques in qualitative research. Students will review theoretical approaches and explore the connections between overarching theoretical frameworks, data collection methods, and analysis strategies. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice qualitative methodologies for use with different populations and conduct in-depth observations and interviews. Students will also learn and practice coding and axial coding techniques for data analysis. Different analytical approaches and software coding programs will be explored and examined.

MPH 711 – Lifestyle Medicine and Health Coaching - The purpose of this course is to increase the knowledge and skills of clinicians in coaching patients to make lasting lifestyle management changes utilizing evidence-based lifestyle medicine strategies. It is envisaged that undertaking this subject will contribute to the professional development, knowledge base and performance of those involved in health promotion and chronic disease management. Given the evolution of the U.S. health care system, health care providers are incentivized to produce better patient outcomes and to reduce recurring patient visits. Employers are prioritizing health and wellness in the workplace, aiming to cut costs and increase productivity. Given these changes, it is important for clinicians to increase their skill set in the provision of lifestyle modifications, as well as enhancing their knowledge of evidence-based approaches for motivating behavior change, and understanding of how to incorporate lifestyle medicine into clinical practice

MPH 712 Scientific Communications and Grant Writing - This course will prepare students for important instruments of communication with the public and granting agencies, from data dissemination, public policy writing, formal manuscript presentation and general grant proposal principles.

MPH 720 – Public Health Leadership and Community Engagement - This course will provide strategic and specialized skills you need to work with communities right now. Students will learn how to enact large-scale change that spans disciplines, challenges inequities and promotes health for all.

MPH 721 Public Health Policy and Management - This course provides a strong working knowledge of both management and policy are necessary to be an effective health care leader. Students will gain core skills such as financial analysis, policy decision-making, and team-based approaches to problem-solving and innovation

MPH 725 Environmental Health - This course offers a general introduction to environmental health from global to local, addressing fundamental topics and current issues. This course covers core topics that prepare students to comprehend environmental health issues leading to prevention and management of the major environmental health problems. ELECTIVE

MPH 735 Infectious Diseases in Public Health - The course is designed to emphasize the biology and molecular biology of host-pathogen interactions; the ecology, evolution, and transmission of infectious agents, methods of laboratory-based surveillance and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. ELECTIVE

MPH 736 Maternal and Child Health Welfare - This course will provide the knowledge and skills needed to effectively promote the health and well-being of women, mothers, infants, children, adolescents, and families in local, domestic, and global settings. Students will focus on developing skills that serve the needs of vulnerable populations. ELECTIVE

MPH 737 Chronic Disease Prevention and Wellness Promotion - This course will improve the management of chronic diseases using lifestyle medicine. The course goals are to recognize the importance of lifestyle medicine in preventing, treating, or reversing chronic diseases, develop strategies for implementing lifestyle medicine in clinical practice, and appraise current evidence on lifestyle modification strategies.

MPH 738 International Medicine - The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand, mitigate, and counsel others on the diverse health and safety risks that can accompany international travel. This course is a study of travel health and safety issues around the world.  As a public health course, the primary perspective taken is that of prevention. This course emphasizes the utilization of available resources to synthesize cohesive recommendations based on travel itinerary and specific activities. ELECTIVE

MPH 739 Independent Study 1 - Students work with an MPH faculty member to pursue a topic of mutual interest. Projects may include an in-depth exploration of a public health subject not covered in regular coursework. Together with the faculty sponsor, the student establishes measurable learning objectives, a plan or schedule, and defined roles and responsibilities. ELECTIVE

MPH 740 Community Clinic Practicum I - Students will obtain practical experience with community-based medicine such as the Jackson Free Clinic or similar setting. ELECTIVE

MPH 741 Community Clinic Practicum II - Students will obtain practical experience with community-based medicine such as the Jackson Free Clinic or similar setting. ELECTIVE

MPH 742 Independent Study 2 - Students work with an MPH faculty member to pursue a topic of mutual interest. Projects may include an in-depth exploration of a public health subject not covered in regular coursework. Together with the faculty sponsor, the student establishes measurable learning objectives, a plan or schedule, and defined roles and responsibilities. ELECTIVE

MPH 743 Topics in Preventive Medicine – Preventive Medicine Students will review topics pertaining to Preventive Medicine. ELECTIVE

MPH 796 Directed Research - During the course, students will demonstrate their formulate a research question on a topic that addresses a current population health-related issue. This involves formulating a research question and objectives, selecting appropriate methods, and the collection of the data

MPH 799 Research Practicum with Capstone - Students will present their research for final presentation in the form of an oral talk and/or peer-reviewed publication.