Public Health, MPH

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the distributions and determinants of health-related events/outcomes in populations. A basic focus of epidemiology is to investigate the distribution of diseases in different populations. Determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with these events/disease outcomes, as well as measuring the magnitude of such occurrences, is the scientific backbone of public health. An essential part of epidemiological investigation involves the utilization of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and appropriate research study design to evaluate the effectiveness of disease control measures. 

Students enrolled in the epidemiology specialization are required to take advanced level training in chronic and infectious disease epidemiology, advanced biostatistics, and research design. There is opportunity for students to choose from epidemiology electives in the following areas: infectious diseases (e.g., dengue virus, malaria, and HIV/AIDS), nutrition, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s), non-communicable diseases (e.g. diabetes and cardiovascular diseases), obesity, and cancer. Course work in specialized statistical methods and computer applications is also available. Students participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout the UH Mānoa System or community during their field practicum assignment. Course work in specialized statistical applications is also available. Students participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout the UH Mānoa System or community during their fieldwork assignment or thesis research. 

MPH students specializing in epidemiology gain knowledge and skills in research methods, biostatistics, the collection, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiologic data, computer applications, and the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases. The first semester focuses on a core of required basic and public health offerings that cover topics such as environmental health, health care delivery and organization, and health behavior. The courses provide background and breadth in public health. The remainder of the program includes advanced and elective course work focused on study design, biostatistics, computer applications, and professional skills. In order for students to develop skills and document competencies in public health, the development and completion of an epidemiologic study in a public health setting (i.e., a field practicum) is also required. During the final semester, a capstone paper and public presentation based on the practicum integrates a student’s MPH experience.

Health Policy and Management (In-person and asynchronous online)

Health Policy and Management (HPM) is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry and practice concerned with the delivery, quality, and costs of health care for populations. HPM professionals concern themselves with managerial and policy aspects of the structure, process and outcomes of health services including the safety and efficiency of health care, health insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs, disparities in health care and health outcomes, health systems’ organization and financing, accessibility of care, and the performance of health systems. 

The HPM specialization prepares students for a professional career in health services, policy and management through the provision of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practical experience relevant to the discipline. Students are taught to contribute to advancing the health of populations by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health services in public and private health organizations. The development of critical thinking, applied problem-solving skills, and research methods with a focus on public health challenges and under-served populations is promoted. 

Within the HPM specialization, students select their electives and practicum with a view to focusing on subjects of relevance to policy or management. Practical experiences beyond the course work are a key component of public health education and HPM’s strong ties to leading public health policymakers and organizations provide students with ample opportunities to apply themselves to actual health policy and management challenges in the U.S. and abroad. 

The two-year curriculum includes core public health course work and advanced courses such as: 1) PH 641 - Advanced Topics in Health Policy ; 2) PH 672 - Leading and Managing Health Programs ; and 3) PH 677 - Managing Global Health Service Delivery . MPH students are also required to complete a fieldwork practicum and a capstone presentation and paper on a topic relating to health policy and management. There are two program pathways within HPM, the traditional in-person program and the asynchronous online program. The online MPH with a specialization in HPM applies the same program philosophy, curricular design and pedagogical methods, but adapted for asynchronous online delivery.

Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health

Indigenous communities, peoples, and nations are defined as the first inhabitants of an area and their descendants, who consider themselves distinct from other parts of the present-day societies now residing on the territories. At present, many Indigenous Peoples make up the non-dominant part of society, yet remain determined to preserve, develop and transmit their ancestral knowledge to future generations. 

The Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health (NHIH) specialization is designed to provide students with skills and training necessary to serve Indigenous Peoples and assist in addressing their health and wellbeing needs. Indigenous Peoples throughout the world experience grave health and socioeconomic disparities. Many of these inequities result from historical national and local policies designed to eliminate and/or assimilate Indigenous Peoples. Knowledge of history, policy, social determinants of health, and ethics is essential to address and eliminate the inequities experienced by Indigenous Peoples. 

The NHIH specialization will prepare students for leadership roles in Indigenous health policy, culturally safe health services, and Indigenous health promotion. Graduates will better meet the social and cultural needs of Indigenous Peoples, thereby enhancing the quality and effectiveness of health services, policies, and health promotion. The improved quality and effectiveness of Indigenous health services contributes to the reduction of Indigenous health disparities and the improvement of Indigenous peoples’ health. 

Students enrolled in this specialization are required to take advanced level training in Indigenous food systems, health policy, ethics, and research design. Students have opportunities to choose from Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health electives in many areas across the campus. Students will participate in on-going research or public health programs with Indigenous communities through the required practicum experience. 

For MPH students specializing in NHIH, the following course work is required: 1) Indigenous Health Seminar; 2) Native Health Ethics, Law, and Policy; 3) Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems, Environment & Health; 4) Indigenous Applied Research Methods; and 5) Survey Methods for Indigenous Peoples. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements and in subsequent semesters students take required and elective course work to meet the NHIH competencies, as well as the student’s professional goals. A 240-hour field practicum is required which allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a community public health setting. During their final semester, students prepare a report on their practicum experience, complete a research-intensive final paper, and deliver a public presentation to present their capstone findings. The capstone includes a final oral examination where students demonstrate mastery of program competencies and integration of specialization knowledge. A student-selected advisor and program committee guides the student’s course of study, practicum experience, capstone, and research paper.

Social and Behavioral Health Sciences

Over the last century, chronic diseases have replaced infectious diseases as the leading causes of death and, despite advances in medicine and technology, health disparities are increasing in almost every country. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, unsafe sexual practices, substance abuse, and overexposure to the sun are major contributors to disability and death. Social and systemic factors, such as discrimination, poverty, dangerous living and work environments, and unequal distribution of resources (including health care resources), also affect health status. Course assignments will provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge, practice skills, and enhance computer literacy. Students will also be provided with opportunities to participate in university-based projects and/or collaborate with non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and community groups to promote wellness in Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities. 

MPH students specializing in social and behavioral health sciences gain knowledge and skills in health promotion research methods, health communication, biostatistics, models and theories of health behavior change, grant-writing, needs assessment, planning, and evaluation. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. In subsequent semesters, students take required and elective course work to meet the social and behavioral health sciences competencies, as well as the student’s professional goals. A required 240-hour field practicum allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a community public health setting. During the final semester, students complete an integrative seminar, prepare a capstone paper, and deliver a public presentation as a demonstration of mastery of program competencies and the integration of classroom knowledge and field experience. A student-selected faculty advisor and program committee guides the student’s course of study, practicum experience, and capstone.