Health (HLTH)
HLTH 5097. Special Topics in Health. 3 Hours.
Students acquire professional knowledge and skills through an advanced research, grant, data analytic / surveillance, health quality, or program development / evaluation project with a Public Health or Health Care Quality and Safety faculty or professional. The focus and credit hours of the project will be approved by the graduate coordinator. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate coordinator.
HLTH 5318. Current Topics in Environmental Health. 3 Hours.
Students focus on current environmental health issues that are fundamental in the field of public health. Students learn to apply and analyze the complex issues related to environmental health with a focus on research and policy implications.
HLTH 5331. Foundations of Community Health. 3 Hours.
Students apply the epidemiological, biostatistical methods of investigation to international, national, state, and local health issues. Additionally, the historical and philosophical foundations of community health are presented with an orientation to current health programs, medical care trends, and health problems experienced by diverse populations.
HLTH 5332. Hlth Determin & Pop Response. 3 Hours.
Students explore the major factors which determine health or illness, including how populations respond to various determinants of health including lifestyle, heredity, environment, and health care resources. Course topics may include human ecological theories, social determinants of health, preventive and protective factors, and evidence-based program analyses.
HLTH 5333. Colloquium in Current Health Issues. 3 Hours.
Students explore current health issues in the field of public health, health administration, and/or health care quality and safety. Topics for the course focus on the political, social, and economic impact on the social determinants of health, quality of life, and overall well-being. Course sessions are facilitated by content experts and may include active learning, team collaboration, reflective practice, storytelling, and other educational strategies.
HLTH 5350. Public Health and Underserved Populations. 3 Hours.
Students examine the relationship among underserved and rural populations and public health through the analysis of the social determinants of health in at-risk populations. Students describe, measure, and evaluate public health policy; critically analyze public policies, interventions, and services; and apply community-based methods for reducing population health disparities.
HLTH 5351. Migrant & Refugee Health. 3 Hours.
Students use integrative frameworks to analyze the mental, physical, social, and health issues of migrant and refugee populations. Students evaluate population health issues facing these diverse groups; the effect of their home country on their level and quality of health; the cultural, social, and religious barriers to health; the ramification of war zones and humanitarian crises; the effect of man-made and natural disasters in their home country; and the political, legal, and economic constraints to health and social services in the US and other countries.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Public Health Program, or permission of instructor.
HLTH 5353. Epidemiology. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on the role and importance of epidemiology in public health research and practice, and investigates the pathways and mechanisms in which diseases are transmitted within populations of people and communities. The course applies epidemiological principles to the investigation of disease outbreaks and their source, injury related data, and the prevention of the future recurrence of the disease through universal measures. Students will integrate epidemiological terminology, research methods, critical thinking, and basic analyses into disease distributions in the public health sector. Diseases discussed range from sudden-onset infectious diseases to non-infectious chronic diseases.
Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Public Health Program.
HLTH 5355. Health Services Administration. 3 Hours.
Students are introduced to the domain of health care administration and management. Topics discussed in the course may include organizational theories, leadership strategies, human resource constructs, ethical issues, and marketing initiatives. The content of the course serves as a foundation to the graduate programs in Health.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
HLTH 5360. Communication Theory and Practice for Health Professionals. 3 Hours.
Students engage in a laboratory experience built around research on motivational concepts as they influence changes, perception, attitudes, values and behavior. Diffusion patterns, group discussion, decision-making, and interviewing techniques will be covered. Attention is given to the selection, use, and evaluation of media, materials, visual aids, press, radio, mass media, etc.
HLTH 5361. Social and Behavioral Determinants of Public Health. 3 Hours.
Students study the history, philosophy, and practices of Health Education. Exploration and application of behavioral science concepts and methodologies to community health education and in-service training of health professionals. Case studies and other practice models are used.
HLTH 5363. Management and Leadership for Health Professionals. 3 Hours.
This course is designed for the individual who will assume some type of supervisory position in health promotion or sports management. The course's focal point involves exposure to administrative skills required of those who serve in a leadership capacity.
HLTH 5365. Aging and Health Promotion. 3 Hours.
Students engage in a discussion of health promotion issues for the elderly, including physical assessment, chronic care, health care maintenance, psychological adaptation, nutrition, and other current topics.
HLTH 5371. Health Care Quality & Safety. 3 Hours.
Students are introduced to foundational concepts in the domain of health care quality and safety. The fundamental topics discussed in the course may include the elements of patient safety and satisfaction, measures for improving organizational and patient quality, accountability standards, and the system approach for continuous improvement. The course is intended to be taken during the graduate student's first year in the program.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
HLTH 5373. Risk Management in Health Care Organizations. 3 Hours.
Students study the management and mitigation of risk in the health care environment. Topics may include process analysis using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis, and the reporting of data relating to risk management. The management constructs of monitoring and reporting, risk prevention, and communication strategies to minimize risk and injuries in the health care environment are also covered.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing, admission to the program, and HLTH 5371.
HLTH 5374. Health Research Methods. 3 Hours.
Students study quantitative and qualitative research methods in health. Students learn to select appropriate data collection methods for specific health contexts and analyze data using biostatistics, informatics, and statistical software. The course includes research design, problem identification, data gathering procedures, and interpretation of research findings for application to health research, policy, and practice. Students develop a comprehensive proposal for a health research project.
HLTH 5376. Health Statistics. 3 Hours.
Students practice statistical techniques and measurement theory with applications to health, health care, and related fields. Students select appropriate quantitative and qualitative data collection methods for specific health contexts. The course emphasizes practical application of biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming, and statistical software to analyze complex datasets. Students interpret data analytic results and apply findings to health research, policy, and practice decisions.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of one college level course in statistics with a grade of "C" or higher prior to enrollment, or with approval of instructor.
HLTH 5377. Independent Studies. 3 Hours.
The student with specific interest and background experience in a specialized area will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in a laboratory situation. The student may have practical experiences in a clinic, agency, special school or other types of institutions.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Graduate Coordinator.
HLTH 5378. Health Care Informatics. 3 Hours.
Students are provided an in-depth study of digital technologies in health information management systems. Topics discussed in the course may include approaches to data acquisition, storage systems, retrieval constructs, analysis of information, and technological use to provide information to drive decisions that address opportunities and problems in health care organizations.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
HLTH 5380. Global Health Partnerships. 3 Hours.
Students analyze health problems, policies, and challenges beyond national boundaries that require cooperative actions of global partners and multilateral agencies. Students investigate current and emerging global health priorities, infectious diseases, poverty, political conflicts, manmade and natural disasters, emergencies, health inequities, health system reform, and major global initiatives for disease prevention and health promotion. The course content and assignments provide students with the comprehensive contexts for linking the global developmental issues to social justice.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Public Health Program, or permission of instructor.
HLTH 5381. Health Economics and Finance. 3 Hours.
Students explore and analyze select financial management topics commonly used in nonprofit health care organizations including health care related economics principles, not-for-profit accounting statements, and financial project selection techniques.
HLTH 5382. Healthcare Marketing. 3 Hours.
Students examine the unique principles and practices of marketing in healthcare settings. Students also investigate and evaluate the planning, communication, and promotional marketing strategies of healthcare services in today’s competitive and heavily regulated environment. Ethical considerations in healthcare-specific technology, social media, and digital marketing will be emphasized in the course.
HLTH 5384. Quality and Safety Public Reporting Systems. 3 Hours.
Students focus on the quality and safety reporting requirements that foster continued improvement and financial efficiencies by making publicly available report cards and rankings of providers. Students access, manipulate, and create customized reports on health service delivery settings as requested by federal and state governmental entities and accreditation organizations. In addition, students prepare plans of action to manage public perception of report cards and to lead evidence-based organizational initiatives for improvement of quality and safety measures.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.
HLTH 6098. Thesis I. 1-3 Hours.
This phase of the thesis investigation includes the completion of the review of the related literature, formulation of the research design and procedures and related pilot studies. Some data collection may also occur, and the thesis symposium must be completed to the satisfaction of the advisor and members of the thesis committee. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Course Equivalents: HLTH 6398 .
HLTH 6099. Thesis II. 1-3 Hours.
This phase of the thesis work includes the completion of the data collection, as well as the actual writing and defense of the thesis. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Course Equivalents: HLTH 6399 .
HLTH 6352. Health Grant Writing. 3 Hours.
Students develop competitive grant proposals for health programs and/or organizations. Students evaluate and select appropriate funding agencies and requests for proposals that align with organizational goals. Through critical analysis of grant instructions and funding priorities, students design comprehensive grant narratives that address all required components. Students synthesize program goals, budgets, and evaluation plans into cohesive proposals and apply electronic submission systems required by major funding agencies. The course culminates in students creating a complete, submission-ready grant proposal.
Prerequisite: HLTH 5355 and HLTH 6396, or permission of instructor.
HLTH 6360. Healthcare Organizational Behavior & Theory. 3 Hours.
Students investigate the organizational and behavioral aspects involved in the operations of a contemporary healthcare delivery organization. Students also examine the leading organizational theories, interpersonal professional skills, and regulatory knowledge that is required to understand, predict, and manage today’s healthcare organizations. The behavioral, structural, legal, ethical, and human resources aspects of today’s healthcare organizations are analyzed.
HLTH 6361. Population Health. 3 Hours.
Students examine population health, emphasizing health equity and community-centered public health practice. Students explore how social, economic, environmental, and cultural determinants shape health outcomes across different populations. The course integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, examining how structural factors—including poverty, geographic isolation, and policy decisions—create and perpetuate health disparities. Students analyze population-specific health challenges while developing culturally responsive and community-driven approaches to health education and promotion. Students design, implement, and evaluate population-centered health interventions that address root causes of health disparities rather than symptoms alone.
HLTH 6365. Health Care Policy. 3 Hours.
Students examine the impact of managed care, the dynamics of competition in the healthcare industry, and the role of government in medical care. Students investigate forces pressuring for change in healthcare, and the reasons why the health system has evolved to its current state. Emphasis is placed on the role of the Affordable Care Act (2010) and how healthcare reform and related legislation and regulation influences the manner in which the public pays for and receives its medical services.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Public Health Program, or permission of instructor.
HLTH 6366. Public Health Policy and Administration. 3 Hours.
Students examine the complex interplay between health systems, policy development, and advocacy strategies in addressing population health challenges. Students analyze health care, public health, and regulatory systems across national and international contexts while developing critical skills in policy analysis, coalition building, advocacy, and administration. The course emphasizes how structure impacts health outcomes and prepares students to become effective advocates for evidence-based policies that promote public health.
HLTH 6367. Healthcare Human Resource Management. 3 Hours.
Students investigate the structural and behavioral systems in human resources practices in healthcare management. Students also focus on perspectives of strategic management and the context of the legal environment for healthcare organizations. Human resource management best practices are explored as they relate to health services organizations, performance management, and their application to effectively manage the dynamic legal, social, and economic environment in healthcare organizations.
HLTH 6371. Advanced Concepts in Health Care Quality. 3 Hours.
In this advanced course in health care quality and safety, students use a systems approach to examine quality philosophies and frameworks with a focus on design, validation, quality measure applications, metrics for processes and outcomes, benchmarking concepts, strategic quality management, and the management of human factors.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing, 3 Hours of Statistics, and HLTH 5371.
HLTH 6373. Leading Change in Health Care Organizations. 3 Hours.
Students focus on advanced theoretical concepts and applications in the areas of leadership, organizational development, team building, change management, and the particular challenges involved with leading change in health care organizations. The effects of the culture of change initiatives are examined as well as approaches to motivating organizations to create more openness to the capacity of change through competent leadership.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.
HLTH 6396. Health Program Planning/ Pre-Capstone. 3 Hours.
Students engage in a comprehensive review of the components of health program planning with emphasis on the socio-economical, cultural, and political factors that influence the health status of a community. Emphasis is focused on a comprehensive approach to health program planning and behavior change models.
HLTH 6397. Grad Hlth Capstone / Practicum. 3 Hours.
Students engage in a 300-hour supervised professional field experience in an approved public health setting. Under qualified preceptor supervision, students apply MPH or CAHME competencies through practical engagement in program planning, health education, community assessment, policy analysis, or other essential health functions. The applied practice experience allows each student to demonstrate attainment of at least five competencies, of which at least three must be foundational competencies. Students demonstrate competency attainment by integrating theoretical knowledge with professional practice while contributing to their host organization's goals. This course serves as a comprehensive examination component; students must earn a "B" or higher for graduation eligibility.
