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Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology

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

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*C. Waslien, MSc, PhD (Chair)—nutritional epidemiology
*G. Baruffi, MD, MPH—maternal and child health
D. Birnbaum, PhD—epidemiology
*K. L. Braun, MPH, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences/gerontology/Center on Aging
*O. Geling, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
*J. S. Grove, MS, PhD—biostatistics
*P. S. Holck, MS, MPH, PhD—biostatistics
*A. Imrie, PhD—epidemiology
H. S. Karel, MPH, PhD—gerontology/Center on Aging
*A. R. Katz, MD, MPH—epidemiology
W. Lum, MPH—Center on Aging
*J. Maddock, MA, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
*C. Nigg, MSc, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
J. Silao, MPH—maternal and child health
*F. Untalan, MSW, MPH, DSW—maternal and child health and social work
A. Zir, MPH—gerontology/Center on Aging

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

J. Douglas, PhD—microbiology
M. T. Goodman, MPH, PhD—epidemiology
C. Gotay, MPH, PhD—Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i
L. Kolonel, MD, MPH, PhD—Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i
L. LeMarchand, MD, MPH, PhD—epidemiology
G. Maskarinec, MD, MPH—Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i
A. Nomura, MD, DrPh—Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i

Degrees and Certificates: MPH, MS in public health

The Academic Program

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of epidemics in human populations. Any unusual pattern of disease or disorder can qualify as an epidemic. The challenge of epidemiology is to detect epidemics, understand their cause, and control and prevent further occurrences. Epidemiology also involves the study of the distribution and determinants of health events, including diseases. Determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with these events, as well as measuring the magnitude of such occurrences, is the basis of public health action. An essential part of this determination involves the utilization of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of disease control measures. Epidemiology can thus be considered 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.

Social and Behavioral Health Sciences

Over the last century, chronic diseases have replaced infectious diseases as the leading cause of death in almost every developed country. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, unsafe sexual practices, alcohol and drug abuse and overexposure to the sun are the leading cause for a majority of these preventable deaths.

In the social and behavioral health sciences specialization, students will learn about a) biological and social theories of health behaviors; b) biological, behavioral, social and environmental interventions that can decrease premature mortality; and c) skills required for planning and evaluating health promotion programs. A focus on the prevention of infectious diseases through behavior change in developing and developed countries will also be included. Course assignments provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge, to practice skills, to enhance computer literacy, and to improve oral and written communications. Opportunities to participate in university-based and community-based research and service programs are provided.

MPH students specializing in social and behavioral health sciences gain knowledge and skills in research methods, biostatistics, theories of health behavior change, and social epidemiology. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. The remainder of the program includes advanced and elective course work designated by the student’s program committee to meet the student’s professional goals. Included in the specialization courses is an individual data analysis project based on collected research data. In order for students to develop skills and document competencies in public health, the development and completion of a social and behavioral health sciences study in a public health setting (i.e., a field practicum) is also required. During the final semester, a capstone paper and public presentation based on the practicum integrates a student’s MPH experience.

MS students specializing in social and behavioral health sciences gain knowledge and skills in research methods, biostatistics, theories of health behavior change, the analysis and interpretation of research data and social epidemiology. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. The remainder of the program includes specialized and elective course work designated by the student’s thesis committee to meet the student’s professional goals. The main objective of the specialization courses is the development of a thesis proposal, which includes an individual data analysis project. This project is based on collected research data and is intended to develop skills and document competencies in public health. During the final semester, a public presentation based on the student’s thesis culminates a student’s MS experience.

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 96822; phone (808) 956-8267; fax (808) 956-9174; e-mail: ogsas@hawaii.edu; website: www.hawaii.edu/publichealth.

Graduate Study

Applicants will be expected to have the academic background, experience, interests and commitment for professional training in public health. Applicants must also have computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet construction and Internet applications. Academic preparation for the epidemiology specialization should include courses in biology, microbiology, immunology, and chemistry. Experience in an applied health related field or biomedical research is preferred. Academic preparation for the social and behavioral health sciences specialization includes prior course work in mathematics or statistics, biology or human development and sociology or psychology. Experience in an applied health/social sciences field or in health/social sciences research is preferred.

Master’s Degree

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

MS Requirements

Minimum of 30* credit hours for epidemiology or 34-40 credit hours for social and behavioral health sciences, 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.

MPH Requirements

  • Minimum of 30-39 credit hours for epidemiology or 33-40 credit hours for social and behavioral health sciences, 18 or more in courses numbered 600–798
  • One graduate seminar
  • Required and core courses
  • Other courses as designated by the student’s program committee
  • Field training experience (PH 791)
  • Final competency assessment

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

PH Courses