2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

Public Health

ANNA GREER, PhD,MCHES

Director

Phone: 203-416-3936

Fax: 203-365-4723

E-mail: greera@sacredheart.edu

Program Rationale

The Sacred Heart University Master of Public Health program prepares individuals to protect and improve the health of individuals and communities. As such, students will be required to critically examine how biological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors influence health. Students will learn how to address these factors through the creation and evaluation of programs and policies designed to improve the health of individuals and communities. Students’ education will be grounded in a social justice philosophy, which calls for improving the health of the population while ensuring fair treatment of the disadvantaged. The Master in Public Health (MPH) program is located within the Public Health Department 

Masters in Public Health

Program Description

There are three major components of the Master of Public Health curriculum: (1) core courses, (2) community health specialization and (3) a graduate project or thesis requirement. The full degree program will be 45 credit hours taken over two years if attending full-time. Part time options are available as well. 

Students who complete the MPH program will: 

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge in public health’s mission and core functions, epidemiology, biostatistics, social ecological determinants of health, health promotion, public health administration, research methods, health systems and health policy
  • Develop a deeper understanding of public health theories, public health program planning and evaluation, community health development, and grant writing 
  • Develop a deeper understanding of health administration, and leadership and ethics in public health 
  • Appropriately implement public health programs and policies to support and promote population health and wellness 
  • Lead and manage in a variety of settings, such as worksites, health care, faith-based settings, and more 

 

Admissions Requirements

 

Students will apply through the Graduate Admissions Office of the University. In addition to application materials, applicants must demonstrate completion of the program prerequisites including:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. 
  • Undergraduate prerequisite coursework in the following courses with an earned C or higher:  
  • Psychology (3 credits) 
  • Statistics (3 credits)

Program of Study 45 credits

Core Courses (36 credits)

MPH 500Profession and Science of Public Health

3

MPH 501Research Methods

3

MPH 502Biostatistics

3

MPH 503Social Ecological Determinants of Health

3

MPH 505Program Planning

3.0

MPH 506Grant Reporting and Writing

3

MPH 507Public Health and Health Care Systems

3

MPH 508Issues of Diversity & Equity

3.0

MPH 509Policy in Public Health

3

MPH 511Epidemiology

3

MPH 596Public Health Seminar I

3

MPH 597Public Health Thesis I

3

MPH 598Public Health Seminar II

3

MPH 599Public Health Thesis II

3

Community Health Specialization (9 credits)

MPH 550Community Health Development

3

MPH 554Health Communication

3