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Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology

Biomedical Science D-204
1960 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8267
Fax: (808) 956-9174
E-mail: ogsas@hawaii.edu
Web: hawaiimed.hawaii.edu/departments/publichealth

Faculty

* Graduate Faculty

• *F. D. Miller, MS, MPH, PhD (Acting Chair)--epidemiology
• *G. Baruffi, MD, MPH--maternal and child health
• *K. L. Braun, MPH, DrPH--social behavioral health sciences/Center on Aging
• *M. Cheang, MPH, DrPH--social behavioral health sciences/Center on Aging
• *K. Glanz, MPH, PhD--Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i 
• *J. S. Grove, MS, PhD--biostatistics
• A. W. Guillory, MS, PhD--maternal and child health
• A. M. Hartnett, MSW--social behavioral health sciences/Center on Aging
• *A. R. Katz, MD, MPH--epidemiology
• J. Maddock, MA, PhD--social epidemiology
• G. Maskarinec, MD, MPH--Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i
• *W. K. Patrick, MBBS, MPH, PhD--international health
• V. Tanji, MSLS--librarian
• *F. Untalan, MSW, MPH, DSW--maternal and child health and social work
• *C. Waslien, MSc, PhD--PH nutrition
• A. Zir, MPH--social behavioral health sciences/Center on Aging

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

• M. T. Goodman, MPH, PhD--epidemiology
• L. Kolonel, MD, MPH, PhD--Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i
• L. LeMarchand, MD, MPH, PhD--epidemiology
• A. Nomura, MD, DrPh--Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i 

Degrees and Certificates: MPH, MS in public health, PhD in biomedical sciences biostatistics-epidemiology, Certificate in Public Health

The Academic Program

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in human populations. Epidemiology provides clues to their causes and their modes of transmission and acquisition. Epidemiologic methods, including biostatistical methods, are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of disease control measures. Epidemiology is thus the science of public health.

The master's program generally requires two years of combined study and field work but may vary depending on academic background, experience and academic goals of the student. The curriculum provides both breadth and depth. It instills knowledge and skills in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, the collection and analysis of epidemiologic data, and the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases. Each student will have an academic adviser and committee with whom the student will work closely in scheduling and completing the academic requirements of the program. 

Students are required to take advanced level training in chronic and infectious disease epidemiology, advanced biostatistics, and research design. There is opportunity for students to choose from epidemiology electives in the following areas: nutrition, genetics, environment, aging, AIDS, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Course work in specialized statistical applications is also available. Students participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout the university during their fieldwork assignment or thesis research.

The curriculum includes a core of required basic and public health offerings that cover such topics as environmental health, health care delivery and organization, health education, and health behavior. The courses provide background and breadth in public health. A capstone paper and presentation during the final term integrates the MPH experience. The MS degree follows a similar but more research-oriented curriculum and requires the completion of a thesis.

Advising

Information, applications, and initial advising about degree programs in public health are available from the assistant dean for student services at the Office of Graduate Student Academic Services, Biomedical Science D-204, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI; tel: (808) 956-8267; fax: (808) 956-9174; e-mail: ogsas@hawaii.edu; Web site: www.hawaii.edu/ogsas.

Graduate Study

Applicants will be expected to have the academic background, experience, interests and commitment for professional training in epidemiology. The academic preparation should include courses in biology, microbiology, immunology, and chemistry as well as course work covering calculus. Experience in an applied health related field or biomedical research is preferred.

Master's Degree

MPH students follow a Plan B (non-thesis) program. MS students follow a Plan A (thesis) degree program. 

Plan A (Thesis) Requirements

• Minimum of 30 credit hours, 18 or more in courses numbered 600–798
• One graduate seminar
• Foundation courses
• 6 credit hours of thesis research (PH 700)
• Other courses as designated by the student's thesis committee
• Final oral examination conducted by the thesis committee

Most students will exceed the 30-credit-hour minimum to meet their educational objectives.

Plan B (Non-thesis) Requirements

• Minimum of 30 credit hours, 18 or more in courses numbered 600–798
• One graduate seminar
• Foundation courses
• Other courses as designated by the student's program committee
• Field training experience (PH 791) 
• Final competency assessment

Most students will exceed the 30-credit-hour minimum to meet their educational objectives.

U.S. Peace Corps Master's International Program

The U.S. Peace Corps Master's International Program allows simultaneous application to the U.S. Peace Corps and the master's program. Successful applicants would begin their master of public health studies at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. After the first year, the student continues on to a Peace Corps assignment and may concurrently complete the program's field training requirement. Upon completion of the two-year Peace Corps assignment the student returns for any remaining course work and the required final orals presentation.

Doctoral Degree in Biomedical Sciences (Biostatistics-Epidemiology)

Programs of study leading to the doctor of philosophy in biomedical sciences (not public health) are administered by faculty in the Department of Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology and other departments in the School of Medicine. The concentration of biostatistics-epidemiology is based in the Department of Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology.

Candidates who successfully complete the doctoral program in biostatistics-epidemiology will be able to teach and to provide consultative service in basic aspects of both epidemiology and biostatistics. In addition, they will be able to conduct independent research in their areas of concentration.

Applicants must have an acceptable master's degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, or closely related fields or a degree providing comparable background. The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) and three letters of recommendation are required for application.

A prospective applicant is urged to communicate with a faculty member in his or her area of interest or with the program's chair and to be accepted as an applicant by a faculty member prior to admission. The faculty member involved will serve as an interim adviser upon the individual's admission into the PhD program.

All candidates take a qualifying examination during their first year of enrollment to ascertain aptitude, strengths, and weaknesses in their basic preparation. The test results will be used in determining subsequent course work. This will be followed by further course work, a comprehensive examination, and dissertation research. Candidates should refer to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Catalog for procedural and substantive details.

A few teaching and research assistantships are available for degree candidates. In addition, there are a limited number of tuition waivers. East-West Center fellowships are available for qualified candidates.

Certificate Program

The Certificate in Public Health provides general knowledge in foundations of public health and advanced knowledge in epidemiology.

Certificate students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in graduate-level public health courses. At least 7 of the credit hours will be in public health foundation courses. 

Consideration for admission to the certificate program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or its equivalent from a recognized foreign institution of higher learning. Qualified foreign students must demonstrate adequate English language proficiency. 

Honors and Awards

• Joseph E. Alicata Award in Public Health
• Elmer J. Anderson Professional Travel Award
• Koseki Award for Excellence in Community Service
• Pauline Stitt Outstanding Student Award 

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