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Master of Public Health Master of Public Health courses

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Master of Public Health coursework overview

Coursework structured for your success

  • Capella sets the deadlines
  • Weekly online interactions
  • 24/7 courseroom access
  • Online
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Planning for your degree

  • total quarter credits: 60
  • Quarter length: 10 weeks
  • Course length: 10 weeks
  • Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Example sequence Core Practicum Capstone

Course requirements

  • Core 12 courses
  • Practicum 2 courses
  • Capstone 1 course

Example program course sequence

This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, you can take up to three courses per quarter; the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.

Show all descriptions
NHS5004 Required Course Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Students 4 quarter credits This course prepares students for master's-level coursework in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Throughout the course, students analyze how the role of the practitioner-scholar guides leadership in the health care field and determine the ways in which they can effectively use communication strategies expected of health care professionals. In particular, students examine the attributes that contribute to effective and ethical health care leadership, including professional collaboration, communication, and decision making. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
MPH5506 Required Course Behavioral Foundations in Public Health 4 quarter credits Students in this course explore social and behavioral science theories and concepts applied to population health. Students identify and increase their understanding of the biological, social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence the health of individuals, populations, and subgroups. Students also examine the resources needed to develop social and behavioral evidenced-based programs to reduce disparities and improve health. 4 quarter credits
MPH5500 Required Course Introduction to Public Health Administrative Systems 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of the elements of the public health system and review the administrative processes that foster integration and managerial effectiveness across the system. Students analyze the organizational, financial, and managerial structure and function of the public health system and analyze the impact of health policy on administrative systems, including health insurance and reimbursement policy. 4 quarter credits
MPH5503 Core Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health 4 quarter credits This course surveys the major issues related to environmental and occupational health and health hazards. Students identify the sources of biological, chemical, and physical agents found in the environment and analyze their effects on water, food, and land resources in community and occupational settings. Students also examine concepts about climate change, as well as the legal framework, policies, and practices associated with controlling environmental and occupational hazards. 4 quarter credits
MPH5509 Required Course Principles of Biostatistics 4 quarter credits This course provides an introduction to the objectives, principles, and methods of biostatistics for health sciences. Topics include statistical vocabulary; methods for descriptive data analysis; fundamentals of probability and sampling distribution; methods for statistical inference and hypothesis testing; and data analysis and linear regression for continuous, binary, and survival data. 4 quarter credits
MPH5512 Required Course Principles of Epidemiology 4 quarter credits This course provides an overview of epidemiology, including an evaluation of the nature of disease, the interaction among agent, host, and environment, and the chain of transmission. Students examine epidemiological research methods for identifying and describing variables, evaluate measures of disease occurrence, determine key data sources, and formulating interventions to control disease occurrence and transmission. 4 quarter credits
MPH5515 Required Course Advocating for Change in Public Health 4 quarter credits In this course, students examine issues that impact health while advocating for political, social, and economic change to improve health populations. Students investigate and implement systems improvements to create just and sustainable change that empowers others to influence public health outcomes. Students also propose strategies for different audiences and stakeholders while intentionally addressing these issues and measuring the impact on current and future generations. Prerequisite(s): MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509. 4 quarter credits
MPH5200 Required Course Social and Behavioral Research Methods 4 quarter credits Students in this course develop knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods that focus on social and behavioral sciences related to public health. Students investigate major research methods and techniques and examine how social, behavioral, and public health theories are used to develop research questions and hypotheses. In addition, students analyze how public health research results are disseminated to appropriate audiences. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004 or MPH5002 or PSL5002; MPH5500; MPH5506; MPH5509; completion of or concurrent registration in MPH5512. 4 quarter credits
MPH5100 Required Course Management of Health Service Organizations 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of organizational and managerial principles and practices. Students analyze organizational theory and behavior, principles of evidence-based decision making, health problem analysis, intervention strategies, and monitoring and evaluation. Throughout the course, students further develop their public health practice knowledge and gain a better understanding of specific career opportunities within health service organizations. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004 or MPH5002 or PSL5002; MPH5500; MPH5506. 4 quarter credits
NHS6008 Required Course Economics and Decision Making in Healthcare 4 quarter credits Students develop and demonstrate concepts, principles, issues, and trends in healthcare economics and the economic decision-making practices employed in the healthcare environment. Students analyze the political, legal, regulatory, organizational, and demographic implications of business decisions on healthcare economics; explore the ways economic and stakeholder influences affect operational planning and decision making; and practice applying performance monitoring and process management measures as part of the decision-making process. Students also examine cost-effective problem solving; community- and population-based orientation; and effective use of healthcare market research, analysis, and assessment. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MHA5001 or NURS6201 or completion of or concurrent enrollment in NHS5004. RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration students must have completed NHS5004, NURS5003, NURS5005, NURS5007. 4 quarter credits
MPH5304 Required Course Learning to Lead in Public Health Settings: Personal and Team Development 4 quarter credits Students in this course work with a coach to evaluate their leadership values and vision in order to set goals that support the process of leadership development. Students also create a motivational team-building model and formulate team leadership strategies that facilitate interprofessional team performance, collaboration, and networking, both inside and outside of public health organizations. 4 quarter credits
MPH5220 Required Course Social Influences of Health Parity 4 quarter credits Students in this course explore the social factors contributing to health and health care disparities on a local, regional, national, and global basis, calculating their impact on overall health status and health service use. Students also develop community-based intervention strategies. 4 quarter credits
MPH5921 Practicum Public Health Practicum 1 4 quarter credits The first in a series of two public health practicum courses, this course is an online-directed, supervised experience during which students fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Students collaborate with their instructor to develop and complete agreed-upon goals and objectives and demonstrate and apply proficiency in the program's core and CEPH competencies. Students conclude the experience by preparing a presentation for approval by the instructor and preceptor. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, Student Group MPRC. 4 quarter credits
MPH5922 Practicum Public Health Practicum 2 4 quarter credits The second in a series of two public health practicum courses, this course is an online-directed, supervised experience during which students fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Students collaborate with their instructor to develop and complete agreed-upon goals and objectives and demonstrate and apply proficiency in the program's core and CEPH competencies. Students conclude the experience by preparing a presentation for approval by the instructor and preceptor. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MPH5921, Student Group MPRC. 4 quarter credits
MPH5990 Capstone Public Health Capstone 4 quarter credits Students in this course focus on applying the knowledge, competencies, and skills acquired during their program. Students demonstrate proficiency in understanding evidence- and practice-based strategies in public health; interpreting biostatistical results and concepts and the fundamentals of epidemiology methods and concepts; and analyzing various determinants that affect community health. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, MPH5921. 4 quarter credits

Total

At least 68 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

Applied Practice Experience
Students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in collaboration with an approved public health practice organization. During the APE, students apply advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the program to address a complex, real-world public health challenge. Working under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students demonstrate foundational competencies by planning, implementing and evaluating a practice-based project that results in a meaningful, high-quality deliverable for the practice experience site. The APE provides an opportunity to integrate evidence into practice, strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute to organizational and population health improvement. Successful completion of the APE is based on the achievement of required competencies and deliverables in accordance with program requirements. Students must also obtain a minimum of 80 hours during their applied practice experience.

Show all descriptions
MPH5503 Core Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health 4 quarter credits This course surveys the major issues related to environmental and occupational health and health hazards. Students identify the sources of biological, chemical, and physical agents found in the environment and analyze their effects on water, food, and land resources in community and occupational settings. Students also examine concepts about climate change, as well as the legal framework, policies, and practices associated with controlling environmental and occupational hazards. 4 quarter credits
MPH5506 Required Course Behavioral Foundations in Public Health 4 quarter credits Students in this course explore social and behavioral science theories and concepts applied to population health. Students identify and increase their understanding of the biological, social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence the health of individuals, populations, and subgroups. Students also examine the resources needed to develop social and behavioral evidenced-based programs to reduce disparities and improve health. 4 quarter credits
MPH5512 Required Course Principles of Epidemiology 4 quarter credits This course provides an overview of epidemiology, including an evaluation of the nature of disease, the interaction among agent, host, and environment, and the chain of transmission. Students examine epidemiological research methods for identifying and describing variables, evaluate measures of disease occurrence, determine key data sources, and formulating interventions to control disease occurrence and transmission. 4 quarter credits
MPH5200 Required Course Social and Behavioral Research Methods 4 quarter credits Students in this course develop knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods that focus on social and behavioral sciences related to public health. Students investigate major research methods and techniques and examine how social, behavioral, and public health theories are used to develop research questions and hypotheses. In addition, students analyze how public health research results are disseminated to appropriate audiences. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004 or MPH5002 or PSL5002; MPH5500; MPH5506; MPH5509; completion of or concurrent registration in MPH5512. 4 quarter credits
MPH5220 Required Course Social Influences of Health Parity 4 quarter credits Students in this course explore the social factors contributing to health and health care disparities on a local, regional, national, and global basis, calculating their impact on overall health status and health service use. Students also develop community-based intervention strategies. 4 quarter credits
NHS6008 Required Course Economics and Decision Making in Healthcare 4 quarter credits Students develop and demonstrate concepts, principles, issues, and trends in healthcare economics and the economic decision-making practices employed in the healthcare environment. Students analyze the political, legal, regulatory, organizational, and demographic implications of business decisions on healthcare economics; explore the ways economic and stakeholder influences affect operational planning and decision making; and practice applying performance monitoring and process management measures as part of the decision-making process. Students also examine cost-effective problem solving; community- and population-based orientation; and effective use of healthcare market research, analysis, and assessment. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MHA5001 or NURS6201 or completion of or concurrent enrollment in NHS5004. RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration students must have completed NHS5004, NURS5003, NURS5005, NURS5007. 4 quarter credits
NHS5004 Required Course Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Students 4 quarter credits This course prepares students for master's-level coursework in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Throughout the course, students analyze how the role of the practitioner-scholar guides leadership in the health care field and determine the ways in which they can effectively use communication strategies expected of health care professionals. In particular, students examine the attributes that contribute to effective and ethical health care leadership, including professional collaboration, communication, and decision making. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 4 quarter credits
MPH5500 Required Course Introduction to Public Health Administrative Systems 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of the elements of the public health system and review the administrative processes that foster integration and managerial effectiveness across the system. Students analyze the organizational, financial, and managerial structure and function of the public health system and analyze the impact of health policy on administrative systems, including health insurance and reimbursement policy. 4 quarter credits
MPH5509 Required Course Principles of Biostatistics 4 quarter credits This course provides an introduction to the objectives, principles, and methods of biostatistics for health sciences. Topics include statistical vocabulary; methods for descriptive data analysis; fundamentals of probability and sampling distribution; methods for statistical inference and hypothesis testing; and data analysis and linear regression for continuous, binary, and survival data. 4 quarter credits
MPH5100 Required Course Management of Health Service Organizations 4 quarter credits Students gain an understanding of organizational and managerial principles and practices. Students analyze organizational theory and behavior, principles of evidence-based decision making, health problem analysis, intervention strategies, and monitoring and evaluation. Throughout the course, students further develop their public health practice knowledge and gain a better understanding of specific career opportunities within health service organizations. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004 or MPH5002 or PSL5002; MPH5500; MPH5506. 4 quarter credits
MPH5304 Required Course Learning to Lead in Public Health Settings: Personal and Team Development 4 quarter credits Students in this course work with a coach to evaluate their leadership values and vision in order to set goals that support the process of leadership development. Students also create a motivational team-building model and formulate team leadership strategies that facilitate interprofessional team performance, collaboration, and networking, both inside and outside of public health organizations. 4 quarter credits
MPH5515 Required Course Advocating for Change in Public Health 4 quarter credits In this course, students examine issues that impact health while advocating for political, social, and economic change to improve health populations. Students investigate and implement systems improvements to create just and sustainable change that empowers others to influence public health outcomes. Students also propose strategies for different audiences and stakeholders while intentionally addressing these issues and measuring the impact on current and future generations. Prerequisite(s): MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509. 4 quarter credits

Total

At least 68 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

Applied Practice Experience
Students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in collaboration with an approved public health practice organization. During the APE, students apply advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the program to address a complex, real-world public health challenge. Working under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students demonstrate foundational competencies by planning, implementing and evaluating a practice-based project that results in a meaningful, high-quality deliverable for the practice experience site. The APE provides an opportunity to integrate evidence into practice, strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute to organizational and population health improvement. Successful completion of the APE is based on the achievement of required competencies and deliverables in accordance with program requirements. Students must also obtain a minimum of 80 hours during their applied practice experience.

Show all descriptions
MPH5922 Practicum Public Health Practicum 2 4 quarter credits The second in a series of two public health practicum courses, this course is an online-directed, supervised experience during which students fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Students collaborate with their instructor to develop and complete agreed-upon goals and objectives and demonstrate and apply proficiency in the program's core and CEPH competencies. Students conclude the experience by preparing a presentation for approval by the instructor and preceptor. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MPH5921, Student Group MPRC. 4 quarter credits
MPH5921 Practicum Public Health Practicum 1 4 quarter credits The first in a series of two public health practicum courses, this course is an online-directed, supervised experience during which students fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Students collaborate with their instructor to develop and complete agreed-upon goals and objectives and demonstrate and apply proficiency in the program's core and CEPH competencies. Students conclude the experience by preparing a presentation for approval by the instructor and preceptor. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, Student Group MPRC. 4 quarter credits

Total

At least 68 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

Applied Practice Experience
Students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in collaboration with an approved public health practice organization. During the APE, students apply advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the program to address a complex, real-world public health challenge. Working under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students demonstrate foundational competencies by planning, implementing and evaluating a practice-based project that results in a meaningful, high-quality deliverable for the practice experience site. The APE provides an opportunity to integrate evidence into practice, strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute to organizational and population health improvement. Successful completion of the APE is based on the achievement of required competencies and deliverables in accordance with program requirements. Students must also obtain a minimum of 80 hours during their applied practice experience.

Capstone courses

In your final quarter, complete a capstone course for a total of 4 quarter credits.

Show all descriptions
MPH5990 Capstone Public Health Capstone 4 quarter credits Students in this course focus on applying the knowledge, competencies, and skills acquired during their program. Students demonstrate proficiency in understanding evidence- and practice-based strategies in public health; interpreting biostatistical results and concepts and the fundamentals of epidemiology methods and concepts; and analyzing various determinants that affect community health. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, MPH5921. 4 quarter credits

Total

At least 68 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

Applied Practice Experience
Students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in collaboration with an approved public health practice organization. During the APE, students apply advanced knowledge and leadership skills developed throughout the program to address a complex, real-world public health challenge. Working under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students demonstrate foundational competencies by planning, implementing and evaluating a practice-based project that results in a meaningful, high-quality deliverable for the practice experience site. The APE provides an opportunity to integrate evidence into practice, strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute to organizational and population health improvement. Successful completion of the APE is based on the achievement of required competencies and deliverables in accordance with program requirements. Students must also obtain a minimum of 80 hours during their applied practice experience.

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