Mar 28, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2015-2016 
    
USC Catalogue 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Public Health (MPH)


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The MPH program is offered in two formats: the traditional format (on-campus) and via distance learning (online). The traditional MPH program allows students to choose from seven tracks: Health Education and Health Promotion, Biostatistics/Epidemiology, Health Communication, Child and Family Health, Global Health Leadership, Public Health Policy and Environmental Health. The distance-learning program allows students to choose from four tracks: Health Education and Promotion, Biostatistics/Epidemiology, Global Health Leadership, and GeoHealth. The curriculum includes a set of core courses for each track and electives. The program also includes a capstone course and an internship placement that integrates academic and practical experiences and prepares individuals to work in governmental and non-governmental organizations in healthrelated fields.

Course Requirements

The master’s degree program in public health (MPH) requires a minimum of 47 semester units of required and elective graduate study. The MPH is also available online.

Additional Requirements


In addition, at least another 20 to 24 units including the practicum and capstone, must be completed in their selected track of study.

Track 1: Health Education and Health Promotion


Additional Requirements

At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course**

2 units of a practicum (PM 596 ) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597 ), ending in a final report.

*May not receive credit for both track core and track elective category.

**Distance learning track elective and elective options are limited. Students should consult their adviser for guidance about available options.

Track 2: Biostatistics/Epidemiology


Required Courses (At Least 12 Units)


Additional Requirements

At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course**

2 units of a practicum (PM 596 ) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597 ), ending in a final report.

*May not receive credit for both track core and track elective category.

**Distance learning track elective and elective options are limited. Students should consult their adviser for guidance about available options.

The elective courses will be directed by the student’s needs and interests and must be approved by the student’s graduate adviser. Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.

Track 3: Health Communication


Track 4: Child and Family Health


Track 5: Global Health Leadership


Additional Requirements

At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course**

2 units of a practicum (PM 596 ) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597 ), ending in a final report.

**Distance learning track elective and elective options are limited. Students should consult their adviser for guidance about available options.

Track 6: Public Health Policy


Track 7: Environmental Health


Additional Requirements

At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course

2 units of a practicum (PM 596 ) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597 ), ending in a final report.

Track 8: GeoHealth (Online Option Only)


Additional Requirements

At least 4 units from any 500- or 600- level course

And, 2 units of a practicum (PM 596 ) and 2 units of Capstone (PM 597 ), ending in a final report

The elective courses will be directed by the student’s needs and interests and must be approved by the student’s graduate adviser.

Additional Requirements


Practicum Requirement

A practicum (PM 596 ) is required of all students. The practicum is provided by an internship rotation through an area of public health practice in a county, state, federal or community-based agency. The practicum offers students the opportunity to observe as well as participate in applying their newly acquired skills and tools. All students are expected to participate in at least one internship and attend a corresponding seminar. An electronic portfolio describing the project and evaluating the outcomes completes the course requirement.

Capstone Requirement

Completion of the capstone course (PM 597 ) is required of all MPH students during their last semester prior to graduation and is the culminating experience for the master’s program. The course draws on students’ prior training in the five core areas of public health; their additional required course work in their selected track of study; and their “real world” experience gained in the field prior to their graduation. The capstone class is closely linked to the MPH practicum and is designed to challenge students to reflect and integrate their training and experience with the goal of developing their own individual point of view regarding the role of public health in contributing to the improvement of the health and well-being of populations in the United States, as well as abroad.

Criteria

Students enrolled in one of the MPH professional dual degree programs (e.g., M.D./MPH, Pharm.D./MPH, DPT/MPH, and Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology)/MPH, MPl/MPH) may waive 4 units of the elective requirement and thus are required a minimum of 43 units to graduate. All other students must complete a minimum of 47 units to graduate.
 

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