Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Public Health in Public Health Genetics

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Genetics program is designed to integrate human genetics and public health science disciplines. This includes epidemiology, behavioral and community health sciences, biostatistics, environmental health, and health services research, along with ethics, social sciences, public affairs, and law. The goal is to prepare students for a career in the evolving field of public health genetics, which encompasses issues related to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in genetic initiatives.

Competencies

Upon completion of the MPH in Public Health Genetics, students will meet the following program-specific competencies:

1. Apply knowledge of inheritance, including basic cellular and molecular mechanisms, and both genetic and non-genetic related risk factors for disease to understand a variety of rare and common health conditions.
2. Assess and communicate the benefits, risks, and limitations of the integration of genetics and genomics principles and technologies into public health projects and initiatives.
3. Identify and assess the ethical, legal, and social principles and issues important to public health genetics.
4. Effectively communicate genetic and genomic principles to the general public, public health professionals, and healthcare providers.
5. Evaluate how genetic principles/technologies apply to precision public health: the targeting of diagnosis, screening, and interventions for disease prevention and health promotion programs.
6. Promote integration of justice, health equity, diversity, and inclusion into genetics, public health genetics, and precision public health programs and initiatives.

Degree Programs

The School of Public Health offers several degree programs, including:

• MPH in Public Health Genetics
  • Curriculum
  • Practicum
  • Essay/Thesis
  • Public Health Genetics and Genomics Week
• MS in Genetic Counseling
• MS in Genome Bioinformatics
• MS in Human Genetics
• Doctor of Philosophy
• MD/PhD Joint Degree
• Dual MPH/MS Genetic Counseling
• Student Handbooks, Forms & Policies

Degree Requirements

The MPH in Public Health Genetics requires:

• Completion of 47 credits through a combination of human genetics core courses, public health core courses, and elective credits.
• A 200-hour practicum.
• A culminating project (MPH Essay or Thesis).
• Graduates are required to meet the Human Genetics MPH competencies and all MPH Public Health Competencies.

Curriculum

The MPH in Public Health Genetics curriculum is designed to give students a strong knowledge base in Human Genetics with a broad understanding of the field of public health. Through coursework, students are immersed in current topics in human genetics, public health, and the ethical, legal, and social issues important to the field of public health genetics.

Practicum

All students in the MPH in Public Health Genetics program are required to complete a practicum. The practicum is a supervised practice experience of at least 200 hours, providing students an opportunity to develop skills and competencies in a public health setting.

MPH Essay or Thesis

Students must write an MPH essay or thesis project, which may be based on the practicum experience or on another topic related to public health genetics or public health. Program support is available throughout the process of selecting, completing, and writing an MPH Essay or Thesis project.

Examples of Current Alumni Careers

Recent graduates hold positions such as:

• Project Manager, Geisinger Health System
• Community Health Specialist, Bethlehem Health Bureau
• Technical Solutions Engineer, Epic Systems
• Senior Biocurator, Clinical Genome Resource
• Program Manager for Pharmacogenomics, Pitt Pharmacy
• Research Coordinator, Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome Community
• Certified Clinical Research Coordinator III, University of Virginia
• Assistant Director of Operations and Regulatory Strategy, Genetic Alliance

Graduates also pursue doctoral study, medical school, and other degrees.

Program Leadership

Andrea Durst is the director of the MPH program in Public Health Genetics and the associate director of the Genetic Counseling program. She has been part of the leadership team since 2016 and participates in teaching, practicum advising, essay/thesis mentoring, student recruitment, and advising.

Student Profiles

The program includes a diverse range of students with various backgrounds and interests in public health genetics, including:

• Swathi Balaji, whose practicum focused on interventions to minimize preterm and low birth weight infants.
• Vivian Duong, who worked on clinical and public health research at UPMC Cancer Center.
• Autumn Bryant, who has experience volunteering with the Crisis Text Line and working as a genetic counseling assistant.
• Caroline Wallendal, whose practicum is in the Lysosomal Storage Disorders Clinic at UPMC Children's Hospital.
• Karmen Reynolds, who works as a clinical research assistant at UPMC Children's Hospital.
• Kennedy Sawicki, whose practicum is with Kids' Health Connections in Detroit, focusing on a community garden to prevent childhood obesity.
• Rebecca Terrill, who completed her practicum at DDC Clinic Center for Special Needs Children in Ohio.

MPH Class of 2025

The class includes students such as:

• Alyssa Arreola, interested in exploring genetics research and policy.
• Lindsey Haines, who is interested in lysosomal storage disorders.
• Eli Harter, hoping to integrate modern transcriptomic and epigenetic screens into public health programs.
• Ashtyn Heckart, looking forward to studying rare diseases and bioethics.
• Patsy Holtz, with previous experience in genetics research and case management.
• Sarah Klotz, who has worked in clinical and translational research for rare, neurodegenerative diseases.
• Megan Piechowicz, an MS in Genetic Counseling and MPH dual degree student.
• Kathryn Ryan, who worked as a research assistant in genetics and anthropology departments.
• Niyati Savur, who has worked as a genetic counseling assistant and volunteered with children with learning difficulties.