Majors

Currently, four different majors (a.k.a. tracks) are offered by the CWRU MPH Program: Population Health Research, Global Health, Health Policy & Management, and Health Promotion & Disease Prevention. Each major has a required course or courses (in addition to the core required courses), plus selective offerings to be combined for a total of 9 credit hours in major coursework. Students develop a Capstone project relevant to the major area to expand and apply the knowledge of the subject. Individual emphasis will differ from student to student within each major. MPH students can also choose to expand the emphasis and depth of their program of study by electing to do either a double major plan of study for six additional credit hours (for a total of 48 credit hours) or a major-minor plan of study for 3 additional credit hours (for a total of 45 credit hours). For the double major, the student chooses two areas (two majors) of equal emphasis and takes 3 courses in each area. This means that the student’s free elective must be taken in the second major, along with six additional credits in that major. The double major Capstone project must embrace and integrate both emphases. For the major-minor plan, students can choose to minor in a second major or in the areas of adolescent or urban health. Whichever the student chooses, their free elective and 3 additional credit hours must be taken in the minor area. The Capstone project must be based in the major area but also be relevant to the minor area. Whether the student chooses the double major or the major-minor, it should be noted that no double-counting of credits can take place. In other words, one course cannot count towards both majors or for the major and the minor. Students choosing either one of these study options should also work closely with an advisor to ensure optimal course selection and foster the evolution of a successful Capstone project.

The four majors are described below.

Population Health Research Major

Coordinator - Mendel Singer, PhD (mendel@case.edu)

In addition to the general competencies expected of all students, students in the Population Health Research major will be able to demonstrate the following competencies upon graduation:

• Interpret results of statistical analyses found in public health studies.
• Apply descriptive and inferential methodologies according to the type of study design for answering a particular research question.
• Develop cohesive, focused research aims with specific, testable hypotheses to address specific public health questions affecting populations and communities.
• Design, analyze and present data in the way(s) best suited for an appropriately identified target audience.
• Develop written and oral presentations based on statistical analyses for both public health professionals and educated lay audiences.

Global Health Major

Coordinator - Daniel Tisch, PhD, MPH (daniel.tisch@case.edu)

In addition to the general competencies expected of all students, students in the Global Health major will be able to demonstrate the following competencies upon graduation:

• Identify methods for strengthening and focusing existing capacities and resources for health program sustainability.
• Ensure collaborations represent the social, economic, and cultural diversity of the community.
• Apply the fundamental principles of international standards for the protection of human research subjects in diverse cultural settings.
• Employ social justice frameworks to highlight the root causes of health inequities.
• Develop methods for disseminating messages about a project’s progress and impact.
• Integrate multi-dimensional factors into the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health interventions. (Multi-dimensional factors include: social, demographic, cultural, and political.)
• Present evaluation findings and lessons learned to program beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Health Care Policy & Administration Major

Coordinator - Jessica Berg, JD (jessica.berg@case.edu)

In addition to the general competencies expected of all students, students in the Health Care Policy & Administration major will be able to demonstrate the following competencies upon graduation:

• Describe the legal and ethical bases for public health and health services.
• Discuss the policy process for improving the health status of populations.
• Apply the principles of program planning, development, budgeting, management and evaluation in organizational and community initiatives.
• Describe the attributes of leadership in public health.
• Demonstrate team building, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Analyze the potential impacts of legal and regulatory environments on the conduct of ethical public health research and practice.
• Analyze the effects of political, social and economic policies on public health systems at the local, state, national and international levels.

Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Major

Coordinator - Erika Trapl, PhD (erika.trapl@case.edu)

In addition to the general competencies expected of all students (page 7), students in the Health Promotion & Disease Prevention major will be able to demonstrate the following competencies upon graduation:

• Identify and engage critical stakeholders for the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health strategies (i.e. programs, policies, and interventions) that address multiple targets and multiple levels of intervention.
• Describe how social, behavioral, environmental and biological factors contribute to specific individual and community health outcomes.
• Explain how systems (e.g. individuals, social networks, organizations, and communities) may be viewed as systems within systems in the analysis of public health problems and solutions.