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Postgraduate Medical Education Programs Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology Communication Sciences and Disorders Complementary and Alternative Medicine Family Medicine and Community Health Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Public Health Sciences |
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Public Health SciencesBiomedical Sciences D-204 Faculty*Graduate Faculty *J. E. Maddock, PhD (Chair)—social and behavioral health sciences, health policy and management Cooperating Graduate FacultyC. A. Albright, PhD—cancer prevention and control Degrees and Certificates: MPH, MS in public health, DrPH, PhD in epidemiology, Graduate Certificate in Global Health and Population Studies (GHAPS). See the “Interdisciplinary Programs” section for more information on the GHAPS program. The Academic ProgramThe mission of the Department of Public Health Sciences is to advance the health of the people of Hawai'i, the nation, and the Asia-Pacific region through the education and training of public health professionals, innovative research in public health sciences, and service to the community. The department offers the master of public health (MPH) and the master of science (MS) degrees with specializations in epidemiology, social and behavioral health sciences, and health policy and management (MPH only), the doctor of public health (DrPH) degree with a specialization in community-based and translational research as well as the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in epidemiology. The department also administers the interdisciplinary graduate certificate program in global health and population studies. AdvisingInformation, applications, and initial advising about degree programs in public health are available from 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; email: ogsas@hawaii.edu; website: www.hawaii.edu/publichealth/. Graduate StudyMaster’s DegreeMPH students follow a Plan B (non-thesis) program. MS students follow a Plan A (thesis) degree program. MPH Requirements
MS Requirements
*Most students will exceed the 31-credit hour minimum to meet their educational objectives. Areas of SpecializationsEpidemiologyEpidemiology is the study of the distributions and determinants of health-related events in human populations. A basic tenet of epidemiology is that diseases are not randomly distributed in the population. 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. 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 advisor 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: infectious diseases, nutrition, genetics, environment, aging, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Course work in specialized statistical applications is also available. Students participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout the UH Mânoa system or community 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. Health Policy and ManagementThe importance of educating future public health leaders in the area of health policy and management is apparent. The current escalating rate of health care expenditures cannot be sustained. Reform of the health care system is needed. Training in health policy and management will enable our students to better understand the issues and to make significant contributions to this debate, as well as other pressing issues in public health. The mission of the health policy and management (HPM) specialization is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop, analyze, and advocate for health policies to improve the health and well-being of individuals and populations; and, to administer and manage the delivery, quality, and costs of health care services in communities, with a focus on under-served populations. The MPH degree in HPM prepares students for a professional career in health services, policy, and management. The curriculum includes core public health coursework and the following advanced courses: 1) Introduction to Health Policy; 2) Health Economics; 3) Program Planning; 4) Program Evaluation; 5) Public Health Leadership and Systems Thinking; and 6) Current Topics in Community Health. MPH students are also required to complete a fieldwork practicum as well as a capstone presentation on a topic relating to health policy and management. Social and Behavioral Health SciencesOver the last century, chronic diseases have replaced infectious diseases as the leading causes of death and, despite advances in medicine and technology, health disparities are increasing in almost every country. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, unsafe sexual practices, substance abuse, and overexposure to the sun are major contributors to disability and death. Social factors, such as discrimination, poverty, dangerous living and work environments, and unequal distribution of resources (including health care resources), also affect health status. In the social and behavioral health sciences specialization, students will examine: a) behavioral and social theories in health promotion; b) behavioral, social, environmental, and political interventions that can promote health; and c) skills required for assessing health problems and for planning and evaluating health programs. 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 public health research methods, biostatistics, theories of health behavior change, needs assessment, planning, and evaluation. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. In subsequent semesters, students take required and elective course work to meet the social and behavioral health sciences competencies, as well as the student's professional goals. A required 240-hour field practicum allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a community public health setting. During the final semester, students complete an integrative seminar, prepare a capstone paper, and deliver a public presentation as a demonstration of mastery of program competencies and integration of classroom knowledge and field experience. A student-selected faculty advisor and program committee guides the student's course of study, practicum experience, and capstone. 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 a social and behavioral health sciences content area of their choosing. 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. RequirementsApplicants 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 one year of coursework in a biological science, chemistry, and at least one semester of calculus. For the health policy and management specialization, preference may be given to students with training in social science, health, or human services. Prior paid or voluntary work experience in the health care or human services fields is preferred, but not required. 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. Doctoral DegreeDoctor of Public Health (DrPH)The DrPH program with a specialization in community-based and translational research will prepare students to lead programs and conduct independent investigations addressing public health topics relevant to culturally diverse groups, with a special focus on those in the state of Hawai'i and the Asia-Pacific region. Translational research is the investigation of how to successfully transform scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into community applications to reduce incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Community-based participatory research in health is a collaborative approach to research that equitably involves investigators and members of the community in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. This approach increases the likelihood that interventions will be embraced by the community and that the community members will gain knowledge, skills, and other benefits from the research. DrPH RequirementsDrPH students are expected to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international forums. All DrPH students will complete mentoring teaching and research practica. For students entering the DrPH program with an MPH degree, the minimum recommended number of credits for graduation is 39. For students without an MPH degree, the minimum recommended number of credits for graduation is 39 credits, plus the number of credits associated with missing prerequisites. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)The PhD in epidemiology is comprised of graduate faculty from the Department of Public Health Sciences; University of Hawai'i Cancer Center; Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology; Department of Microbiology; and the Pacific Basin Research Center. Candidates who successfully complete this program will be able to teach in academic and other settings, conduct independent and collaborative epidemiologic research, and provide consultative services to academic, not-for-profit, governmental, and private organizations. Although applicants to this program are not required to have a master's degree in epidemiology or a closely related field, all applicants are expected to have a strong background in the natural and/or social sciences. Because we look for applicants who are committed to epidemiologic research and practice, past research and related work experience are important factors in selecting candidates. We encourage applications from candidates who have well-focused research interests and career goals. The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) and three letters of recommendation are required for application. Applicants must also include a written statement with the application indicating why they want to pursue a doctoral degree in epidemiology and why they want to pursue this degree here at the University of Hawai'i. PhD RequirementsA prospective applicant is expected to communicate with one of our graduate faculty members 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 advisor upon the individual's admission into the PhD program. A listing of the PhD in epidemiology faculty is available at www.hawaii.edu/publichealth/faculty/faculty.html.All candidates take a qualifying examination upon completion of all required courses in epidemiology and biostatistics and core courses in infectious diseases and chronic disease epidemiology (usually after their first year of enrollment). This is followed by elective courses in the candidate's area(s) of interest, a teaching practicum, an oral comprehensive examination, and dissertation research. Candidates should refer to the Catalog for procedural and substantive details. A few teaching and research assistantships are available for degree candidates. Qualified students may also apply for East-West Center fellowships. Contact Dr. Eric Hurwitz (Chair), at ehurwitz@hawaii.edu for additional details. Honors and AwardsJoseph E. Alicata Award in Public Health PH Courses |
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