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Idaho State
University-Boise
12301 W. Explorer Dr.
Suite 102
Boise, ID 83713
(208) 373-1700

boisectr@isu.edu
ISU Boise

Master of Public Health

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Idaho State University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program is unique to the state of Idaho. It is the only MPH program in Idaho that is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The goal of public health is to improve the health of populations through the planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion and disease-prevention programs. Public health professionals design intervention programs by using a combination of health education and related organizational, economic, legislative, and environmental support to enhance the probability of creating a healthier populace.

Focusing on community health emphasis courses include an acquisition of requisite public health knowledge and skills in the areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, health care ethics, health organization and policy, health program planning and evaluation, health marketing, health education promotion, research methodology and environmental health.

Many of our graduate students are employed during the regular academic school year and enroll in courses in the evening and in the summer sessions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

WHY GET AN MPH DEGREE?

The master of public health (MPH) degree is the most widely recognized professional credential for leadership in public health. The MPH program emphasizes active, student-directed learning, problem solving, and the acquisition of skills that are essential to the practice of public health.

 

WHO SHOULD GET AN MPH?

The MPH degree program at Idaho State University is designed to meet the needs of two types of students:

  1. those practicing health professionals who desire to augment their previous preparation so they may better implement health promotion strategies in their current work setting or community, and,
  2. those professionals who wish to train for careers in one of the fields of community health education, public health administration, public health nutrition, or medical anthropology.

 

WHAT ARE THE MISSION AND GOALS OF THE PROGRAM?

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at Idaho State University is to improve the health and well-being of human populations through the application of the essential services of public health by excellence in instruction, community service, research, and continuing professional education.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal One—Instruction: To deliver an evidence-based academic program that prepares students for public health practice.

Objective 1: The MPH faculty will deliver a public health curriculum culminating in the MPH Degree that incorporates the core competencies to perform the essential services of public health.
  .
Objective 2: The MPH Program will ensure that students receive adequate opportunities for practical application of learned competencies. 

Goal Two—Community Service: To support students and faculty in demonstrating public health leadership and contributing to public health at the local, state, and national level.

Objective 1: MPH faculty and students will provide public health community service and activities.

Goal Three—Research: To promote and support public health research and scholarly endeavor, and provide leadership in public health priorities.

Objective 1: The MPH Program and the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences will promote and support research and other scholarly activities.

Objective 2: The Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences will encourage research and leadership in addressing public health priorities.

Goal Four—Continuing Education: To strengthen the existing public health workforce by providing advanced skills, knowledge, and professional learning opportunities throughout Idaho.

Objective 1: The MPH Program faculty will assess the training and educational needs of the local and state public health workforce.

Objective 2: The MPH Program faculty will develop and provide education that meets the needs of the public health professionals throughout Idaho based on the informal needs assessment conducted with the public health personnel.

Objective 3: The MPH Program faculty will participate in developing opportunities for public health professionals to achieve skill building and professional education.

 

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?

The Program Director and Department Chair will review MPH Program applications.  Admission standards and application procedures are presented in the graduate bulletin. The Program Director and the Chair will admit prospective students who fully meet MPH program and graduate school admission requirements. Applicants who do not completely satisfy requirements are referred to the Health and Nutrition Sciences (HNS) Admissions Committee (the Chair, MPH director, and HNS graduate faculty) to determine admission or denial.

For classified admission into the program, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Meet all requirements of the ISU Graduate School (please refer to the ISU Graduate Catalog at http://www.isu.edu/graduate). Applications must be submitted to the ISU Graduate School.

  2. Meet one of the following GPA and GRE criteria (NOTE: GPA calculation based on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work):

    • If GPA is 3.5 or higher, then NO GRE is required.

    • If GPA is 3.0 - 3.499, then a score in the 40th percentile on at least one area of the GRE is required.

      •
    • If GPA is 2.5 - 2.999, then a combined (verbal/quantitative) GRE minimum score of 1000 is required.

    1. An applicant who currently holds a graduate degree must submit their transcripts, but the undergraduate GPA requirement will not apply. College transcripts must be submitted to the ISU Graduate School.

    2. No other instruments such as the MCAT, LSAT, or GMAT may be substituted. Applicants currently holding degrees at the doctoral level from an accredited institution will not be required to submit GRE general test scores (this includes professional doctoral degrees such as PharmD, Juris Doctorate, Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). Those holding degrees at the baccalaureate and master's level must submit GRE general test scores. Students who are admitted as Conditional status without GRE scores must take the general test within their first semester of enrollment. Continuation in the program is contingent on the student meeting the above GRE score requirements. GRE scores must be submitted to the ISU Graduate School.

    3. Have two letters of recommendation from non-relative individuals familiar with your academic or professional abilities (no personal references) sent to the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences at the same time your application is sent to the Graduate School. The letters must be sealed with the signature of the recommender across the envelope flap.

    4. Two years of experience working in the health field is preferred for admission. A B.S. or B.A. degree in health or a health-related discipline may substitute for working experience. Applicants will be evaluated on an individual basis.

    5. Submit a typed essay (one to two pages, single-spaced) describing their interest in pursuing the MPH degree and their vision of how it will facilitate the candidate’s career goals.

    6. International students who have not graduated from an accredited college or university in the US, and whose native language is not English, must achieve satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Satisfactory TOEFL requirements for classified admission are described in the ISU Graduate Catalog under “Admission of International Students”.

    Applications will not be considered until all above documentation has been submitted. Applications are due in accordance with ISU Office of Graduate Studies deadlines: no later than July 1 for fall semester enrollment, and December 1 for spring semester enrollment, or the following Monday, should these dates fall on a weekend. International students shall abide by additional guidelines for applications as set forth in the ISU Graduate Catalog, http://www.isu.edu/graduate

    Approved by the MPH AB on 2/14/07

    ENTRANCE CRITERIA approved AB2_07

     

    WHAT DOES THE CURRICULUM ENTAIL? 

    Core Course Requirements  
    HE       560   Health Behavior Change Theory & Application 3 cr.
    MPH    601   Applications in Epidemiology 3 cr.
    MPH    602   Biostatistics 3 cr.
    MPH    603   Technological App. in Public Health 3 cr.
    MPH    604   Social & Cultural Perspectives in Public Health 3 cr.
    MPH    605    Leadership and Administration 3 cr.
    MPH    606    Environmental & Occupational Health 3 cr.
    MPH    607    US & Global Health Systems 3 cr.
    MPH    609    Seminar in Community/Public Health 3 cr.
    MPH    620    Health Program Planning 3 cr.
    MPH    640    Research and Writing 3 cr.
    Core Total  

    		 33 cr.
    Thesis Option  
    HE      650     Thesis 6 cr.
    Approved Electives 9 cr.
    Thesis/Project Total 
    		 42 cr.
    Project Option  
    HE      651     Project 6 cr.
    Approved Electives 6 cr.
    Electives    6 cr.
    Elective Total
    		 6 cr.
    MPH Program Total  48 cr. 

     

    WHAT WILL I LEARN?

    The MPH Program at ISU is a both an academic and a competency based degree that allows students to be able to synthesize praxis and theoria.  A proficiency in the following core competencies is expected from graduates of this program.

     

    CORE COMPETENCIES 


     MPH 601 Applications in Epidemiology

    Facilitates an epidemiological approach to problem solving in the health sciences through practical application of field epidemiology concepts and methods.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Conduct or participate substantively in a simulated field investigation, epidemiologic study or survey/project and utilize technical knowledge to prevent diseases and injuries.
    2. Identify and apply basic research methods used in public health.
    3. Identify relevant data and gaps in data sources; understand and evaluate appropriate uses of and integrity of data.
    4. Design, conduct and interpret an epidemiologic analysis of a new or preexisting data set in order to make appropriate public health recommendations.
    5. Evaluate an existing or planned public health strategy and use scientific literature to support the findings and recommendations of the epidemiologic investigation. 
    6. Design, implement or evaluate a public health surveillance or other information system which maintains accurate records for programmatic and scientific review.
    7. Obtain and interpret information regarding risks and benefits to the community and develop a risk assessment plan.
    8. Define, assess and understand the health status of populations, determinants of health and illness, factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention, and factors influencing the use of health services.
    9. Describe how the public health information infrastructure is used to collect, process, maintain, and disseminate data.

     


    MPH 602 Biostatistics

    This course will equip students with a conceptual understanding of the calculation and interpretation of inferential statistics in public health research. 
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Describe basic concepts of probability, random variation and commonly used statistical distributions
    2. Distinguish among the different measurement scales and the implications for selection of statistical methods to be used on these distinctions
    3. Apply common statistical methods for inference.
    4. Apply descriptive and inferential methodologies according to the type of study design for answering a particular research question.
    5. Determine the appropriate use and limitations of quantitative data for health problem identification and resolution.
    6. Interpret results of statistical analyses found in public health studies

     

     

    MPH 60 8 Technological Applications in Public Health

    Introduction and application of software programs utilized in public health practice.  Examples include SPSS, MSExcel, GIS, EpiInfo, M S Publisher.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Use computers and computer software to access, manage data, perform statistical analysis, and create presentations.
    2. Locate and be familiar with print and electronic primary data resources and information systems.
    3. Use data in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a program.
    4. Develop adequate skills with current data analysis software.
    5. Use the media, advanced technologies, and community networks to communicate information
    6. Understand the uses and potential of software programs such as GIS in public health settings

     


    MPH 604 Social and Cultural Perspectives in Public Health 

    1. Exploration of multicultural health beliefs, health disparities and needs of our society focusing on local cultures to develop culturally competent interventions. Learn about ethical issues, social justice, community systems, coalition building, and development of community partnerships

    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Identify cultural characteristics, social roles, and behavioral factors that contribute to disease, injury prevention and service delivery.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the complex, dynamic forces contributing to cultural diversity across multiple settings.
    3. Utilize appropriate methods for interacting sensitively, effectively, and professionally, with persons of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, lifestyles, and ages.
    4. Recognize how participatory planning with special populations can enhance the effectiveness of public health services.
    5. Recognize how data illuminates ethical, political, scientific, economic, and overall public health issues.
    6. Explain how professional ethics and practices relate to equity and accountability in diverse community settings.

     

     

    MPH 605 Leadership Policy and Administration

    Development of leadership and administrative skills which contribute to implementation of effective public health policies and programs.  Students will learn strategic planning, facilitation techniques, communication strategies, budget development and management.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Apply principles of strategic planning to articulate an achievable mission, set of core values and vision
    2. Understand different types of organizational systems
    3. Apply decision-making models to problems solving in public health
    4. Understand personnel management techniques in public institutions
    5. Create and maintain budgets for operating public health organizations
    6. Demonstrate effective written and oral skills for communicating with different audiences in the context of professional public health activities.
    7. Apply quality and performance improvement concepts to address organizational performance issues

     

     

    MPH 606 Environmental and Occupational Health

    Understanding the interaction of humans with their environment and the implications of human actions.  Learn about assessment and control of health risks posed by chemical and biological contaminants and physical exposures (noise, heat and radiation) in occupational and non-occupational environments.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     

     

    1. Describe the direct and indirect human, ecological and safety effects of major environmental and occupational agents.
    2. Describe genetic, physiologic and psychosocial factors that affect susceptibility to adverse health outcomes following exposure to environmental hazards.
    3. Describe federal and state regulatory programs, guidelines and authorities that control environmental health issues.
    4. Specify current environmental risk assessment methods.
    5. Specify approaches for assessing, preventing and controlling environmental hazards that pose risks to human health and safety and understand political and economic impacts of decisions.
    6. Explain the general mechanisms of toxicity in eliciting a toxic response to various environmental exposures.
    7. Discuss various risk management and risk communication approaches in relation to issues of environmental justice and equity.
    8. Identify data sources, analyze data, recognize meaningful test results, interpret results, and present the results in an appropriate way to different types of audiences.

         
     

     

    MPH 607 U.S. and Global Health Systems 

    Explore the historical and contemporary multi layered social, cultural, political, and economic determinants in the US and internationally that shape health status, health behavior and health inequalities.  Practical application of creating appropriate interventions specific to the target population.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Describe the roles of history, power, privilege and structural inequality and its relevance impacting health disparities in the US and the world.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the use and role of the legal and political systems in changing the health status of populations in the US and world.
    3. Apply the core functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance in the analysis of public health problems and their solutions in the US and world.
    4. Understand the historical development, structure, and interaction of public and private health entities and health care systems in the US and world.
    5. Articulate the health, fiscal, administrative, legal, social, economic and political implications of policy options in the US and world.

     

    MPH 609 Seminar in Public and Community Health

    Study and analysis of current topics, trends and challenges within public health. 
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     

     

    ♦  Identify individuals and public health organizational responsibilities within the context of the Essential Public Health Services and core public health functions.
    ♦ Identify and analyze current scientific evidence on public health issues.
    ♦ Demonstrate effective written and oral skills for communicating with different audiences in the context of professional public health activities.
    ♦ Demonstrate advocacy for programs, identify and invoke resources and policies that advance the public’s health.

     


    MPH 620 Health Program Planning and Evaluation

    Theory and processes of assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating health education, promotion and disease prevention programs.  Principles taught in this course will be applied to community situations.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Describe how social, behavioral, environmental, and biological factors contribute to specific individual and community health outcomes.
    2. Identify and evaluate appropriate information sources and gaps in data.
    3. Use data, the scientific knowledge base and other evidence-based principles in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a program.
    4. Develop a framework, based on a mission, goals, and objectives and/or competencies, to evaluate public health programs for their effectiveness and quality.
    5. Demonstrate how the findings of formative and summative evaluation can be used to improve program effectiveness, utility and impact on public health.
    6. Develop logic models for program development, implementation, and evaluation.

     

    MPH 640 Research and Writing in Health

    Application of principles of research design in the health sciences.   Requires preparation of a thesis/project proposal.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Articulate a viable problem statement
    2. Develop a scholarly research plan and proposal
    3. Perform a literature review and analyze published research
    4. Select and describe a methodology to address a research question
    5. Describe the legal and ethical issues in health research
    6. Demonstrate an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research design

     

    MPH/HE 560 Health Behavior Change Theory and Application

    Scientific and theoretical basis for planning, implementing, and evaluating effective public health education, health promotion and disease prevention programs or interventions.  Application of theories and models for health and health behavior change.
    At the end of this course, students should be able to:

     
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of and apply intra-personal, inter-personal and ecological models when designing, implementing, and evaluating programs.
    2. Use health behavior theories to provide a conceptual basis for health programming/intervention planning
    3. Be able to articulate different dimensions, similarities and conflicting parts of theories.
    4. Critically examine and evaluate the merits of different health behavior change theories

     

    HOW DO I APPLY?


    You can apply online at http://www.isu.edu/prospect.shtml, or you may request materials from the following address.
    ISU Boise
    12301 W. Explorer Drive
    Boise ID 83713
    Phone: (208) 373-1700
    FAX: (208) 327-7430


    IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM, IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN TALK TO?


    Yes, you may contact Dr. Galen Louis, the program director for the MPH program.  He may be contacted by phone (208) 373.1779 or by email (nezperce@yahoo.com) during regular business hours.  If you are in the Boise area, you can schedule an in-person interview with him.  His faculty web page is at http://www.isu.edu/hns/glouis.shtml.

     

    Last Modified: 11/05/08 at 07:31:42 PM

     

    Last Modified: 11/05/08 at 07:31:42 PM