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 Bachelor's and Master's in five years.
VIEW M.P.H PROGRAM Requirements & ELECTIVES
Population Health Research & Analytics
Spring 1 (11 credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice | 2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
| PH 505: Introduction to Data Management in SAS (Synchronous only) | 1 |
Summer 1 (6 credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Fall 1 (11 credits)
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems | 3 |
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
| PH 532: Biostatistics 2 (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 550: Population Health Research Methods (Synchronous only) | 3 |
Spring 2 (12 credits)
*Submit Topical Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 533: Advanced Biostatistics (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 552: Epidemiology 2 (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Summer 2
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
Fall 1 (11 credits) - Core Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
Spring 1 (11 Credits) - Core Courses
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice | 2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
| PH 505: Introduction to Data Management in SAS (Synchronous only) |
1 |
Summer 1 (3 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
Fall 2 (9 Credits) - Specialization Courses
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 550: Population Health Research Methods (Synchronous only) |
3 |
| PH 532: Biostatistics 2 (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken in any semester) | 3 |
Spring 2 (9 Credits) - Specialization Courses
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 533: Advanced Biostatistics (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 552: Epidemiology 2 (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
Fall 1 (3 Credits) - Junior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems | 3 |
Spring 1 (3 Credits) - Junior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
Fall 2 (3 Credits) - Senior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
Spring 2 (4 Credits) - Senior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
| PH 505: Introduction to Data Management in SAS (Synchronous) | 1 |
Summer 1 (3 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Fall 3 (11 Credits)
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
| PH 550: Population Health Research Methods (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 532: Biostatistics 2 (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Spring 3 (11 Credits)
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice | 2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
| PH 533: Advanced Biostatistics (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 552: Epidemiology 2 (Synchronous only) | 3 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
Summer 2 (5 Credits)
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
PH 515: International Health Systems
PH 534: Health Informatics
PH 555: Health Law and Policy Analysis
PH 570: Special Topics in Population Health
PH 572: Health Care Budgeting & Finance
PH 573: Grant Writing & Management
PH 581: Principles of Indigenous Health
PH 582: Social and Ecological Determinants of Indigenous Health
PH 583: American Indian Health Policy
PH 584: Public Health Programming in Indigenous
Populations
POLS 501: Political and Public Policy Analysis
POLS 537: Program Evaluation
POLS 551: Health Administration and Organization
POLS 561: Creation and Management of Social Enterprises
POLS 562: Political Advocacy and Social Entrepreneurship
GEOG 474: Introduction to Geographic Information
Systems, with Lab (GEOG 474L)
GEOG 574: Advanced Geographic Information Systems
EFR 510: Qualitative Research Methods
Or, with approval of advisor, another course may be
substituted
Health Management & Policy
Spring 1 (10 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice |
2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
Summer 1 (6 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Fall 1 (11 Credits)
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 555: Health Law and Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PH 583: American Indian Health Policy | 3 |
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems | 3 |
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
Spring 2 (12 Credits)
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 572: Health Care Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| POLS 551: Health Administration and Organization | 3 |
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Summer 2 (3 Credits)
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
Fall 1 (11 Credits) - Core Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
Spring 1 (10 Credits) - Core Courses
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice |
2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
Summer 1 (3 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
Fall 2 (9 Credits) - Specialization Courses
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 555: Health Law and Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PH 583: American Indian Health Policy | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Spring 2 (9 Credits) - Specialization Courses
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 572: Health Care Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| POLS 551: Health Administration and Organization | 3 |
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
Fall 1 (3 Credits) - Junior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems | 3 |
Spring 1 (3 Credits) - Junior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
Fall 2 (3 Credits) - Senior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
Spring 2 (3 Credits) - Senior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
Summer 1 (3 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Fall 3 (11 Credits)
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
| PH 555: Health Law and Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PH 583: American Indian Health Policy | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Spring 3 (11 Credits)
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 551: Health Administration and Organization | 3 |
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice |
2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
| PH 572: Health Care Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
Summer 2 (5 Credits)
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
PH 505: Introduction to Data Management in SAS
PH 515: International Health Systems
PH 532: Biostatistics 2
PH 533: Advanced Biostatistics
PH 534: Health Informatics
PH 550: Population Health Research Methods
PH 552: Epidemiology 2
PH 573: Grant Writing & Management
PH 581: Principles of Indigenous Health
PH 582: Social and Ecological Determinants of Indigenous Health
PH 584: Public Health Programming in Indigenous
Populations
PH 570: Special Topics in Population Health
POLS 501: Political and Public Policy Analysis
POLS 537: Program Evaluation
POLS 561: Creation and Management of Social Enterprises
POLS 562: Political Advocacy and Social Entrepreneurship
GEOG 474: Introduction to Geographic Information
Systems, with Lab (GEOG 474L)
GEOG 574: Advanced Geographic Information Systems
EFR 510: Qualitative Research Methods
Or, with approval of advisor, another course may be
substituted
Indigenous Health
Spring 1 (10 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice |
2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
Summer 1 (6 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Fall 1 (11 Credits)
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 583: American Indian Health Policy | 3 |
| PH 581: Principles of Indigenous Health | 3 |
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems |
3 |
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
Spring 2 (12 Credits)
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 582: Social and Ecological Determinants of Indigenous Health |
3 |
| PH 584: Public Health Programming in Indigenous Populations |
3 |
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Summer 2 (3 Credits)
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
Fall 1 (11 Credits) - Core Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
| PH 581: Principles of Indigenous Health | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
Spring 1 (9 Credits) - Core Courses
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
| PH 582: Social and Ecological Determinants of Indigenous Health | 3 |
Summer 1 (3 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
Fall 2 (9 Credits) - Specialization Courses
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems | 3 |
| PH 583: American Indian Health Policy | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Spring 2 (10 Credits) - Specialization Courses
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice |
2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
| PH 584: Public Health Programming in Indigenous Populations |
3 |
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
Fall 1 (3 Credits) - Junior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 504: Public Health Management, Planning, and Health Care Systems |
3 |
Spring 1 (3 Credits) - Junior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 551: Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
Fall 2 (3 Credits) - Senior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 531: Biostatistics 1 (fall and spring) | 3 |
Spring 2 (3 Credits) - Senior Year Undergraduate
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLS 552: Policy in Public Health (spring and summer) | 3 |
Summer 1 (3 Credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Fall 3 (11 Credits)
*Submit Program of Study*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 541: Public Health Communication | 2 |
| PH 581: Principles of Indigenous Health | 3 |
| PH 583: American Indian Health Policy | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (can be taken any semester) | 3 |
Spring 3 (11 Credits)
*Submit Topic Proposal*
*Advance to Candidacy*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 545: Public Health Leadership and Interprofessional Practice |
2 |
| PH 520: Environmental Health (spring and summer) | 2 |
| PH 582: Social and Ecological Determinants of Indigenous Health |
3 |
| PH 584: Public Health Programming in Indigenous Populations |
3 |
| PH 590: MPH Seminar | 1 |
Summer 2 (5 Credits)
*Apply to Graduate*
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PH 995: Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| PH 594: Applied Practice Experience | 3 |
PH 505: Introduction to Data Management in SAS
PH 515: International Health Systems
PH 532: Biostatistics 2
PH 533: Advanced Biostatistics
PH 534: Health Informatics
PH 550: Population Health Research Methods
PH 552: Epidemiology 2
PH 555: Health Law and Policy Analysis
PH 570: Special Topics in Population Health
PH 572: Health Care Budgeting & Finance
PH 573: Grant Writing & Management
POLS 537: Program Evaluation
POLS 501: Political and Public Policy Analysis
POLS 551: Health Administration and Organization
POLS 561: Creation and Management of Social Enterprises
POLS 562: Political Advocacy and Social Entrepreneurship
GEOG 474: Introduction to Geographic Information
Systems, with Lab (GEOG 474L)
GEOG 574: Advanced Geographic Information Systems
EFR 510: Qualitative Research Methods
Or, with approval of advisor, another course may be
substituted
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.