Master of Public Health (MPH)

Faculty

Dr. Nicole Betschman, Assistant Professor and Director of Health Services and Public Health
Dr. Christopher Howard, Assistant Professor of Public Health

Description

The Master of Public Health (MPH), with a focus in Community Health, prepares students to impact society by addressing health impacts such as healthy living and housing, healthcare availability, behavioral choices, food access, access and opportunity to exercise, and environmental exposure hazards. Work environments include local, state, and national government institutions and non-profit organizations.

The MPH program is a 42-credit program with 33 required core credits and 9 required credits in the Community Health concentration. Once admitted to the program, students may enroll in MPH courses on a full-time (three classes per semester for five continuous semesters) or part-time (two classes per semester for seven continuous semesters).  The MPH program is fully online and is comprised of courses offered in evenings and weekends in AltWeekly format (every other week in the Fall and Spring semesters).  Classes are held weekly during the Summer semester.

The online experience incorporates best practices in virtual and online learning, to include directed reading, lectures, podcasts, quizzes and assignments. The virtual sessions will include lecture, discussion, group activities, and experiential learning.

Vision

The MPH program will transform individual’s lives, offering pathways towards personal development, success, and well-being while serving as a catalyst for creating and implementing innovative solutions for the most pressing health issues by improving health in communities across the globe.

Program Goals

1. Train public health researchers, faculty, and practitioners to be innovative and effective in their field. (Instruction)
2. Enhance understanding in the field of public health through exploratory research. (Research and scholarship)
3. Advocate for vulnerable populations to address health disparities and issues related to social justice. (Service)

The Master in Public Health is designed to educate the future trailblazers and leaders on community health initiatives.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Public Health program requires completion of 42 credits that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Students enter the program in the fall or spring semester and are expected to maintain continuous enrollment until graduation. Successful completion of all coursework is necessary to graduate with a Master of Public Health degree.

To earn the Trinity MPH degree, students must:

1. Successfully complete all program requirements outlined in the MPH Curriculum Plan, available from the academic advisor.
2. Successfully complete the Applied Practicum Experience (SNHP 691- Public Health Practicum) and Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) courses (see Applied Practicum Experience and Integrative Learning Experience below).
3. Be in good academic standing (see Academic Standing below).
4. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate.

Students must complete degree requirements within five years of matriculation as a degree candidate. Any request for an extension must be submitted in writing to the NHP Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee.

Students who receive a grade of F in any course may repeat the course only once.  A grade below a C on the second attempt will result in the student being dismissed from the program. Students dismissed from the program may reapply after 12 months following the MPH program dismissal. Reapplication does not guarantee readmission to the program. 

Meet ethical standards and professional behavioral expectations as determined by faculty review

Applied Practicum Experience (SNHP 691)

Master of Public Health students must complete an Applied Practicum Experience (SNHP 691- Public Health Practicum) and an Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) which provide the opportunity to apply, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge and skills acquired during graduate study.  Students are permitted to start practicum hours after successfully completing at least 24 credit hours but must have approval from the Practicum course faculty prior to starting.

Students should consult their faculty advisor and course faculty for a description of the Applied Practicum Experience (SNHP 691- Public Health Practicum) and an Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) options and guidelines.

Students are expected to seek and secure their own practicum site.  All sites must be approved by the Director and/or the Applied Practicum Experience (SNHP 691- Public Health Practicum) course professor prior to beginning the required 100 contact hours to ensure that at least five of the MPH Competencies (three Foundational and two in the Community Health Concentration) will be met by the practicum experience.

If a student is dismissed from the program after completing the Applied Practicum Experience (SNHP 691- Public Health Practicum) course and/or practicum hours and before completing the Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) course, students will be required to complete another 100 practicum hours at another location due to the length of time between the Applied Practicum Experience hours and the Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) course.

Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699)

The MPH program requires students to complete a comprehensive capstone project, paper, or presentation in a capstone course as required by the degree and the relevant specialization. The comprehensive capstone project will consist of a proposal developed by the student in collaboration with a community partner and approved by the instructor.

Students register for the Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) course in their final semester in which they plan to graduate. Students who require more than one semester to complete the capstone project will be charged a continuation fee for each subsequent semester until the project is completed.

Students must earn a final minimum grade of a “B” in the Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) to graduate and receive a Master in Public Health degree.

If a student is dismissed from the program after completing the Applied Practicum Experience (SNHP 691- Public Health Practicum) course and/or practicum hours and before completing the Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) course, students will be required to complete another 100 practicum hours at another location due to the length of time between the Applied Practicum Experience hours and the Integrative Learning Experience (SNHP 699- Public Health Capstone) course.

MPH Curriculum Required Courses

Core Curriculum (33 credits)

Community Health Track (9 credits)

SNHP 510 Theor Found of PH and HEFocuses on the historical foundations and theoretical concepts in public health and health education through an interdisciplinary and global lens. Covers the history, impact, and importance of public health and health education in various settings within healthcare systems and in the community. Presents the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention in public health and analyzes the relationship between health disparities and diverse societal issues. Theories and models include the Socioecological Model, Health Belief Model, Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior, and more. Applies various Public Health Competencies using a case study approach.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 641 Public and Community HealthProvides an overview of concepts and issues in public and community health, with a focus on the skills and knowledge required for the management and development of community health services. The course addresses epidemiological, policy, and ethical issues in preventive health services, and discusses the history, purpose, and results of public and community health activities. Formerly ADMN 641 Public and Community Health.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 650 Systems Thinking Approach in Public HealthExplores persistent challenges in public health, including how to address entrenched health disparities, prevent disease, and successfully implement evidence-based interventions. Introduces systems-thinking strategies and tools to evaluate problems and pinpoint effective solutions. Utilizes practical applications in identifying system characteristics, understanding feedback dynamics influencing health outcomes, and tailoring interventions to specific contexts.

Program Policies

Grades in Graduate Courses:

1. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate.
2. Students who receive a C in any course will be placed on academic probation and may have their course load reduced for the next semester. Students who receive 2 C’s as a final grade may have to sit out the next semester. Students who receive a grade of F in a course will be placed on academic probation and will have to sit out the next semester. Students who receive a grade of F in any course may repeat the course only once.  A grade below a C on the second attempt will result in the student being dismissed from the program.  A student may reapply after 12 months following the MPH program dismissal. Reapplication does not guarantee readmission to the program.
3. Students are only able to repeat two courses in the graduate program.

Withdrawal from a Course

Once the Course Schedule Adjustment period has passed, a course may not be removed from a student’s academic record for any reason, but students may still withdraw from a course at any time up to the deadline for withdrawal from all classes; exact dates are listed in the Academic calendar.

When a student withdraws from a course, a designation of “W” (Withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript. Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student’s GPA. Students who fail to withdraw officially or to meet course requirements are liable to receive a grade of “F” (Fail).

Students are responsible for the full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn. Students should refer to the published course schedule for withdrawal and payment information. To withdraw from a course, students should complete the Course Withdrawal Form.

Late Withdrawal from a Course

Withdrawing from a course after the deadline to withdraw constitutes a late withdrawal; late withdrawal is a serious academic matter and an application for late withdrawal will be considered only in exceptional circumstances. Late withdrawals will not be considered after the last day of classes.

When a student withdraws from a course late, a designation of “W” (Withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript. Students who fail to withdraw officially or to meet course requirements are liable to receive a grade of “F” (Fail).

Students are responsible for the full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn late.

To pursue late withdrawal from a course, students should first consult with their academic advisor regarding the impact of the withdrawal on their academic plan and future financial aid eligibility.  The advisor will assist the student with visiting the Enrollment Services Student Forms page. Students will be prompted to log-in with their Trinity credentials and should select the Petition for a Schedule Adjustment after the Registration Deadline.  Once the form is submitted, Enrollment Services will consult with the Dean, academic advisor, and, as appropriate, program faculty or other academic staff. Late withdrawals are typically approved in extraordinary circumstances that impact a student’s ability to complete a class.  A final decision is rendered regarding the appeal.  If the application is approved, a “W” will appear on the course roster.

Incomplete Grades

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is recorded only in cases judged sufficiently serious by the instructor. Incomplete grades may only be issued in cases where the student has attended at least two-thirds of classes and completed at least two-thirds of required coursework. Where this is not the case, the student should be advised to withdraw from the course or risk earning a failing grade. In all cases, the student and instructor must meet to stipulate the work to be done before the grade and credit for the course will be recorded. Once the terms of the incomplete have been stipulated, the instructor submits the “Request for Incomplete Grade” form available on the Enrollment Services Faculty Forms website no later than the end of the final examination period.

The following policies govern the resolution of Incompletes:

• Resolution of an “I” must be reported to the Enrollment Services Office within four weeks after the last day of the final examination period via the “Change of Grade Form” available on the Enrollment Services Faculty Forms website.
• During the summer session, resolution must be reported within four weeks after the last day of class.
• Students must submit work sufficiently in advance of these dates to allow instructors time for grading.
• If no change of grade is submitted by the deadline, Enrollment Services will convert the “I” to an “F” on the student’s transcript.  The instructor may still pursue a grade change via the Grade Changes policy, below

Grades for Withdrawals

A designation of “W” (Withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript if the student withdraws from the course following the Course Schedule Adjustment deadline. Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student’s GPA.

Grades for Repeated Courses

A graduate student may repeat a course only once (a maximum of two courses) which includes courses in which the student did not achieve the required grade or courses retaken due to a previous course withdrawal. Transcripts will indicate all semesters in which the course was taken and the grade received, but only the most favorable grade will be reported and used to calculate the GPA. The notation “[ ]” will appear on the transcript to indicate that a course has been repeated. Failing or withdrawing from a second graduate course will result in dismissal from the MPH program.

Academic Probation

Students who are not in good academic standing are placed on academic probation. Students may be placed on academic probation if their semester or cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 or if they have completed less than two-thirds of their attempted credits. All courses, except audits, that appear on a student’s transcript constitute attempted credits. Courses for which the student has earned grades of “F,” “I,” or “W,” are considered attempted credits that have not been completed.

Academic probation indicates that the student is no longer in good academic standing, and the student’s eligibility to continue studies at Trinity is under question. Students on academic probation are limited to two courses comprising a course load of no more than six credits during the semester for which they are on academic probation. Students may be removed from academic probation once their cumulative GPA is raised to the minimum standard of 3.0. A student may remain on academic probation for no more than one semester. Failure to raise the GPA to the minimum standard of 3.0 during a student’s semester on academic probation may result in dismissal from the University.

Readmission

Students who have been dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons may reapply after one year following the dismissal by making a written appeal to the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions presenting compelling evidence for why they should be readmitted. Following the Dean’s approval, students must then apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions and be reaccepted to Trinity before attending classes.

If the student is readmitted, she or he will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions that details specific provisions and conditions of their readmission. A copy of the acceptance letter will be sent to Enrollment Services, the respective program chair, and the student’s academic advisor, and it will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record.

For students readmitted after academic dismissal, conditions for readmission typically include a mandatory semester on academic probation, although other conditions may also apply.  Failure to comply with the provisions and conditions of admission may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Cross-tallied Courses:
Unless noted otherwise, courses that are cross-tallied represent identical courses offered with a different program prefix. Students may not enroll in or receive credit for more than one iteration of a cross-tallied course even in different semesters.

Pass/No Pass:
Graduate students may not take courses on a Pass/No Pass basis; courses taken Pass/No Pass do not fulfill degree requirements.

Trinity Experiential Life-Long Learning Policy (TELL):
Trinity Experiential Lifelong Learning (TELL) credits are not applicable toward the MPH degree.

Transfer Policy:

A maximum of six transfer credits may be granted for transfer to a degree program. Courses eligible for transfer must meet the following requirements:

• The course(s) must have been completed at a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional higher education accrediting association. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”).
• The course(s) must have been completed with a final grade of “B” or better.
• The course(s) must have been taken at the graduate level.
• Each course must have been completed no longer than five years prior to the date of matriculation to the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Personal Health Insurance:  All MPH students are expected to have personal health insurance throughout the duration of coursework.

• Insurance may be obtained through the Trinity Health and Wellness Center or through private insurance.
• Students are responsible for any medical costs incurred while in the MPH program that are not covered by their personal health care insurance. Trinity does not assume liability for an incident or injury that may occur during a practicum experience.

School of Nursing and Health Professions Graduate Program Academic Policies

For more information about NHP Graduate Program Policies, including the grading system and academic appeals, please visit the NHP graduate policies page.

Trinity reserves the right to change, without prior notice, any policy or procedure, tuition or fee, curricular requirements, or any other information found on this web site or in its printed materials.

Course Descriptions

SNHP 510 Theor Found of PH and HEFocuses on the historical foundations and theoretical concepts in public health and health education through an interdisciplinary and global lens. Covers the history, impact, and importance of public health and health education in various settings within healthcare systems and in the community. Presents the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention in public health and analyzes the relationship between health disparities and diverse societal issues. Theories and models include the Socioecological Model, Health Belief Model, Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior, and more. Applies various Public Health Competencies using a case study approach.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 520 Public Health PolicyAdvanced analysis of healthcare policy in the context of public health. Explores complexities of healthcare policymaking at U.S. federal, state, and local levels, and influence of social determinants of health in policymaking processes. Reviews current and historical healthcare policy for insight into impact of societal factors on policy formulation. Introduces analytical methods essential for effective evaluation of healthcare policies. Key topics include various dimensions of healthcare policy, policymaking process, and public health disparities.
SNHP 530 Quantitative Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores quantitative research methodologies utilized for observation and data collection, including analysis and interpretation of collected data. This course provides an exploration of research concepts, literature review, research methods, designs, data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in quantitative research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with quantitative analyses. This course is designed to provide graduate students with the skills necessary to evaluate the relationship between practice and published research. This course provides opportunities to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based research project. Each student will develop and evaluate a plan for the translation of the research into their practice. (3 credits)
SNHP 535 Health Program Design, Planning, and ImplementationThis course focuses on assessing population health and constructing a health program. Students will focus on program planning, writing measurable goals and objectives, and applying evaluation methods for the health program. The course will also include various public health interventions and information on engaging stakeholders in the implementation of various health programs.

3 credits
SNHP 540 Public Health CommunicationFocuses on public health communication and the media. Covers communication theory, analysis, and practice in diverse contexts, such as health promotion campaigns, scientific venues, and business or organizational settings. Examines the impact of media on public health outcomes, at individual and community levels, including strategic use of media to accomplish public health goals.
SNHP 590 Leadrshp/Strategic Plan Public Hlth LdrsOverviews theory and practice of leadership in healthcare organizations. Integrates leadership skills, personal strategies, and management principles to develop tools for strategic planning, decision-making, budgeting and marketing grounded in data collection, analysis, and communication. Cultivates thoughtful decision-making aligned with organizational goals, emphasizing personal development for future healthcare leaders. Focuses on sustained, intentional leadership over short-term, reactionary, and transient approaches to problem-solving in healthcare.
SNHP 610 Health Equity and Social JusticeExamines the complex relationship between public health and social justice. Develops understanding of the root causes of health inequity by exploring theoretical perspectives on social justice and comprehensive analyses of social determinants of health. Utilizes various methodologies such as community-based research and narrative approaches to investigate and address systemic injustices and disparities in public health.
SNHP 630 Qualitative and Outcomes Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores qualitative and outcomes research methodologies. Students interpret findings and learn how to critically appraise the evidence and its impact on practice with a focus on evaluation methods, epidemiology, and economic theory. This course provides opportunities to integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment, cultural preferences, and research to improve health care practice and outcomes. The student will conduct efficient literature reviews and evaluate the quality of that research through the appraisal of research design, methodology, and data analysis. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in qualitative and outcomes research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the analysis process of data gathered in qualitative and outcome research methodologies, the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with qualitative analyses. (3 credits)
SNHP 641 Public and Community HealthProvides an overview of concepts and issues in public and community health, with a focus on the skills and knowledge required for the management and development of community health services. The course addresses epidemiological, policy, and ethical issues in preventive health services, and discusses the history, purpose, and results of public and community health activities. Formerly ADMN 641 Public and Community Health.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 645 Global Health and Health PolicyIn this course health and developmental issues across nations and cultures that impact the quality of patient care worldwide will be reviewed. Topics related to health policy and population health will be discussed. Students will discuss innovative solutions to challenging health problems in resource-limited environments with the goal of on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 647 Epidemiology and Disease PreveDiscusses the principles of epidemiology and disease prevention. Topics include the determinants of health and disease in populations, rates of disease, analytic and descriptive epidemiology, and disease control and prevention. Formerly ADMN 647 Epidemiology and Disease Prevention.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 650 Systems Thinking Approach in Public HealthExplores persistent challenges in public health, including how to address entrenched health disparities, prevent disease, and successfully implement evidence-based interventions. Introduces systems-thinking strategies and tools to evaluate problems and pinpoint effective solutions. Utilizes practical applications in identifying system characteristics, understanding feedback dynamics influencing health outcomes, and tailoring interventions to specific contexts.
SNHP 691 Public Health PracticumStudents demonstrate competency attainment through an applied practice experience. The experience is one that is mutually beneficial to the student and the community partner. The practicum experience is planned and negotiated for students to demonstrate attainment of at least five competencies, three of which address foundational competencies of evidence-based approaches to public health, knowledge of public health and health care systems, planning and management to promote health, public health policy, leadership, communication, interprofessional public health practice, or systems thinking. The practicum requires a student to complete 100 hours at an approved community site. The student?s capstone project should be derived from the practicum experience.

3 credits
Prerequisite:Completed 24 MPH credits
SNHP 699 Public Health CapstoneThis is a culminating course in which students complete an integrative learning experience (ILE) that demonstrates synthesis of at least five foundational and concentration competencies that align with the student?s educational and professional goals. Students complete a final community-based project in which the student synthesize at least five competencies, three of which address foundational competencies of evidence-based approaches to public health, knowledge of public health and health care systems, planning and management to promote health, public health policy, leadership, communication, interprofessional public health practice, or systems thinking. Students present their final project in a professional forum at the end of the semester. Students must pass the course with a B or better to graduate from the program. This course is required of all students in the program.

3 credits
Prerequisite: Completed 24 MPH credits