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Areas Of Study

Epidemiology :: Health Policy and Management :: Social and Behavioral Health Sciences :: Community-Based and Translational Research (DrPH) :: PhD in Epidemiology :: Graduate Certificate in Global Health and Population Studies

Epidemiology
Chair: Andrew Grandinetti, PhD, (808) 956-7495
Email: andrewg@hawaii.edu

Overview
Epidemiology is the study of the distributions and determinants of health-related events in human populations. A basic tenet of epidemiology is that diseases are not randomly distributed in the population. Determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with these events, as well as measuring the magnitude of such occurrences, is the basis of public health action. An essential part of this determination involves the utilization of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of disease control measures.

Students enrolled in the epidemiology specialization are required to take advanced level training in chronic and infectious disease epidemiology, advanced biostatistics, and research design. There is opportunity for students to choose from epidemiology electives in the following areas: infectious diseases, nutrition, genetics, environment, aging, HIV/AIDS, cancer and heart disease. Course work in specialized statistical applications is also available. Students will participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout the university system or community through a field work assignment.

Degree Programs Offered

Master of Public Health
MPH students specializing in epidemiology gain knowledge and skills in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, the collection and analysis of epidemiologic data, and the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. The remainder of the program includes advanced and elective course work designated by the student’s committee to meet the student’s professional goals. In order for students to develop skills and document competencies in public health, the development and completion of an epidemiologic study in a public health setting (i.e., a field practicum) is also required. During the final semester, a capstone paper and public presentation based on the practicum integrates a student’s MPH experience.

The MPH degree program generally requires two academic years of full-time study and the required number of credits for graduation is 42. A minimum of 18 credits must be earned in courses numbered 600-798, including at least one graduate seminar in the major or a related field. No more than 9 credits of PH 699 (directed reading/research) may be applied to meet the degree requirements. Please note that the precise degree requirements for each student will be determined in consultation with his/her adviser and program committee members.

Students with a professional interest in epidemiology should pursue the master of public health (MPH) degree.

Master of Science in Public Health
The MS (Thesis, Plan A) degree program generally requires two academic years of full-time study. A minimum of 31 credit hours is required, which must include 18 credits of course work and between 6 to 12 hours of thesis research (PH 700). A minimum of 12 credits must be earned in courses numbered 600-798 (excluding 699 and Thesis 700), including at least one graduate seminar in the major or a related field. No more than 12 credits (combined total) of PH 699 (directed reading/research) and PH 700 (thesis research) may be applied to meet these minimum requirements. Candidates must complete a thesis as well as a final oral examination. Please note that the precise degree requirements for each student will be determined in consultation with his/her adviser and thesis committee members.

Students whose objective is research or doctoral study are expected to select the MS Plan A thesis degree program.

Qualifications for Admission
In addition to meeting the general admissions requirements of the University’s Graduate Division, individuals applying to the epidemiology specialization will be expected to have the academic background, experience, interests and commitment for professional training in this field. While no specific undergraduate major is specified, candidates should have one year of coursework in a biological science, chemistry, and at least one semester of calculus is recommended. Applicants must also have computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet construction and internet applications. Experience in an applied health-related field or biomedical research is preferred.

Health Policy and Management
Chair: Maile Taualii, PhD, (808) 591-6653 or (808) 956-7231
Email: mtaualii@hawaii.edu

Overview
The importance of educating future public health leaders in the area of health policy and management is apparent. The current escalating rate of health care expenditures cannot be sustained. Reform of the health care system is needed. Training in health policy and management will enable our students to better understand the issues and to make significant contributions to this debate, as well as other pressing issues in public health.

The mission of the Health Policy and Management (HPM) specialization is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop, analyze, and advocate for health policies to improve the health and well-being of individuals and populations; and, to administer and manage the delivery, quality, and costs of health care services in communities, with a focus on the underserved populations. Course work prepares students for a career in health services, policy and management. Opportunities to participate in research and service programs are provided.

Degree Program Offered:

Master of Public Health (MPH)
All MPH students complete five public health foundation courses, a field practicum, a final scholarly paper and an oral examination. Support for these elements is already in place. For the specialization in Health Policy and Management, the following coursework is required: 1) Introduction to Health Policy; 2) Health Economics; 3) Program Planning; 4) Program Evaluation; 4) Public Health Leadership and Systems Thinking; 5) Current Topics in Community Health. The total credit requirement is 42.

Qualifications for Admission
For the Health Policy and Management specialization, students must meet the Graduate Division’s admission requirements. In addition, preference may be given to students with training in social science, health, or human services. Prior paid or voluntary work experience in the health care or human services fields is preferred, but not required.

Social and Behavioral Health Sciences
Chair: Claudio Nigg, PhD, (808) 956-2862
Email: cnigg@hawaii.edu

Overview
Over the last century, chronic diseases have replaced infectious diseases as the leading causes of death and, despite advances in medicine and technology, health disparities are increasing in almost every country. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, unsafe sexual practices, substance abuse and overexposure to the sun are major contributors to disability and death. Social factors, such as discrimination, poverty, dangerous living and work environments, and unequal distribution of resources (including health care resources), also affect health status. In this program, students will examine a) behavioral and social theories in health promotion; b) behavioral, social, environmental, and political interventions that can promote health theories in health promotion; and c) skills required for assessing health problems and for planning and evaluating health programs. Course assignments provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge, to practice skills, to enhance computer literacy, and to improve oral and written communications. Opportunities to participate in university-based and community-based research and service programs are provided.

Degree Programs Offered

Master of Public Health (MPH)
MPH students specializing in social and behavioral health sciences gain knowledge and skills in public health research methods, biostatistics, theories of health behavior change, needs assessment, planning, and evaluation. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. In subsequent semesters, students take required and elective course work to meet the social and behavioral health sciences competencies, as well as the student’s professional goals. A 240-hour field practicum is required which allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a community public health stetting. During the final semester, students complete an integrative seminar, prepare a capstone paper, and deliver a public presentation as a demonstration of mastery of program competencies and integration of classroom knowledge and field experience. A student-selected adviser and program committee guides the student’s course of study, practicum experience, and capstone.

The MPH degree program generally requires two academic years of full-time study. The required number of credits for graduation is 42. A minimum of 18 credits must be earned in courses numbered 600-798, including at least one graduate seminar in the major or related field. No more than 9 credits of PH 699 may be applied to meet degree requirements. Please note that the precise degree requirements for each student will be determined in consultation with his/her adviser and program committee members.

Students interested in a broad understanding of public health and its application in communities should pursue the master of public health (MPH) degree. The MPH is the preferred terminal degree for public health practitioners and also provides a solid foundation for professional doctoral degree work.

Master of Science (MS) in Public Health
MS (Thesis, Plan A) students specializing in social and behavioral health sciences gain knowledge and skills in research methods, biostatistics, theories of health behavior change, the analysis and interpretation of research data and social epidemiology. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. The remainder of the program includes specialized and elective course work designated by the student’s thesis committee to meet the student’s professional goals. The main objective of the specialization courses is the development of a thesis proposal, which includes an individual data analysis project. This project is based on collected research data and is intended to develop skills and document competencies in public health. During the final semester, a public presentation based on the student’s thesis culminates a student’s MS experience.

The MS (Plan A) thesis degree generally requires two academic years of full-time study and the required number of credits for graduation is 34-40, depending on the student’s background and/or research experience in the specialization (e.g., students with previously earned advanced degree in a related field or commensurate work history). Students must complete at least 18 credits of course work, 12 of which must be earned in courses numbered 600-798 (excluding 699 and Thesis 700), including at least one graduate seminar in the major or related field. A minimum of 6 credits of PH 700 (thesis research) is required. Also, no more than 6 credits of PH 699 (directed reading/research) may be counted towards the degree. Candidates must complete a thesis as well as a final oral examination. Please note that the precise degree requirements for each student will be determined in consultation with his/her adviser and thesis committee members.

The MS degree is appropriate for students who want to focus on public health research. The MS is an acceptable terminal degree for public health practitioners and also provides a solid foundation for doctoral study.

Qualifications for Admission
In addition to meeting the general admissions requirements of the University’s Graduate Division, individuals applying to the social and behavioral health sciences specialization will be expected to have the academic background, experience, interests and commitment for professional training in public health. While no specific undergraduate major is specified, candidates should have coursework in mathematics or statistics, biology or human development, and sociology or psychology. Applicants must have computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet construction and internet applications. Experience in an applied health/social sciences field or in health/social sciences research is preferred.

Community-Based and Translational Research
Chair: Kathryn Braun, DrPH, (808) 956-5768
Email: kbraun@hawaii.edu

Overview
Translational research is the investigation of how to successfully transform scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into community applications to reduce incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) 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.

Degree Program Offered

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
The DrPH program will prepare students to lead programs and conduct independent investigations addressing public health topics relevant to culturally diverse groups, with a special focus on those in the state of Hawai‘i and the Asia-Pacific region. The program focuses on translational research and emphasizes community-based participatory research methodologies.

DrPH students are expected to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international forums. All DrPH students will complete mentored teaching and research practica.

Candidates who successfully complete the DrPH program in Community-Based and Translational Research 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.

For students entering the DrPH program with an MPH degree, the minimum number of credits for graduation is 39. For students without an MPH degree, the minimum number of credits for graduation is 39 credits, plus the number of credits associated with missing prerequisites.

Qualifications for Admission
In addition to meeting the general admissions requirements of the University’s Graduate Division, individuals applying to the DrPH program must have either a master’s degree in public health or a graduate degree in an allied profession.

PhD in Epidemiology
Chair: Eric Hurwitz, PhD, (808) 956-7425
Email: ehurwitz@hawaii.edu

Overview
The PhD in epidemiology is comprised of graduate faculty from the Department of Public Health Sciences, Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, Department of Microbiology, and the Pacific Basin Reseach Center, thereby providing a diverse opportunity for those interested in pursuing a PhD in epidemiology.

Degree Program Offered

PhD in Epidemiology
Candidates who successfully complete the doctoral program in epidemiology will be prepared to teach in academic and other settings, conduct independent and collaborative epidemiologic research, and provide consultative services to academic, not-for-profit, governmental, and private organizations.

Qualifications for Admission
Applicants must meet the general admissions requirements of the University's Graduate Division. Although applicants to the PhD program are not required to have a master's degree in epidemiology or closely related field, all applicants are expected to have a master's degree and a strong background in the natural and/or social sciences. The program encourages applications from candidates who are committed to epidemiologic research and practice, and have past research and related work experience. Applicants should also have well-focused research interests and career goals. A prospective epidemiology applicant is expected to communicate with a faculty member in his/her area of interest or with the program's chair, and must be accepted as an applicant by a faculty member prior to seeking admission. The faculty member involved will serve as the advisor upon the individual's admission into the PhD program.

For students entering the PhD program with an MPH or MS in Epidemiology or Biostatistics, the minimum number of credits for graduation is 30. The minimum number of credits for students who do not have an MPH or MS in Epidemiology or Biostatistics is 30 credits plus the number of credits associated with missing prerequisites.

Global Health
Chair: Deon Canyon, PhD, (808) 956-6263
Email: dcanyon@hawaii.edu

Overview
Global Health is an area for study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide. Global health emphasizes transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions; involves many disciplines within and beyond the health sciences and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration; and is a synthesis of population-based prevention with individual-level clinical care.¹ It may be distinguished from Public Health due to the inclusion of individual care, and fromInternational health, which refers to population health in developing or low-income countries and is typically limited to infectious disease, nutrition, child health, reproductive (maternal) health, water, shelter, sanitation, and aging, mental health and culture.

Global health has thus emerged as a broader, transdisciplinary, transboundary and more inclusive concept that focuses on social, biological and environmental causal factors to better understand the interrelated mechanisms that underlie global health problems. Health challenges that are typically associated with global change include the cultural, economic, political, and environmental aspects of health disparities; shifts in the global burden of ill­ness; emerging and resurging infectious diseases; climate change consequences that affect the health of vulnerable populations; and the health implications of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss.

Degree Program Offered

Graduate Certificate in Global Health and Population Studies
The goal of the graduate certificate program is to prepare students to work with diverse populations in rapidly evolving environments that present both geographical and cultural challenges. To provide students with a program that supplements their degree and which is essential for a career in health sectors where real-world problems necessitate holistic and integrative approaches. Knowledge and skills imparted by the program provide an awareness of transnational global health conditions, problems and solutions in developing and developed nations. The development of transdisciplinary knowledge and skills are emphasized, which are increasingly needed to address contemporary global health challenges that often blur the boundaries of academic disciplines.

Please see the Global Health and Population Studies website for details.

Qualifications for Admission
Applicants must meet the general admissions requirements of the University's Graduate Division. See the Global Health and Population Studies Admissions page for details.