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The Department of Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology
at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) offers graduate
programs leading to the master of science (MS) in public health, the master of public health (MPH), and the doctorate in public health (DrPH). The MS and MPH programs are accredited
by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The DrPH program is not accredited by CEPH.
Master's Programs
Students enrolled in either the MS or the MPH program may choose one of the two specializations below:
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the incidence, distribution and control of disease in a population. A basic tenet
of epidemiology is that diseases do not spread randomly
in the population. Determining the prevalence and risk factors
associated with diseases and measuring the magnitude
of their occurrences form the basis of public health policy and disease control measures. Once implemented, such measures are evaluated by public health professionals using a variety of epidemiological and biostatistical methods.
The specialization in epidemiology instills knowledge and skills in epidemiological
methods, biostatistics, the collection and analysis of epidemiological
data, and the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases.
The curriculum includes a core of required basic and public
health courses covering topics such as environmental
health, health care delivery and organization, health education,
and health behavior. Students may select electives in nutrition, genetics, environment, aging,
AIDS, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Course work in specialized
statistical applications is also available. In addition, students receive advanced-level training in chronic and infectious disease epidemiology,
advanced biostatistics, and research design. During the field work or thesis research portion of the program, students participate
in ongoing epidemiological research programs throughout the
university.
Social and Behavioral Health Sciences
Over the last hundred years, chronic diseases have replaced
infectious diseases as the leading causes of death in almost
every developed country. Most chronic diseases have been linked to poor lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, poor diet, unsafe sexual practices,
substance abuse and excessive sun exposure. Such diseases are often preventable with lifestyle modifications.
Students who select this specialization study the biological and social theories of health behaviors, interventions (biological, behavioral, social and environmental)
that decrease premature mortality, and the planning and evaluation of health promotion
programs. Students also learn about the role of behavioral modification in the
prevention of infectious diseases in both developing and developed countries.
Doctorate in Public Health
The DrPH program prepares students to lead programs and conduct independent investigations addressing public health topics relevant to culturally diverse groups, with a special focus on those in Hawai‘i and the Asia-Pacific region. The program focuses on translational research and emphasizes community-based participatory research methodologies.
Translational research is the investigation of how to transform successfully scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into community applications to reduce incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Community-based participatory research in health is a collaborative approach to research that equitably involves investigators and members of the community in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. This approach increases the likelihood that interventions will be embraced by the community and that community members will gain knowledge, skills, and other benefits from the research.
Candidates who successfully complete the DrPH program will be able to collaborate with community partners to identify and address public health issues as well as conduct independent research, train public health workers, and demonstrate expertise in the following areas: health disparities, cultural competency, evidence-based public health practice, and community-based participatory research.
Dual Degree Programs
The public health program participates in official Dual
Degree programs at UHM. For more information, contact
the graduate chair.
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MS Requirements
MS students follow Plan A (thesis). Depending on the specialization and the student's background,
the program requires a minimum of 30 credits (epidemiology)
or 34-40 credits (social and behavioral health sciences) of
course work, six credits of thesis research, a written thesis
and defense of the thesis.
MPH Requirements
MPH students follow Plan B (non-thesis). The program requires 39 credits of course work and three credits of field work.
DrPH Requirements
- 55 credits of course work (39 credits for students with a MPH)
- portfolio
- conference presentations
- journal publication
- comprehensive exam
- dissertation
- final oral exam / defense of dissertation
Courses
To view a listing of courses offered, visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/ph.htm.
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