Public Health Master (M.P.H.), Degree Program draft

Program Overview

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The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University at Albany-SUNY equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges and promote community health. The program offers a rigorous curriculum with core courses and specialized concentrations, an internship experience, and an integrative learning experience. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy and management.

Program Outline

The program offers a rigorous curriculum focused on foundational public health concepts and specialized skills in chosen areas of concentration. Graduates are well-equipped to tackle complex public health issues and contribute to healthier communities across diverse settings.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to effectively address public health challenges locally, nationally, and globally.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills for problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making in public health.
• Foster leadership and communication skills for effective collaboration and advocacy within diverse public health communities.
• Provide a strong foundation for advanced study and career advancement in public health and related fields.

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Program Description:

The MPH program is a 45-51 credit program consisting of core courses, concentration-specific coursework, an internship experience, and an integrative learning experience (ILE).

• Core Courses: All students complete a set of core courses covering foundational public health topics such as biological basis, environmental health, epidemiology, statistical inference, healthcare organization and delivery, social and behavioral aspects of health, and professional practice in public health.
• Concentrations: Students choose one of eight concentrations to specialize their studies: Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Social Behavior and Community Health.
Each concentration has specific required courses and electives relevant to its focus area.
• Internship: Students complete 9 credits of internships, gaining practical experience in at least two different public health settings.
These settings can include government agencies, hospitals, non-governmental organizations, and more. Up to 6 credits of internship may be waived for those with significant prior public health experience.
• Integrative Learning Experience (ILE): The ILE offers an opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills from the program and produce a high-quality written product specific to their chosen concentration.

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Outline

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Program Content:

• The MPH program focuses on developing a strong foundation in public health principles and applying them to various areas of practice.
• Students delve into topics such as biostatistics, environmental health risks and interventions, disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, healthcare systems and policies, social determinants of health, and behavioral interventions.
• The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making.

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Program Structure:

• The program typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete, depending on course load and individual circumstances.
• Students can choose full-time or part-time study options to fit their needs.
• The program offers a flexible curriculum with online and evening course options, allowing for continued work or other commitments while pursuing the degree.

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Course Schedule:

• Specific course schedules and offerings vary each semester.

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Individual Modules:

• Each concentration within the MPH program features a set of specific required courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their chosen area of interest.
• For example, the Epidemiology concentration requires courses in advanced epidemiological methods and outbreak investigation, while the Health Policy and Management concentration focuses on health economics, policy analysis, and program evaluation.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• The MPH program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress.
These methods include:
• Exams (written and oral)
• Assignments and projects
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Participation in class discussions
• Performance in internships
• The Integrative Learning Experience (ILE)

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Assessment Criteria:

• The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific course or activity.
• Generally, assessments focus on evaluating students' understanding of key concepts, their ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, and their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• The MPH program utilizes a variety of engaging teaching methods to facilitate learning.
These methods include:
• Interactive lectures
• Case-based learning
• Group discussions and activities
• Problem-solving exercises
• Simulations and role-playing
• Guest lectures from public health professionals

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Faculty:

• The School of Public Health features a diverse and experienced faculty with expertise in various public health fields.
• Many faculty members are actively involved in research and public health practice, bringing real-world experience and insights into the classroom.
• Students have opportunities for close interaction and mentorship with faculty members.

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Unique Approaches:

• The MPH program emphasizes experiential learning through its internship requirement and opportunities for applied research projects.
• The program also offers a unique global health track, providing students with the chance to gain international public health experience.
• Additionally, the program incorporates innovative teaching approaches, such as online learning modules and interactive simulations, to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

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Careers

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Career Paths:

• The MPH program prepares graduates for diverse career paths within the public health field.
• Potential career options include:
• Epidemiologist
• Biostatistician
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Health Educator
• Public Health Policy Analyst
• Program Manager
• Community Health Worker
• Researcher
• Health Informatics Specialist

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates can find employment opportunities in various settings, including:
• Government agencies (local, state, federal)
• Non-governmental organizations
• Hospitals and healthcare organizations
• Research institutions
• Public health consultancies
• International organizations

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Career Outcomes:

• The School of Public Health reports high job placement rates for its MPH graduates, with many finding employment within their chosen field shortly after graduation.
• The program offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities for eligible students.
• The School of Public Health provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• The program encourages and values student involvement in research, community engagement, and professional organizations.