Full Course Description List:

PHLT Courses

(5 credits)

In this course, students will explore the field of public health and analyze foundational components of the discipline, including philosophies and values, from the viewpoint of what it means to become a scholar-practitioner in the field. They will also examine literature in public health including information on emerging issues and trends and technologies used. Students will learn about the public health doctoral programs and the resources that are available to improve scholarly voice, writing, and communication. In addition, students will examine the skills that are needed to complete a doctoral study program with regards to time management, self-discipline, and academic integrity.

(5 credits)

In this course, students will explore the field of public health and analyze foundational components of the discipline, including philosophies and values, from the viewpoint of what it means to become a scholar-practitioner in the field. They will also examine literature in public health including information on emerging issues and trends and technologies used. Students will learn about the public health doctoral programs and the resources that are available to improve scholarly voice, writing, and communication. In addition, students will examine the skills that are needed to complete a doctoral study program with regards to time management, self-discipline, and academic integrity.

(5 credits)

In this course, students are provided with a foundational understanding of the administrative, managerial, and organizational practices of public health and healthcare delivery systems. Students examine theories of leadership as well as the professional attributes, skills, styles, and strategies required to advance public health goals. They engage in a variety of contextual and practical assignments focused on management theories, policy processes, systems thinking, strategic planning and partnerships, public health financing, human resource management, public health informatics, quality and performance improvement, leadership, and organizational behavior. Students also consider the impact of global trends on public health.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011

(1 credit)

In this laboratory course, students can learn the skills needed to use the statistical computer package SPSS (Software Package for the Social Sciences) in public health practice and research. Topics include importation of data, management of various types of data, creation and exportation of tables and graphs, and computation of basic statistical tests using SPSS.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011

(5 credits)

Students in this course learn about biostatistical methods and concepts used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and application of concepts rather than statistical formulas. Major topics include identification of levels of measurement, interpretation of narrative and graphical descriptive statistics, conceptualization of statistical inference and probability, and interpretation of commonly used statistical tests such as t tests, analysis of variance, correlation and regression, comparing proportions, contingency tables, and chi-square tests. Students are required to use the statistical computer package SPSS.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
• PUBH 8032

(5 credits)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental factors that affect the health and safety of 21st century communities. Students examine associations and interrelationships between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on human health. Concepts cover food, water, air, waste, radiation, noise, pests, population growth, injury and physical hazards, and climate change. Students analyze and discuss current local and global problems and solutions and consider new ways to address environmental issues.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8033 or PHLT 8331

(5 credits)

Public health officials frequently use epidemiologic research to develop educational strategies and intervention programs to improve the overall health of communities. Using an epidemiological approach, students in this course examine the incidence, prevalence, and patterns of disease and injury in populations and learn how to apply these concepts to the control of public health problems. Students identify key sources of data for epidemiological purposes and address principles and limitations of public health screening programs. Students calculate basic epidemiological measures and draw appropriate inferences from epidemiological data and reports. Through this course, students gain a deeper understanding of the various research designs and methodologies professionals use in public health research.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8033 or PHLT 8331

(5 credits)

This course introduces students to concepts necessary to promote positive health behavior change by examining the most commonly used theories and models in public health and health education and promotion. Coursework focuses on the identification and application of theories and models to promote and design effective health behavior programs and interventions. Individual, interpersonal, and community theories and models will be explored to determine the most appropriate application.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011

(5 credits)

In this course, students examine the role of federal, state, and local government in the assurance of public health through health policy and law. Consideration is given to contemporary policy, law, and regulatory issues arising in public health practice, as well as to the economics and financing of public health programs. The advocacy, political, and creative process in the formulation, implementation, and modification of health policy are examined and discussed. Students also learn how to structure and write a health policy brief, which will provide students with experience integrating scientific information, legal, and regulatory approaches, ethical frameworks, and varied stakeholder interests in policy development and analysis.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8402
• PHLT 8066

(3 credits)

This course will introduce students to the main values and principles that drive decision-making in public health research and practice. Through a case study approach, students will be exposed to different ethical theories and their application in real-life public health scenarios, such as resource allocation, individual autonomy versus the needs of the community, and protecting vulnerable populations. In addition, principles of research ethics will be discussed and students will be exposed to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) application process.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011

(5 credits)

The course provides students interested in pursuing a public health doctoral-level degree with the advanced competencies necessary to evaluate public health programs. This course will emphasize public health practice and is designed to assist students in understanding how to plan, conduct, and report on a program evaluation. Students will learn the importance of abiding by the program evaluation standards and evaluator guiding principles. These are fundamental to ensure students complete evaluations with integrity and utility.  Students will learn the importance of evaluation theory and the relationship between evaluation theory, program theory, and public health change theories.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8210
• RSCH 8310
• PHLT 8066

(5 credits)

In this course, students investigate the multiple funding sources of public health research. Students analyze grant-writing strategies and the advantages and disadvantages of various financing options. Students will be responsible for writing a mock public health grant proposal to support a real-world research topic. In addition, students will be exposed to the grant approval review process and gain experience in grant review and evaluation.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8210

(5 credits)

This course presents a comprehensive look at public health and behavior change theoretical and conceptual models that apply to public health research and practice. Students review and assess predominant social and behavioral principles at the individual, interpersonal, and community levels. Students learn to integrate knowledge on different public health theoretical and conceptual frameworks, research approaches, methods, values and potential contributions from multiple professions and systems in addressing public health problems. Finally, students learn to apply theories to public health quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research and practice.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8064
• RSCH 8210
• RSCH 8310

(5 credits)

This course provides an in-depth review and analysis of the leading global health problems, and the primary methods used to measure those problems. Students analyze the social and environmental determinants of global health problems, including urbanization, global industrialization, environmental pollution, and their role in health inequalities within and between populations. In addition, students evaluate population-based approaches to improving global public health, including culturally inclusive and sensitive primary health care, and policies that promote health literacy, health equity and positive social change. Emphasis is placed on strategies to advance inclusion, cultural humility and health equity in public health research, policies and programs. The course takes a cross-disciplinary, ecological approach, enabling students to examine the complex inter-relationships between economic, social and environmental factors, and health.

PhD in Nursing

Pre-requisites

• None

PhD in Public Health

Pre-requisites

• Track I Prerequisites:
  • PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
• Track 2 Prerequisites:
  • PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
  • PHLT 8038
  • PHLT 8032
  • PHLT 8033
  • PHLT 8031 or PHLT 8128
  • PHLT 8035
  • PHLT 8034

(5 credits)

In this course, students explore how lifestyle and related risk factors influence chronic diseases, also called noncommunicable diseases. Topics include the role of diet, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and drug use) on the epidemiology of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Through development of an evidence-based intervention to improve a lifestyle behavior, students evaluate the use of theories of health behavior change, measurement techniques, screening approaches, and prevention of chronic diseases.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8210
• PHLT 8066

(1 credits)

Dissertation Seminar Course 1 on the Journey to the Community of Scholars gets students prepared for the dissertation process. Students are introduced to the Doctoral Degree Coach, helpful dissertation resources, time management strategies, and potential topics relevant to their field of study. Students also examine exemplar dissertations to better understand the journey they will be undertaking.

Track 1 Pre-requisites:

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011

Track 2 Pre-requisites:

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
• PHLT 8038
• PHLT 8032
• PHLT 8033
• PHLT 8031 or PHLT 8128
• PHLT 8035
• PHLT 8034

(1 credit)

Dissertation Seminar Course 2 on the Journey to the Communities of Scholars represents the preboarding phase of the journey. Students learn how to use the library, develop doctoral-level writing strategies, and write a literature review. Students also examine how social problems drive scientific inquiry.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8060

(1 credit)

Dissertation Seminar 3 gives you continued practice developing critical elements of a scientific study. You will examine the characteristics of strong quantitative and qualitative research questions and evaluate conceptual and theoretical frameworks with respect to their alignment with a study. You will engage in an iterative process of developing research questions through peer review and feedback.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8062
• RSCH 8110H

(1 credit)

Dissertation Seminar 4 on the Journey to the Community of Scholars has students fly towards completing their prospectus by developing methods appropriate to answer a research question as well as explain the nature and significance of a scientific study. Students evaluate how to align various elements of a scientific study and ensure ethical concerns are addressed. Students end this course with a solid draft of their prospectus.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8310H or PHLT 8500
• PHLT 8064

(1 credit)

Dissertation Seminar 5 has students focus on creating a finalized, complete draft of their Prospectus Form to be submitted for formal approval after entering the Capstone Phase. As part of their efforts in this course, students will receive and implement a final round of feedback from their peers and instructor. The feedback they receive from their instructor will be the result of a comprehensive review and it will help them strengthen their prospectus further than they thought possible. Students will also deliver an asynchronous presentation of their proposed study. Finally, they will work on an academic portfolio and a career plan. All of these activities are designed to support successful transition to the Capstone Phase of the journey.

Pre-requisites

• RESI 8401
• RESI 8402
• PHLT 8066

(5 credits)

This course covers principles and methods of communicable disease epidemiology. Topics include history of communicable disease control, infectious disease definitions and terminology, the epidemiologic triad, dynamics of transmission, laboratory diagnosis, outbreak investigations, disease surveillance, immunity, vaccines, and pandemics. Case studies are used to investigate vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, zoonotic diseases, diarrheal diseases, and antibiotic resistant infections.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8520
• PHLT 8522
• PHLT 8066

(5 credits)

This course provides students with the key health effects of environmental and occupational exposures and the epidemiologic methods used to identify and estimate those effects, including addressing equity-related barriers. Students learn about environmental and occupational exposures (including water and air pollution, food contamination, ionizing radiation, persistent environmental pollutants, and emergent environmental exposures) and key methodological issues relevant for these exposures in population studies (including study design, exposure assessment and biomonitoring, disease clusters, dose-response relationships, susceptibility, geographic analysis, and evidence synthesis). Students will also learn the major health consequences and increased health risks of climate effects (including injuries, heat-related illness and death, and exacerbations of respiratory and cardiovascular disease).

​Environmental and Occupational Health Specialization:

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8702
• PHLT 8704
• PHLT 8066

Epidemiology Specialization:

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8520
• PHLT 8522
• PHLT 8066

(5 credits)

This course enables students to acquire, manipulate and effectively display spatial data by introducing principles, methods, and techniques used in public health to help foster decision and policy-making based on the visualization of data.  Students will further understand how public health researchers and practitioners can increase the impact of their work by using geographic information systems (GIS) to convey information and synthesize data from multiple sources. Using basic GIS concepts, such as coordinate systems, layering, buffering, joining, merging, and aggregating spatial data, conducting spatial queries, and appropriate visualization of spatial data, students will be able to visualize, analyze, and interpret data in an accessible and useful way.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8402
• PHLT 8066
• PHLT 8070

(5 credits)

This course will explore the legal and regulatory frameworks for environmental and occupational health both in the United States and select additional countries. The roles of different levels of government in the development of environmental and occupational policies and laws will be addressed through an exploration of historical and contemporary examples. Students will gain experience in evaluation of current laws and regulations and develop strategies for addressing environmental and occupational health issues. Some of the topics covered will include evidence-based decision-making, environmental justice, and the role of climate change in health policy and law.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8402
• PHLT 8702
• PHLT 8066

(5 credits)

This course provides learners with a foundation in the basic science and critical thinking that informs the core areas of public health. Students explore the biological and physical underpinnings of the human body in health and disease states, and they investigate the microbiological, physical, behavioral, and environmental causes of common diseases from a public health perspective.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011

(5 credits)

By addressing current trends and future applications in public health research, students develop advanced competency in health informatics and surveillance in this course. The key informatics issues of data standards and integration, vocabularies and data transmission protocols, natural language or text processing, health information technology, surveillance systems, and the application of geographical information systems to situation awareness are addressed. Through surveillance data analysis, students will use trend data to detect and interpret aberrations in person, place, and time trends. Other topics include information architecture, public health records, electronic medical records, electronic health records, health information exchange, and database design, as well as information storage, security, and privacy.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8110

(5 credits)

Students in this course learn about biostatistical methods and concepts used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and application of concepts rather than statistical formulas. Major topics include identification of levels of measurement, interpretation of narrative and graphical descriptive statistics, and conceptualization of statistical inference, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, sample size and power. Emphasis is placed on application of commonly used statistical tests such as t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and chi-square. Students are required to use the statistical computer package SPSS.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
• PHLT 8032

(5 credits)

In this course, students explore various definitions of public health leadership versus public health management. Students apply insights to current and future public health leadership roles, examine the strengths and limitations of the various theories and models of leadership, and consider which most resonates with their personal leadership philosophy. They reflect on the importance of cultural proficiency, apply a multicultural perspective for leadership in public health, consider negotiation and conflict resolution methods and reflect on the value of diversity in research. Students apply a systems thinking approach to public health leadership, and in doing so analyze their own personal leadership characteristics, values, and behaviors, assessing their own attitudes, beliefs, and implicit bias. They explore the importance of ethical decision making for effective public health leadership, engage in professional development planning, and apply public health leadership theory to design a system-level intervention.

PhD in Nursing

Pre-requisites

• None

PhD in Public Health

Prerequisites

• Track 1Prerequisites:
  • PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
• Track 2Prerequisites:
  • PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
  • PHLT 8038
  • PHLT 8032
  • PHLT 8033
  • PHLT 8031 or PHLT 8128
  • PHLT 8035
  • PHLT 8034

(5 credits)

This course covers community health assessment and its application to program planning. Students learn to identify and prioritize public health issues, then assess and utilize community resources to address them. Topics include measuring selected determinants of community health, evaluating community assets, applying data sources, and developing a community health assessment plan. Students will discuss approaches to synthesizing findings to identify priority health needs and consider dissemination strategies to maximize positive social change.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8210
• RSCH 8310

(5 credits)

Students in this course cover the advanced biostatistics methods needed to prepare for conducting future research, as well as for critically reviewing the statistical methods incorporated in public health literature. Students learn to use statistical methodologies such as covariance and repeated measures, longitudinal data analysis, life tables and survival analysis, multiple regression, logistic regression, Poisson regression, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. In this course, students use SPSS statistical software for advanced data management, manipulation, analysis, and the use of graphical techniques.

Community Health Specialization:

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8210
• PHLT 8062
• PHLT 8066

Environmental and Occupational Health & Epidemiology Specializations:

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8210
• PHLT 8062

(5 credits)

This course integrates the principles of epidemiologic design, analysis, and interpretation at an advanced level. Students discuss data sources, assessment of dependent and independent variables, measurement error, confounding, and bias. Students explore methodological issues in epidemiology, including factors critical to public health research, such as missing data, intermediate variables, confounding, complex study designs, meta-analysis, and questionnaire design. The course covers concepts and applications in survival analysis, analysis of incidence rates, life tables, and parametric and nonparametric approaches. 

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8500

(5 credits)

This course introduces epidemiologic methods used to solve health related problems. Students gain knowledge in clinical, social and field epidemiology through case studies of actual epidemiological investigations. Methods that are critical to epidemiological investigations are presented, such as clinical trials, online survey research, matched case-control studies, and traceback studies.  Topics will range from cancer and diabetes to HIV and COVID-19. 

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8500

(5 credits)

Through this course, students develop an advanced understanding of statistical and epidemiological methodology and the use of public health and biomedical secondary data sources. Students explore how to design research to make appropriate use of available secondary data sources. Students also evaluate the strengths and limitations of using secondary data.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8210
• PHLT 8270
• PHLT 8066

(5 credits)

This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the steps and key considerations involved in designing and conducting an exposure assessment, mainly in the context of epidemiological investigation and health risk assessment.  Students will acquire scientific knowledge of sources of exposure, exposure measurement and assessment, and prevention and mitigation of hazardous environmental exposure. Topics include basic concepts of exposure science, types and sources of environmental agents that people are exposed to, exposure measurement and assessment methods, and emerging environmental exposure issues.

Pre-requisites

• RSCH 8110
• RSCH 8210
• PHLT 8270

(5 credits)

In this course, students will explore the principles of toxicology from an environmental and occupational public health context. This course will emphasize an examination of the risks associated with exposure to various toxicants within both environmental and occupational settings, as well as the toxicology of major organ systems; the health effects of categories of toxins; and review of toxicological testing types. As a result of this course, students should be able to explain potential routes of exposure for various toxicants and measurement of adverse effects of exposure. Students will also be able to communicate toxicological characteristics to educate populations, change behavior, and drive social change.

Pre-requisites

• PHLT 8006 or PHLT 8011
• PHLT 8270
• PHLT 8064

(5 credits)

 A doctoral capstone (e.g., dissertation, project study, etc.) is required in the final phase of a student's doctoral journey. During capstone development, students integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration culminating in the completion of a doctoral research study. Students complete the study independently, with the support of a capstone committee, and following the guidance from program capstone resources. and the Doctoral Degree Coach. Once enrolled in the capstone course, students are registered each term until the successful completion of all stages.