The MPH degree program at the University of Virginia is designed to be completed in three semesters. All MPH students are required to take the following core courses. Additional courses are required each semester according to track requirements and professional interests.
First Semester
PHS 700: Introduction to Biostatistics (3 credits, H. Wang)
Provides an introduction to the foundations and basic logic of estimation and
hypothesis testing in the medical sciences. Introduces the importance of
precision of estimates and adequate statistical power and sample size along
with the methods that can be used in simple experimental designs.
PHS 701: Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3 credits, K. Gurka)
Provides an introduction to the field of epidemiology and the methods of
epidemiologic research. Describes methods for interpreting, critiquing, and
conducting epidemiologic research (includes formulating a research question,
choosing a study design, collecting and analyzing data, controlling bias and
confounding, and interpreting study results). Instructional Toolkit Course Home Page available.
PHS 705: Germs, Guns, & Lead: Public Health Ethics & Law (3 credits, R. Gaare)
Explores the legitimacy, design, and implementation of a variety of policies aiming to promote public health and reduce the social burden of disease and injury. Highlights the challenge posed by public health’s population-based perspective to traditional individual-centered, autonomy-driven approaches to bioethics and constitutional law. Other themes center on conflicts between public health and public morality and the relationship between public health and social justice. Illustrative topics include mandatory immunization, screening and reporting of infectious diseases, prevention of lead poisoning, food safety, prevention of firearm injuries, airbags and seat belts, mandatory drug testing, syringe exchange programs, tobacco regulation, and restrictions on alcohol and tobacco advertising. A 25-30 page paper will be required.
PHS 710: Health Care Policy & Management (3 credits, C. Engelhard)
Focuses on the evolution of the American health system from a health policy and health values perspective, with emphasis on the current health care system. Covers unsuccessful attempts to institute a national health plan and a discussion of the current issues surrounding the financing and delivery of health care under a managed care framework.
PHS 718: The Practice of Public Health (1 credit, R. Gaare Bernheim)
Weekly lectures by guest speakers in the field of public health who will help MPH students to learn about opportunites in the field and prepare for their own field placements.
Second Semester
PHS 738: Environmental Health: Principles and Practice (3 credits, R. Allen)
Provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding, assessing, and controlling environmental factors that impact public health. Practical examples are used to help public health professionals understand how epidemiology, health surveillance, and exposure surveillance can be used to determine the potential for health problems that result from various environmental factors (including chemical contaminants, radiation, and biological agents). The mechanisms by which certain environmental contaminants affect human health will be studied to show how risk assessments can be made.
PHS 728: The Practice of Public Health II (2 credits, R. Gaare Bernheim)
Weekly lectures by guest speakers in the field of public health who will help MPH students to learn about opportunites in the field and prepare for their own field placements.
Third Semester
PHS 889/890: MPH Field Placement (3 credits)
PHS 893/894: Culminating Experience (3 credits)
Go to Guidelines for Field Placement/Culminating Experience
Go to Descripton of PHS Electives
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