M.P.H. Specializations
When to Choose a Specialization
Choosing a specialization is not necessary at the time of application. Students can make the decision during the first year or prior to the completion of their core coursework.
Students may enroll in courses in the other specializations if they meet the course prerequisites. However, these courses would be in addition to the 42 or 43 credits required for the degree depending on chosen specialization.
Changing Specializations
The Public Health Program has a process for students in good academic standing to change specializations. Students should talk to their faculty advisor to begin this process.
M.P.H. Specializations
Each specialization prepares students for the work of population health improvement in the diverse communities of the Northern Plains and similar regions. In addition to providing specialization-specific training, each specialization stresses the development of excellent critical thinking, problems solving, and communication skills.
Population Health Research & Analytics Specialization (13 credits)
Credible research is critical to all public health and health care organizations, private and public. The results of research tell us what health problems a population experiences, the origin of these problems, and the effectiveness of programmatic and policy remedies. Research results become the basis for strategic planning, performance improvement, and justification of funding.
This specialization prepares students to produce convincing and scientifically sound information to answer questions about population health, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and provide the basis for improving health policies and programs.
The course of study includes training in research methods, biostatistics, informatics, and communication of scientific results. Students learn how to design outcomes studies, collect and analyze population health data, and work with large data sets.
PH 505. Public Health Data Management in SAS. 1 Credit.
This course introduces students to the basics of data management using the statistical software SAS. The course emphasizes management and manipulation of large data sets using the active learning approach. Students need to bring their laptop computers to class, as well as a flash drive on which to store SAS programs and data sets. Data for exemplification will be chosen from the large array of online and publicly available health-related data sets. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. S.
PH 532. Biostatistics 2. 3 Credits.
This course continues the introduction to biostatistics begun in PH 531 on 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. Topics include nonparametric analysis, multiple linear regression, analysis of variance as a special case of multiple linear regression, and an introduction to logistic regression. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PH 505 and PH 531. F.
PH 533. Advanced Biostatistics. 3 Credits.
This course develops advanced skills in biostatistics, with an emphasis on applied research in public health and medicine. Students learn how to derive quantitative answers to an applied research question by using multivariable statistical modeling. The course covers advanced topics in analysis of variance, linear and logistic regression, Poisson and Negative Binomial regression, survival analysis, and generalized linear models. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PH 532 and PH 550. S.
PH 550. Population Health Research Methods. 3 Credits.
This course provides an overview of the research process including conducting a literature review, formulation and motivation of a research question, selection of a sample, various types of data, use of statistical software, commonly used measures in public health research, measurement and management of variables, description and graphing of variables, analysis and interpretation of data, inferential statistics, writing a research report, and an introduction to qualitative research. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PH 531 and PH 551. F.
PH 552. Epidemiology 2. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of intermediate epidemiological principles. This second course of epidemiology is a continuation of PH 551, which introduced basic epidemiology concepts. PH 552 covers methods and techniques for designing, implementing, analyzing and interpreting observational studies, including cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies. This course includes a module on applying epidemiologic methods for bias analysis. Students will be introduced to special topics in epidemiology, such as reproductive epidemiology, social epidemiology, and environmental epidemiology, among other topics. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PH 531 and PH 551, or consent from instructor. S.
Electives. 6 credits.
See Plan of Study
Health Management & Policy Specialization (12 credits)
The U.S. health care system is changing rapidly as a result of public and private efforts to improve quality, decrease costs, increase efficiency, and provide universal access to care. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 addresses these issues comprehensively and is having a major impact on health care delivery. Targeted initiatives such as those to improve patient safety or advance medical informatics are having a significant effect on quality, cost, and efficiency. This specialization prepares students for the current environment. They gain skills needed to manage health care delivery systems effectively and efficiently, analyze health policies, and communicate successfully to effect improvements in the system.
The specialization in Health Management & Policy is offered in partnership with the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration (CoBPA). This partnership adds depth to the faculty expertise and course offerings available to MPH students in the specialization. Students who wish to specialize in management and policy are admitted to the MPH Program and take the MPH Core courses first, followed by specialization courses. The members of the MPH Core Faculty for this specialization have joint appointments in the MPH Program and the CoBPA.
PH 555. Health Law & Policy Analysis. 3 Credits.
The U.S. health system is undergoing significant transformation, and public health has a critical role at the federal, regional, state, and local levels. Students will learn advanced skills in applied health policy including: researching health legislation (e.g., Public Health Service Act, Social Security Act, Affordable Care Act); understanding the interdependent role of laws, administrative rules, executive orders, and judicial decisions in policy making and implementation; analyzing the evidence base for public health policy interventions; writing brief summaries of proposed legislation; preparing legislative testimony to inform health policy decisions; evaluating and comparing potential health policy interventions; and identifying opponents, proponents, advocates, and other stakeholders related to specific health law policy issues and interventions. Prerequisite: POLS 552. F.
PH 572. Health Care Budgeting & Finance. 3 Credits.
Components of this course include the evolution of healthcare finance and management including: reimbursement, revenue and expense classifications, financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis, financing of public health agencies, and the current and anticipated financial impact of healthcare reform on the healthcare industry and health services organizations. This course focuses on learning and applying financial and managerial accounting principles and techniques to health services organizations. The subject matter is designed to provide a working knowledge of accounting, finance, and budget terminology. Components of the class include the evolution of healthcare finance and reimbursement, revenue and expense classifications, financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis, financing of public health agencies, and the current and anticipated financial impact of healthcare reform on the healthcare industry and health services organizations. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or consent from instructor. S.
PH 583. American Indian Health Policy. 3 Credits.
The course will provide a detailed overview of the unique policy issues that form the legal basis for provision of public health and healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The American Indian (AI) population is unique in the United States in that AIs are born with a legal right to health services. This is based on treaties and numerous other laws, executive orders, court decisions and other legal bases in which the tribes exchanged land and other natural resources for various social services, including housing, education, and healthcare. The Indian Health Service is the federal agency responsible for carrying out the federal government's trust responsibility to provide public health and healthcare services to AIs. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F.
POLS 551. Health Administration and Organization. 3 Credits.
The evolution of health systems and their organizational challenges of administration from human resources to management in times of scarce resources are explored. Specific attention is devoted to Financial Management, Managerial and Fund Accounting, Medicare, Medicaid, Fiscal Intermediaries and Managed Care, and Organizations in Decline.
Electives. 6 credits.
See Plan of Study
Indigenous Health Specialization (12 credits)
The Indigenous Health MPH is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of determinants of Indigenous health and solutions to health disparities. Students will examine Indigenous populations, histories, cultures, societies, traditional healing systems, food sources, patterns and impact of colonization, and health inequity.
Students will also evaluate the impact of historical and ongoing traumas associated with colonization and colonialism, explore Indigenous concepts of health and healing, and will synthesize new approaches of moving toward health equity in a culturally relevant manner. Indigenous populations include American Indian/Alaska Native, Canadian First Nations, Inuit, Sami, Aboriginal Australian, Maori, Ainu, and Pacific Islanders, among others.
PH 581. Principles of Indigenous Health. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to provide students with a critical understanding Indigenous health with local and global perspectives provided. The course will specifically explore both traditional perspectives and cutting edge fields of Indigenous health including traditional healing systems, cultural safety, Indigenous food systems, Indigenous data, Indigenous research methodologies and evaluation processes, plus decolonizing narratives while defining the impact of colonization and health disparities in communities. We will utilize a strengths-based approach in our understandings of Indigenous concepts of health and healing, and ways of moving forward towards greater health equity. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F.
PH 582. Social & Ecological Determinants of Indigenous Health. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to provide students with the skillsets to apply social determinant models to relevant Indigenous Health topics. Key concepts and determinants of health will include: Social determinants of Indigenous Health, Indigenous environmental health and environmental justice, land & healing determinants of health, while utilizing social and ecological case studies. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PH 581 or consent from instructor. S.
PH 583. American Indian Health Policy. 3 Credits.
The course will provide a detailed overview of the unique policy issues that form the legal basis for provision of public health and healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The American Indian (AI) population is unique in the United States in that AIs are born with a legal right to health services. This is based on treaties and numerous other laws, executive orders, court decisions and other legal bases in which the tribes exchanged land and other natural resources for various social services, including housing, education, and healthcare. The Indian Health Service is the federal agency responsible for carrying out the federal government's trust responsibility to provide public health and healthcare services to AIs. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. F.
PH 584. Public Health Programming in Indigenous Populations. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and strategies needed to develop and implement effective public health programs in Indigenous populations to address significant public health disparities. Key areas of focus include: Applying the Ten Essential Public Health Services in Indigenous Populations, Indigenous Research & Program Evaluation Frameworks, Grant writing and management, Funding sources for Indigenous Public Health programming, Case Studies/Best and Promising Practices in Indigenous Public Health, and networking with Indigenous Health professionals. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program or certificate or consent from instructor. S.
Electives. 6 credits.
See Plan of Study
Practice & Culminating Experience Specialization (6 credits)
M.P.H. Applied Practice Experience
PH 594. Applied Practice Experience. 1-3 Credits.
The Applied Practice Experience is a planned, supervised, and evaluated practice experience. It provides an opportunity to apply basic public health competencies acquired through coursework. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MPH degree program, completion of core courses and consent from instructor. Repeatable to 3.00 credits. On demand.
M.P.H. Culminating Experience
PH 995. Integrative Learning Experience. 2 Credits.
The Integrative Learning Experience is one component of the MPH Culminating Experience. Students complete a project that demonstrates synthesis and application of knowledge acquired through coursework and other public health learning experiences. Prerequisite: Complete all MPH core courses or consent from instructor. F,S,SS.
PH 590. Seminar in Leadership & Advocacy. 1 Credit.
The MPH Seminar in Leadership and Advocacy is one component of the MPH Culminating Experience. The course is intended to build skills that will help students effectively put their public health knowledge into practice in organizations and communities. Through development of leadership and advocacy skills, students also synthesize and apply knowledge acquired through previous coursework and other public health learning experiences. Prerequisite: Complete all MPH core courses. S.