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Master of Public Health Master of Public Health courses
Master of Public Health coursework overview
Coursework structured for your success
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- 24/7 courseroom access
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 60
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
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.
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NHS5004
Required Course Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Learners
4 quarter credits
This course prepares learners for master's-level coursework in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Throughout the course, learners 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, learners examine the attributes that contribute to effective and ethical health care leadership, including professional collaboration, communication, inclusion, and decision making. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
MPH5506
Required Course Social and Behavioral Foundations in Public Health
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore social and behavioral science theories and concepts applied to population health. Learners identify and increase their understanding of the biological, social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence the health of individuals, populations, and subgroups. Learners 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
This course provides an overview of the elements of the public health system and reviews the administrative processes that foster integration and managerial effectiveness across the system. Learners study 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. Learners 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. Learners 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. Learners 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. Prerequisite(s): MPH5509.
4 quarter credits
MPH5515
Required Course Public Health Advocacy and Social Change
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine issues that impact health and health equity while advocating for political, social, and economic change to improve health in diverse populations. Learners investigate and implement systems improvements to create sustainable change that leads to social justice, and empower others to influence public health outcomes and equality for all. Learners 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
Learners in this course develop knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods that focus on social and behavioral sciences related to public health. Learners 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, learners 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
This course provides an overview of organizational and managerial principles and practices. Learners study organizational theory and behavior, principles of evidence-based decision making, health problem analysis, intervention strategies, and monitoring and evaluation. Throughout the course, learners further develop their public health practice knowledge and gain a better understanding of specific career opportunities within health service organizations. In addition, this course prepares learners for their required field experience in MPH5999. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004 or MPH5002 or PSL5002; MPH5500; MPH5506.
4 quarter credits
Required Course NHS6008: Econ Decision Making Hlthcare - Required Course
4 quarter credits
MPH5304
Required Course Learning to Lead in Public Health Settings: Personal and Team Development
4 quarter credits
Learners in this coursework with a coach to evaluate their leadership values and vision in order to set goals that support the process of leadership development. Learners 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 Determinants of Health Equity
4 quarter credits
Learners 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. Learners also develop community-based intervention strategies to address identified disparities.
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 learners fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Learners 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. Learners 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. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, Student Group MPRC. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
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 learners fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Learners 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. Learners conclude the experience by preparing a presentation for approval by the instructor and preceptor. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): MPH5921, Student Group MPRC. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
MPH5990
Capstone Public Health Capstone
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course focus on applying the knowledge, competencies, and skills acquired during their program. Learners 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 concerning public health disparities; and analyzing environmental, behavioral, social, and cultural determinants that affect a community's health. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, MPH5921. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 60 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners 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.
† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with MPH5921 and MPH5922.
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. Learners 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. Learners 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 Social and Behavioral Foundations in Public Health
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore social and behavioral science theories and concepts applied to population health. Learners identify and increase their understanding of the biological, social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence the health of individuals, populations, and subgroups. Learners 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. Learners 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. Prerequisite(s): MPH5509.
4 quarter credits
MPH5200
Required Course Social and Behavioral Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course develop knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods that focus on social and behavioral sciences related to public health. Learners 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, learners 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 Determinants of Health Equity
4 quarter credits
Learners 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. Learners also develop community-based intervention strategies to address identified disparities.
4 quarter credits
MHA5008
Required Course Health Care Economics and Decision Making
4 quarter credits
This course focuses on concepts, principles, issues, and trends in health care economics and the economic decision-making practices employed in the health care environment. Learners analyze the political, legal, regulatory, organizational, demographical, and multicultural implications of business decisions on health care economics; evaluate the ways economic and stakeholder influences affect operational planning and decision making; and demonstrate performance monitoring and process management measures as part of the decision-making process. Learners also examine cost-effective problem solving; community- and population-based orientation; and effective use of health care market research, analysis, and assessment.
4 quarter credits
NHS6008
Required Course Economics and Decision Making in Healthcare
4 quarter credits
Learners develop and demonstrate concepts, principles, issues, and trends in healthcare economics and the economic decision-making practices employed in the healthcare environment. Learners analyze the political, legal, regulatory, organizational, demographical, and multicultural 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. Learners 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: 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 learners must have completed NHS5004, NURS5003, NURS5005, NURS5007.
4 quarter credits
NHS5004
Required Course Communication, Collaboration, and Case Analysis for Master's Learners
4 quarter credits
This course prepares learners for master's-level coursework in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Throughout the course, learners 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, learners examine the attributes that contribute to effective and ethical health care leadership, including professional collaboration, communication, inclusion, and decision making. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
MPH5500
Required Course Introduction to Public Health Administrative Systems
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the elements of the public health system and reviews the administrative processes that foster integration and managerial effectiveness across the system. Learners study 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
This course provides an overview of organizational and managerial principles and practices. Learners study organizational theory and behavior, principles of evidence-based decision making, health problem analysis, intervention strategies, and monitoring and evaluation. Throughout the course, learners further develop their public health practice knowledge and gain a better understanding of specific career opportunities within health service organizations. In addition, this course prepares learners for their required field experience in MPH5999. 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
Learners in this coursework with a coach to evaluate their leadership values and vision in order to set goals that support the process of leadership development. Learners 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 Public Health Advocacy and Social Change
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine issues that impact health and health equity while advocating for political, social, and economic change to improve health in diverse populations. Learners investigate and implement systems improvements to create sustainable change that leads to social justice, and empower others to influence public health outcomes and equality for all. Learners 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 60 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners 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.
† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with MPH5921 and MPH5922.
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 learners fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Learners 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. Learners conclude the experience by preparing a presentation for approval by the instructor and preceptor. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): MPH5921, Student Group MPRC. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
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 learners fulfill a minimum of 40 required practicum hours over the course of one academic quarter at an approved public health agency of interest. Learners 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. Learners 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. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, Student Group MPRC. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 60 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners 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.
† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with MPH5921 and MPH5922.
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
Learners in this course focus on applying the knowledge, competencies, and skills acquired during their program. Learners 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 concerning public health disparities; and analyzing environmental, behavioral, social, and cultural determinants that affect a community's health. Prerequisite(s): NHS5004, MPH5100, MPH5500, MPH5503, MPH5506, MPH5509, MPH5512, MPH5921. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 60 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners 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.
† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with MPH5921 and MPH5922.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.