Academics
Course Delivery
Distance learning is well established at UND and an integral part of the M.P.H. program. All M.P.H. core courses are offered on campus, synchronous online, or in an asynchronous online format.
- M.P.H. core courses and the Health Management & Policy and Indigenous Health specializations are offered on campus and in an asynchronous, online format.
- Population Health Research & Analytics specialization courses are offered on campus and in synchronous, online via live broadcast.
Current students are encouraged to talk with the Assistant Director for the most up-to-date information on course offerings.
M.P.H. Plans of Study
The M.P.H. degree can be earned through full-time, part-time, or Accelerated B.S/M.P.H. plans of study. Full-time students can complete the 42-43 credit program in one and a half or two years. Part-time students can complete the program in three to seven years. Accelerated B.S/M.P.H students can complete their Major and Master's in five years.
Population Health Research & Analytics |
Health Management & Policy |
Indigenous Health |
|---|---|---|
| 1 1/2 Year Plan of Study | 1 1/2 Year Plan of Study | 1 1/2 Year Plan of Study |
| 2 Year Plan of Study | 2 Year Plan of Study | 2 Year Plan of Study |
| B.S/M.P.H Plan of Study | B.S/M.P.H Plan of Study | B.S/M.P.H Plan of Study |
M.P.H. Core Classes (21 credits)
PH 504. Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems. 3 Credits.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of public health management, planning, and healthcare delivery systems, fostering an understanding of their interplay and significance in promoting health and preventing disease and disability in communities and populations. Students will delve into the philosophy, and values of public health management and planning while gaining insights into how public health systems function in the United States and globally. The curriculum covers the organization, management, policy priorities, and core functions of public health. Topics include the nuances of rural and urban health systems, international perspectives, and ethical considerations in healthcare delivery. This course equips students with a holistic understanding of the interconnected roles of public health management and healthcare delivery systems, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of community and population health outcomes. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F.
PH 520. Environmental Health. 2 Credits.
This course explores historic global environmental disasters, and policy while examining exposure assessment and epidemiologic study designs commonly used in environmental health in order to characterize the impact of environmental exposures on population health and our environment. It provides an overview of the major pollutants including their detection, impact on health, and principles of remediation. Ethical issues related to environmental health are discussed. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. S.
PH 531. Biostatistics 1. 3 Credits.
This course introduces the selection, use, and interpretation of basic statistical tests and concepts that may be used in addressing, analyzing, and solving problems in public health and health care research. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F,S.
PH 541. Public Health Communication. 2 Credits.
This course introduces communication theories and concepts applied to public health problems. Students will develop the skills necessary to use media strategically to advance public health policies and health. The course covers the planning and development, design and testing of concepts, implementation, and evaluation of media campaigns to promote public health goals. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F.
PH 545. Public Health Leadership & Interprofessional Practice. 2 Credits.
This course is designed to introduce students to major theories and concepts of leadership, ways of applying these to public health issues requiring leadership, and provides an opportunity for students to develop skills and resources for further developing leadership skills. The course focuses on preparing healthcare professionals with the foundational skills needed to work in teams to effectively collaborate and coordinate services in population health management. Key themes focused on interprofessional communication, collaboration, leadership, and professionalism will be ingrained throughout content. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or consent from instructor. S.
PH 551. Epidemiology 1. 3 Credits.
This course introduces the basic epidemiologic concepts used to study health and disease in populations including measurement, study design, and related statistical tests. Observational and experimental epidemiologic studies are described and their advantages and disadvantages compared. The course provides an overview of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in populations. Ethical issues related to epidemiology are discussed. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. S.
POLS 552. Health Policy. 3 Credits.
This course examines historic and contemporary trends in health care delivery in the United States. Emphasis is placed on addressing health care cost-containment issues; access to health care and, recent efforts to invoke broadly based systemic reforms of the U.S. health care system.