PUBH • Public Health
PUBH 500 · Foundations of Public Health 3 Credits
This course presents an overview of the history of public health as well as the fundamental principles, concepts and tools used in modern public health. Utilizing a Socratic method of inquiry, case studies, and forum discussions, students will develop an understanding of the foundations of public health and a recognition of how public health discipline specializations address the determinants of public health.
PUBH 510 · Social and Behavioral Theory and Application 3 Credits
This course addresses the behavioral and social factors impacting individual, local, and global health concerns. The application of social and behavioral theories to public health is presented, with attention given to identifying, understanding, and improving personal and societal health. Various models and strategies involving health education, advocacy, public policy and the like are considered, with the goal of designing and developing healthy alternatives to deleterious lifestyles. Behavioral and social considerations are introduced with a focus on healthy practices and programs.
PUBH 520 · Biostatistics 3 Credits
Essential statistical tools and methods that public health practitioners utilize to determine strategic directions for local, regional, and global public health initiatives. Biostatistics are important in that public health policy and practice are based on statistical analyses of theoretical and applied research in the health field, thus, informing community practice and policy making. Emphasis will be given to data collection, analysis, statistical methodology, and interpretation of biostatistical information.
Prerequisite: STAT 280 with a grade of C- or better.
PUBH 530 · Environmental Health 3 Credits
This course examines the impact of environmental factors on community health by evaluating the biological, chemical, and physical factors that influence the natural environment, in both beneficial and deleterious ways. Environmental determinants will be identified, and remediation options will be proposed and assessed. The practice and administration of various environmental health professions will be introduced and discussed.
PUBH 540 · Epidemiology 3 Credits
This course considers the diseases and disease patterns that affect morbidity and mortality in local and global perspectives. Epidemiological trends and projections are evaluated through research literature and current events as they affect society. The causal factors of disease are investigated, with a special focus on prevention, mitigation, and potential elimination of the disease.
PUBH 550 · Health Services Administration 3 Credits
The public health official is often required to lead or manage people, projects, and organizations, and this course presents the knowledge, skills, aptitudes and attitudes required to successfully fulfill those responsibilities. In fulfilling this administrative role, project management, personnel oversight, budgeting, communication, and external stakeholder issues (e.g., regulators, boards, constituents, and media) are considered. Case studies and examples from practice will be examined and evaluated.
PUBH 560 · Healthcare Policy, Law, and Society 3 Credits
The ways that public health law and policy impact society. The course examines the interrelated response from government, health professionals, the media, and other stakeholders. Students discuss the response methods of public health officials in pandemic or epidemic emergencies, including the communication of health policies to the public. Students consider legal and ethical matters and how community safety and preparedness can be encouraged. Through case studies and current events students examine these and other dilemmas.
PUBH 570 · Sexuality, Gender, and Public Health 3 Credits
Students explore: a) gender theory and its application to health, and b) health practices, services and utilization by gender. Gender theory covers issues of body, self, personhood, and power within a health context. Health issues related to gender focus on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including topics such as reproductive health, HIV, maternal health, and gender-based violence. Students apply critical thinking by blending theory and application. Course topics are explored in various international settings and contexts.
PUBH 580 · Public Health, Cinema, and Social Media 3 Credits
This course introduces how cinema, social media and public health interact and influence patterns of human behavior and people’s understanding of health. Social media plays a vital role in public health and is a strong tool for advocacy, communication, and education. Students will explore a broad overview of the how a data-driven world impacts healthcare and public health and how independent film, faith-based organizations, traditional cinema, documentary film, and social media can be leveraged for population-based public health solutions.
PUBH 600 · Resource Management in Public Health 3 Credits
Economic, financial, social, and health management concepts and tools involved in health administration. The course covers demand analysis, expenditure growth, and markets for healthcare services and externalities. Emphasis is also placed on using current organizational, financial, and community assessment tools to examine and solve problems.
PUBH 610 · Leadership Practices in Public Health 3 Credits
The leadership theories, research, and techniques which are strongly utilized in public health settings. Students consider and critique organizational theories and decision-making models, leadership strategies, conflict management models and personal and organizational values. The course places emphasis on implementing technology, operating in diverse contexts, innovative thinking, and planning strategically.
PUBH 620 · Healthcare Research Methods 3 Credits
Research principles and practices, with specific application to the health sciences. The course covers research methodology and evidence-based practices. Students formulate research questions and proposed methodology including data collection and analysis. Students explore research design principles, basic methods of research, validity, reliability, effect size, and other critical issues and apply them to case studies and scientific literature.
Prerequisite: PUBH 520.
PUBH 625 · Disease Investigation and Mitigation 3 Credits
Focus on the surveillance, identification, control, and prevention of globally important diseases in public health. The course goal is to assess unique risk factors, outbreak investigations, strategies for disease control and mitigation, methods for evaluating interventions and control efforts. Particular focus is given to outbreak investigations, which provide unique opportunities to apply many principles of public health practice. Students use and interpret surveillance data and risk factor analyses.
PUBH 630 · Public Health Program Design and Evaluation 3 Credits
The planning, design, and analysis of public health programs are important competencies for healthcare professionals. Assessing community health needs, identifying program objectives, examining program effectiveness, and applying improvement strategies will be covered. The essential components of program design and the evaluation will be emphasized and critiqued.
PUBH 640 · Multicultural Disease Prevention 3 Credits
This course will investigate and assess health-related cultural concepts and their effect on social and behavioral aspects of health promotion and disease prevention among multicultural populations.
PUBH 645 · Community Health Education 3 Credits
Major concepts, methods, and issues involved in the profession of health education/health promotion. The course goal is to provide a solid grounding and appreciation for the history, science, and foundations of health education/health promotion.
PUBH 650 · Health Promotion and Risk Reduction 3 Credits
This course investigates concepts of health, health promotion, diversity and risk, and all factors that influence health and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Students examine theoretical and empirical support for promoting health and reducing risk behaviors as a basis for understanding ways that diverse individuals can positively influence their own health and wellness. Students examine potential strategies for influencing health behavior change.
PUBH 660 · Global Engagement 3 Credits
Discussion of current and future global health challenges. Students will assess the determinants of health and disease from a global diversity perspective and will analyze global health threats including infectious diseases, poverty, conflicts, and healthcare inequity.
PUBH 690 · Graduate Public Health Culminating Experience 3 Credits
Opportunity for the graduate student to demonstrate applied and integrated knowledge of public health concepts, theories, and practices. The culminating experience prepares the student to apply theory and principles related to a professional practice and serves as the capstone course for the program. Instructor permission to remain registered will be granted upon formal approval of capstone proposal by instructor.
Prerequisite: PUBH 500, PUBH 510, PUBH 520, PUBH 540, and 24 additional units of MPH coursework; or assistant dean permission.