Full-time Format

Concentrations

Concentrations

Full-time students participating in a concentration will be assigned a faculty advisor with similar interests, who will assist them in understanding critical areas based on their coursework, capstone and required concentration seminars.

The MPH Capstone for each concentration has both a written and oral presentation component. Full-time students should begin discussing the capstone with their advisor during the 1st Term. By the 4th Term, students complete oral presentations and submit the written component.

Aging and Public Health

The MPH concentration in Aging and Public Health (APH) is designed for students seeking training in quantitative research methods who would like exposure to a multi-systems approach to the study of aging. Students are offered perspectives and methods of studying the aging individual (brain systems, body, & mind), the environments in which they age (home, work, neighborhoods, health care), and interventions that target these systems to delay and treat the progression of chronic diseases, including but not limited to dementias, disability, frailty, and cardiovascular disease. The research methodologies covered by this training are translatable to the study of specific chronic diseases that affect older adults disproportionally. The goal of this concentration is to help students integrate coursework with direct participation in practicum experiences and in the design, conduct, and/or analysis of existing, ongoing, or new observational, clinic, and intervention studies of aging.

Capstone

The MPH capstone experience in Aging and Public Health is designed to give students an opportunity to apply and integrate coursework with practicum and research. Preparation for the Capstone experience will start near the end of the 1st term and be integrated throughout the year. In the 3rd and 4th terms, the Research and Translation in Aging Seminar is required for informal discussions of issues relevant to public health research and research in progress sessions. The final product will be a written paper based on one of the two approaches, listed below. Capstone Option 2 requires that students take the 621-623 (or higher) Biostatistics sequence. Students may also take relevant research methods or mixed methods courses, as appropriate.

Students may choose a Capstone project that addresses an important question in aging and that is approved by the student's advisor and the concentration directors. Options include:

  1. Comprehensive literature review. The student will prepare a comprehensive review of the literature on a specific topic in aging research using systematic methods for searching, screening, and inclusion of articles.
  2. Research Report. The student will use an available data set to conduct analyses to examine a specific question relevant to aging.

Coursework

Students in this concentration will complete a total of 19 credits over and above the MPH core course requirements.

Required courses:

The following courses can be used to focus the concentration:

Aging and Public Health Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1.  Evaluate how the biology of aging influences life-course vulnerability.330.623 Brain & Behavior in Mental Disorders
2.   Identify life course [and interdisciplinary] perspectives for studying aging systems.380.604 Life Course Perspectives On Health
3.   Determine appropriate research methods that account for the complexities associated with the study of aging adults.340.616 Epidemiology of Aging
4.   Assess interventions and policies to improve the health of diverse aging populations.

309.605 Health Issues for Aging Populations

OR

380.604 Life Course Perspectives on Health

5.   Develop oral and written communication skills to support the translation of research for practice and policies for the health of diverse aging populations.330.840 Special Studies and Research Mental Health AND
140.840 Special Studies and Research Biostatistics

Faculty Concentration Directors

Michelle C. Carlson, PhD
Professor
Mental Health
410-614-4887
mcarlso2@jhu.edu

Qian-Li Xue, PhD
Associate Professor
Departments of Medicine, Biostatistics, Epidemiology
410-502-7808
qxue1@jhu.edu

Child and Adolescent Health

The MPH concentration in Child & Adolescent Health (CAH) focuses on understanding developmental and health issues and the health status of children and adolescents across the globe, the nature and scope of the multiple determinants of their health status, and the range of public health programs to address the health and well-being of children and families. Students participating in the CAH concentration will be expected to attain proficiency in the 5 competencies shown below. They will be expected to do so by taking at least one of the courses that meets each competency.

Capstone

The MPH capstone in CAH involves application of skills and competencies acquired during the MPH coursework to the solution of public health-practice problems confronted in efforts to improve children’s health. It has both a written and oral- presentation component and several options are available to complete this requirement.

Coursework

Students are required to meet the coursework required for the CAH concentration competencies and take at least 3 elective courses from the CAH concentration elective table below. The minimum number of academic units needed to complete the concentration requirements over and above the MPH core requirements is 17 credits.

Please note that a student’s selection of electives may provide additional depth in a particular area related to child and adolescent health – for example, Nutrition, Infectious Diseases, Adolescent Health or Evaluation.

Required courses:

  • xxx.840 Special Study in Child Health 

CAH core competencies:

Additional CAH concentration elective courses (at least 3 of the following):

Child and Adolescent Health Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1.  Assess principal health concerns for the child and adolescent population, the associated population-based risk factors, including demographic and environmental factors, and the relative impact of each risk factor.380.604 Life Course Perspectives on Health OR
380.744 Nutrition and Growth in Maternal and Child Health
2.  Evaluate strategies, interventions, and programs to promote child and adolescent health, including health services and systems delivery strategies used to address health concerns in the child and adolescent population.380.604 Life Course Perspectives On Health OR
380.740 Nutrition Programs, Policy and Politics in the United States: The Impact on Maternal, Child and Family Health
3.  Apply frameworks specific to child and adolescent health for improving the health of the child and adolescent population.380.604 Life Course Perspectives On Health OR
380.744 Nutrition and Growth in Maternal and Child Health OR
380.624 Maternal and Child Health Legislation and Programs
4.  Examine political and social influences on child and adolescent health.380.624 Maternal and Child Health Legislation and Programs OR
380.725 The Social Context of Adolescent Health and Development
5.  Propose strategies to promote child and adolescent health through policy advocacy and/or program development and implementation.380.624 Maternal and Child Health Legislation and Programs OR
380.725 The Social Context of Adolescent Health and Development

Faculty Concentration Directors

Andrea Ruff, MD
Associate Professor
International Health
410-955-1633
aruff1@jhu.edu

Susan Gross, PhD, MPH
Associate Scientist
Population, Family & Reproductive Health
410-585-4140
sgross@jhu.edu

Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Methods for Public Health

The MPH concentration in Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Methods for Public Health and Clinical Research is designed for students with quantitative backgrounds who wish to pursue a rigorous curriculum in epidemiologic study design and statistical data analysis. The goal of this concentration is to help students participate in the design, conduct and analysis of research studies in public health and put concepts into practice. This concentration is best suited for students who have already worked in a particular substantive area and have identified specific research questions.

Capstone

The MPH capstone experience in Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Methods involves the application of skills and competencies acquired to problems in epidemiology and data analysis. Preparation for the capstone experience will start during the 1st term and be integrated throughout the year. A student must register for a total of 3 credits of research special studies (xxx.840) (1 credit each in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd terms) under the direction of the student’s academic advisor, capstone advisor or other concentration-affiliated faculty. There will be required group seminars for informal discussion of issues relevant to public health research and capstone research in progress sessions. The final product will be a written paper based on a student’s research question of interest and corresponding multivariable data analysis. The student’s capstone advisor will approve the written paper. In addition, each student will register for the 2-credit Capstone Course (xxx.800) in the 4th term and prepare and present the work in a short oral presentation at the capstone symposium in May.

Coursework

Students in this concentration will complete a total of 19 credits over and above the MPH core course requirements.

Required courses:

Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Concentration Competencies Course Meeting Competency
1.  Compare and contrast epidemiologic study designs (cohort, case-control, clinical trial) and identify questions that can be appropriately answered with these different designs. 340.752 Epidemiologic Methods II
2.  Link appropriate analytic models with public health research questions and epidemiologic study designs. 340.753 Epidemiologic Methods III
3.  Distinguish the summary measures of association (linear and logistic regression coefficients expressing average change, odds ratio, risk difference, risk ratio) applicable to retrospective and prospective study designs.  140.622 Statistical Methods in Public Health II
OR
140.652 Methods in Biostatistics II AND 140.653 Methods in Biostatistics III AND 140.654 Methods in Biostatistics IV
4.  Formulate and correctly interpret a multivariable survival regression (Poisson or Cox) model to estimate a health effect while minimizing confounding and identifying possible effect modification. 140.623 Statistical Methods in Public Health III
OR
140.654 Methods in Biostatistics IV
5.  Summarize the results of a regression model (linear, logistic, or survival) and write a description of the statistical methods, results, and main findings for a scientific report. 140.624 Statistical Methods in Public Health IV
OR
140.654 Methods in Biostatistics IV

Faculty Concentration Directors

Rosa Crum, MD, MHS
Professor
Epidemiology
410-614-2411
rcrum1@jhu.edu

Marie Diener-West, PhD
Professor
Biostatistics
410-502-6651
mdiener@jhu.edu

Food, Nutrition, and Health

The MPH concentration in Food, Nutrition and Health (FNH) concentration provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the relevance of food and nutrition as it affects population health, and with the technical and analytic skills to address the public health implications associated with nutrition problems.

Students choosing this concentration will gain an understanding of:

  1. The role of foods and nutrition in disease risk and prevention;
  2. The methods for studying food consumption, and nutritional status and the use and interpretation of nutritional data;
  3. The design, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition programs and policies to improve the nutrition and health of diverse populations.

Capstone

Typically, the capstone experience involves the application of the skills and competencies acquired during the MPH coursework to the solution of a particular nutrition problem or the analysis of food and nutrition policies and/or programs. A focused literature review may also be appropriate for a capstone. 

Students will typically register for 2 credits of research special studies (xxx.840) for the capstone experience under the direction of their capstone advisor, and then register for the MPH Capstone Course. Students will make a formal presentation of their capstone experience as part of their culminating MPH requirements.

Coursework

Students in this concentration will complete a total of 17 credits over and above the MPH core course requirements.

Core competencies:

Recommended courses:

Food, Nutrition and Health Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1.  Define the role of foods, nutrients and nutrition for human health and for disease risk and prevention.222.641 Principles of Human Nutrition OR 222.651 Nutrients of Biological Systems OR 222.652 Nutrition in Disease Treatment and Prevention
2.  Characterize political, social, and economic influences affecting nutrition and well-being.222.657 Food and Nutrition Policy OR
380.740 Nutrition Programs, Policy and Politics in the United States: the Impact On Maternal, Child and Family Health
3.  Identify the governmental and non-governmental organizations and processes involved in the development of public health nutrition initiatives. 222.657 Food and Nutrition Policy OR
380.740 Nutrition Programs, Policy and Politics in the United States: The Impact on Maternal, Child and Family Health
4.  Identify appropriate methods for studying food consumption and nutritional status and the use and interpretation of nutritional data.222.642 Assessment of Nutritional Status OR
222.647 Nutrition Epidemiology
5.  Evaluate opportunities and approaches to advance nutrition and health through public health initiatives and policies. 222.657 Food and Nutrition Policy OR
222.664 Food Insecurity and Nutrition: Partnering with Community Organizations to Make Changes OR
222.649 International Nutrition OR
380.740 Nutrition Programs, Policy and Politics in the United States: the Impact On Maternal, Child and Family Health OR
180.620 Food Systems and Public Health

Faculty Concentration Directors

Laura E. Caulfield, PhD
Professor
Department of International Health
lcaulfi1@jhu.edu

Julia Wolfson, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of International Health
Jwolfso7@jhu.edu 

Food Systems

The MPH Concentration in Food Systems explores the complex interactions among diet, food production, ecosystems, public health, and equity and the challenge of nourishing a growing world population against a backdrop of resource scarcity and climate change. Courses emphasize the critical role of food systems in human and planetary health as both a driver of problems and a potential solution. Students will apply skills such as systems thinking, communication, policy analysis, and advocacy to promote food systems transformation.

Capstone

The MPH Capstone experience involves applying the skills and competencies acquired during the MPH coursework to a food systems issue. Students will receive a list of research and project ideas, many of which tie into projects at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future or may inspire other project ideas that align with the students’ interests and goals. Students in the concentration will make a formal presentation of their capstone experience as part of the MPH Concentration in Food Systems Capstone Symposium.

Coursework

Students in this concentration will complete at least 18 credits over and above the MPH core course requirements.

Required Courses: 

Additional Elective Courses: 

Food Systems Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1. Define and describe the concepts of food systems, food security, food system sustainability, and resilience.180.620 Food Systems and Public Health
2. Use a systems perspective to propose an evidence-based food system intervention.180.620 Food Systems and Public Health
3. Apply principles of OneHealth to case studies in food production.180.606 Case Studies in Food Production and Public Health OR
180.635 Seafood and Public Health: Global Trade, Nutrition and the Environment
4. Apply an equity lens to food systems challenges and/or interventions.180.655 Baltimore Food Systems: A Case Study of Urban Food Environments OR
180.644 Food System Resilience OR
180.605 Food Systems Practicum
5. Evaluate benefits and tradeoffs of existing or proposed policy-based strategies to address food systems challenges.180.606 Case Studies in Food Production and Public Health OR
180.644 Food System Resilience OR 180.635 Seafood and Public Health: Global Trade, Nutrition and the Environment

Faculty Concentration Directors

Keeve Nachman, PhD, MHS
Associate Professor
Environmental Health and Engineering
410-223-1811
knachma1@jhu.edu

Roni Neff, PhD, ScM
Associate Professor
Environmental Health and Engineering
410-223-1811
rneff1@jhu.edu

Phil McNab, PhD, MPH
Assistant Scientist
Environmental Health and Engineering
410-223-1694
pmcnab1@jhu.edu

Pam Berg, MPH
Research Associate
Environmental Health and Engineering
410-223-1811
prhubar1@jhu.edu

Global Environmental Sustainability and Health

The MPH concentration in Global Environmental Sustainability and Health explores the main drivers of global environmental change (land use, energy use, food use, water use and population growth) and how they, in turn, threaten human health on local, regional and global scales. Students gain necessary skills to develop appropriate responses to these challenges through qualitative research methods and behavioral change interventions.

Capstone

The GESH MPH Capstone experience will involve applying the skills acquired during coursework to a climate change or sustainability-related problem. This could be through research with faculty, literature reviews, or program/policy analysis, among other options. Students will explore their interests and options for a capstone project through monthly concentration meetings, the GESH seminar, and advisor meetings. In 4th term, students are required to register for the 2-credit MPH Capstone Course. Students will give their capstone presentations during the 4th term GESH seminar.

 Coursework

Students in this concentration will complete a total of at least 18 credits.

Required courses:

All students must select at least one of the following core courses:

Recommended courses:

Global Environmental Sustainability and Health Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1. Define climate change and describe multiple ways climate change will have an impact on public health to both a scientific and lay audience.180.611 The Global Environment, Climate Change and Public Health
2. Define behaviors related to climate change and environmental sustainability, identify factors that affect them, and design a behavior change intervention to address either climate change or environmental sustainability.224.689 Healthy Behavior Change at the Individual, Community and Household Levels
3. Effectively communicate a position/opinion on a climate and/or sustainability topic.188.688 Global Environmental Sustainability and Health Seminar
4. Characterize the role of food systems in sustainability and the environment.180.620 Introduction to Food Systems and Public Health OR
180.606 Case Studies in Food Production and Public Health OR
180.655 Baltimore Food Systems: A Case Study of Urban Food Environments
5. Apply principles of systems-thinking to understand the various causes and effects of climate change on the environment and public health.180.611 The Global Environment, Climate Change and Public Health

Faculty Concentration Directors

Peter Winch, MD, MPH
Professor
Social and Behavior Interventions, International Health
410-955-9854
pwinch@jhu.edu

Shima Hamidi, PhD
Assistant Professor
Environmental Health and Engineering
Shamidi2@jhu.edu  

Jaime Madrigano, ScD
Visiting Associate Professor
Environmental Health and Engineering
jmadrig4@jhu.edu

Hannah Marker, MPH
Research Associate
Social and Behavior Interventions, International Health
Hannah.marker@jhu.edu

Health Leadership and Management

The MPH concentration in Health Leadership & Management provides full-time MPH students with an understanding of the challenges of organizational leadership and management in the health sector. The concentration is aimed at individuals whose responsibilities require them to have the knowledge and skills essential to balance the demands of leading and managing during times of change. Attendance at the monthly MPH-HLM concentration seminar is required.

Capstone

The MPH capstone experience in Health Leadership & Management provides students the opportunity to apply the competencies they acquire to clinical, technical and management problems in health sector organizations. Through meetings with their adviser and monthly concentration meetings, students will explore their interests and options for a capstone experience. A range of options are available. Students register for the 2 credit Capstone Course (xxx.800) in the 4th term of their final year.

Coursework

Students must complete at least 18 credits and also participate in monthly concentration meetings.

Required core courses:

Management Practice Skills - one course from the following:

Technical/Operations Management Skills - one course from the following:

Health Leadership and Management Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1. Evaluate leadership styles as applied to self, organizations, and the impact on organizational performance.312.700 Leading Organizations
2. Apply models of social systems and processes at many levels, such as individuals and personal growth process, relationships and how they change, group dynamics and business processes, organizations and their strategic management, and communities and macro-change processes.312.701 Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making
3. Apply facilitative leadership skills to promote team communication, collaboration, and performance in the use of teams to identify and overcome obstacles312.702 Leading Change Building and Empowering Teams.
4. Develop strategies and management practices for building learning organizations.312.703 Learning Organizations & Knowledge Management
5. Apply the concepts and tools of quality management to design and improve a healthcare delivery system contextualized for diverse socioeconomic contexts and addressing the barriers to access, clinical quality and patient perspectives, and socioeconomic equity.221.722 Quality Assurance Management Methods for Developing Countries

Faculty Concentration Directors

Anbrasi Edward, PhD, MPH, MBA
Associate Scientist
International Health
410-502-7663
aedward1@jhu.edu

Mark J. Bittle, DrPH, MBA, FACHE
Senior Scientist
Health Policy & Management
410-502-0460
mbittle1@jhu.edu

Health Systems and Policy

The MPH concentration in Health Systems and Policy aims to develop a broad understanding of health systems and the processes through which public policy decisions are made in the U.S. and select low, middle, and high-income countries. In addition, students acquire grounding in the range of research and evaluation methods pertaining to health systems and policy analysis, including the skills to use and critique data, research findings, and program evaluations. Through concentration meetings and supplemental activities, the concentration aims to build a community of practice among students, and introduce students to possible career paths for professionals in this field.

Capstone

MPH students must develop a project on a health systems or policy problem in the U.S. or internationally over the course of the year with a faculty advisor with whom they register for the 2 credit Capstone Course (xxx.800) in the 4th term. Capstone projects are presented at an end-of-year MPH capstone symposium.

Possible topics, grouped by general area of policy interest, include:

  • Evaluating the impact of legislation on health behaviors or outcomes
  • Identifying and addressing financial, geographic, and cultural barriers to access to health care and developing policies to address these barriers to improve equity
  • Improving coordination (including information systems, contracting, and payment mechanisms) among the public sector, the private sector, and social security systems
  • Expanding financial protection in health systems through for example, health insurance – both public and private – including raising revenues, pooling revenues, contracting for services and payment options, and setting levels of co- payments.
  • Changing the organization of the health system, possibly including changes in the public-private mix of provision and/or financing of health care
  • Use of information and incentives to effect changes in the behavior of health care providers and/or patients.
  • Developing appropriate policies and regulations for public health priority programs – such as road traffic injuries, HIV/AIDS, obesity, and tobacco control

Coursework

Students in this concentration will complete at least 20 credits specific to the concentration.

Recommended courses: 

Health Systems and Policy Concentration CompetenciesCourse(s) Meeting Competency
(select one course for each competency)
1. Assess the role of those health systems in addressing contemporary public health issues such as expanding health coverage, financial hardship, vulnerable populations and system reform.221.646 Health Systems in LMIC (consent required) OR
221.652 Financing Heath Systems for Universal Health Coverage OR
300.651 Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System
2. Assess the role of policy or law in addressing contemporary public health issues and problems in a selected field.300.712 Formulating Policy: Strategies and Systems of Policymaking in the 21st Century OR 221.650 Health Policy Analysis in LMIC (consent required) OR 306.650 Public Health and the Law OR 300.600 Introduction to Health Policy OR 222.657 Food and Nutrition Policy
3. Identify and apply data, evidence, models and expert knowledge in assessments, policy analyses and/or testimony to inform public health policies and interventions.180.620 Introduction to Food Systems and Public Health OR 221.650 Health Policy Analysis in LMIC OR
300.712 Formulating Policy: Strategies and Systems of Policymaking in the 21st Century OR
301.645 Health Advocacy OR 305.684 Health Impact Assessment (HIA) 
 OR 317.600 Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy 
4. Apply economic tools and principles, such as revenue sources, cost-effectiveness and supply & demand, to health systems and/or public health policy  interventions.221.652 Financing Health Systems for Universal Health Coverage OR 313.641 Introduction to Health Economics OR
313.643 Health Economics I (note prerequisite) OR 313.790 Introduction to Economic Evaluation OR 221.619 Introduction to Global Health Economics
5. Use evaluation tools to assess the impact of health systems and/or public health policy interventions and/or programs.221.645 Large-Scale Effectiveness Evaluation of Health Programs OR 221.620 Applying Summary Measures of Population Health to Improve Health Systems OR
221.638 Health Systems Research & Evaluation in Developing Countries OR 300.713 Research & Evaluation Methods for Health Policy 

Faculty Concentration Directors

Mary Fox, PhD
Assistant Professor
Health Policy & Management
443-287-0778
mfox9@jhu.edu

Dustin Gibson, PhD
Assistant Scientist
International Health
410-287-8768
dgibso28@jhu.edu

Humanitarian Health

The MPH concentration in Humanitarian Health focuses on the health of vulnerable populations, internationally and domestically. Students will have adequate knowledge and skills to be able to work effectively in the humanitarian health field – including disasters and emergencies – whether in the context of research, program implementation, and/or policy response.

Capstone

The MPH Capstone is an opportunity for students to integrate concentration issues with various skills and competencies gained through the year. Students will work individually or in small groups, and with the support and advice of a capstone advisor, to develop specific projects or concepts.

Coursework

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits over and above the MPH core course requirements.

Required courses:

Core electives (at least 4 credits from the following):

Remaining concentration credits may be obtained from the following courses:

Health and Health Systems

Leadership and Management

Mental Health

Disaster Preparedness and Global Health Security

Food Security and Nutrition

Climate Change

Human Rights

Methods and Monitoring and Evaluation

 

Humanitarian Health Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1. Humanitarian Landscape: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the current global humanitarian context, including the most significant emergencies, comparative impacts of conflict and natural disasters, and key global trends in humanitarian response and financing.221.613 Introduction to Humanitarian Emergencies 
2. Humanitarian Architecture: Demonstrate working knowledge of humanitarian architecture, including key organizations, international and UN systems, and sectors, including health, WASH, shelter, nutrition, food security, and protection.221.613 Introduction to Humanitarian Emergencies 
3.  Ethics and Human Rights: Demonstrate working knowledge of core humanitarian and human rights principles, treaty instruments, and codes of ethical conduct in humanitarian settings.221.613 Introduction to Humanitarian Emergencies 
4. Methods and Measurement: Students will be able to demonstrate skills in assessment, monitoring and evaluation relevant to humanitarian contexts— including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods—and describe how to apply evidence generated from these approaches to inform decision making in humanitarian settings.221.641 Methods and Measurement in Humanitarian Emergencies
5. Operationalization: Students will be able to demonstrate how to critically assess and synthesize information, prioritize decisions and actions, and communicate these decisions and actions effectively.221.695 Seminar in Humanitarian Health [Students MUST TAKE ALL 4 terms for a total of 2 credits.]

Faculty Concentration Directors

Courtland Robinson, PhD
Associate Professor
International Health
410-955-3892
court.robinson@jhu.edu

Shannon Doocy, PhD
Professor
International Health
410-502-2628
doocy1@jhu.edu

Infectious Diseases

The MPH concentration in Infectious Diseases is designed for students who wish to focus on the development of new competencies or the enhancement of existing competencies in multiple disciplines needed to be an effective infectious diseases public health practitioner in various settings in the public and private sectors. The MPH Infectious Diseases concentration enhances and augments other MPH core course work to consolidate skills and knowledge in epidemiology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology, disease transmission pathogenesis and prevention and control of infectious diseases --- in both domestic and international settings.

The goal of this concentration is to help students integrate coursework through the direct participation in related practical experience (practicum) and in infectious disease-related research-related activities. Students who successfully complete the concentration will have gained a level of expertise needed for careers within state and local health departments, federal agencies; or the private sector, including the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, conducting infectious disease-related research.

Capstone

The MPH capstone experience in Infectious Diseases is an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned to an infectious disease public health problem. Students are required to register for the 2 credit MPH Capstone Course (xxx.800) in the 4th term. Additional credits of special studies research (xxx.840) can be completed in 3rd term under the direction of their capstone advisor. The Capstone report must have an infectious disease focus. Students will prepare a paper on a specific infectious disease reviewing current key knowledge in the pathogenesis or control of the disease and focus on identifying at least 2 critical areas in need of additional research or public health solutions. Each paper topic must be approved by the students’ Capstone advisor based upon a brief outline. Each student will present product of their Capstone work in an oral presentation at a special MPH symposium in May or an alternative venue approved by the MPH Infectious Disease Concentration faculty.

Coursework

Students are required to successfully complete at least 20 infectious disease-related credits. These 20 credits include those selected from the competencies table above (including one of the 3 immunology courses listed in the competency table [ID2] the only immunology requirement in the infectious disease concentration), and the remainder from the list of courses below, with a minimum of 3 additional credits in each of the following four areas: 1) Epidemiology, 2) Microbiology, 3) Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, and 4) Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases. A single course may fulfill more than one of the required competencies (see Competencies Table). However, courses listed in the table below that are listed in multiple areas can only be used to satisfy one area requirement. Courses fulfilling the concentration requirements (i.e. the combined credits for courses found in the Competency Table and the table below) cannot be taken pass/fail (a letter grade is required). No waivers are given if similar courses were taken prior to matriculation/enrollment.

The remainder of the 20 credits can be taken from this list of courses:

Epidemiology:

Microbiology:

Parasitology/Tropical Diseases:

Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases:

Infectious Disease Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1.  Assess the epidemiology of major infectious diseases of humans.340.627 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases OR
340.668 Topics in Infectious Disease Epidemiology 
2.  Categorize the immunology of pathogen infections and their disease expression.550.603 Fundamentals of Immunology OR
260.631 Immunology, Infection, and Disease OR
260.611 Principles of Immunology I
3.  Develop and evaluate strategies such as surveillance and diagnostics to identify infectious diseases.340.627 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases OR
340.668 Topics in Infectious Disease Epidemiology 
4.  Compare and contrast the clinical presentations, microbiology, and pathogenesis of infections of global public health significance.223.682 Clinical and Epidemiologic Aspects of Tropical Diseases OR 550.630 Public Health Biology
5.  Assess strategies to eliminate and prevent infectious diseases.340.627 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases OR
340.668 Topics in Infectious Disease Epidemiology 

Faculty Concentration Directors

Noreen Hynes, MD, MPH
Associate Professor
International Health
410-614-7196
nhynes1@jhu.edu

Kawsar Talaat, MD
Associate Professor
International Health
410-502-9627
ktalaat@jhu.edu

Photini Sinnis, MD
Professor
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
410-502-6918
psinnis1@jhu.edu

Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

The MPH concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health focuses on designing, implementing and evaluating programs that promote healthy behaviors in international and/or domestic settings. Students study the psychological and social influences on health and behavior, and they obtain skills necessary for working with diverse populations on a variety of health topics, in nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Students who complete this concentration may be eligible to take the national certifying exam to become a Certified Health Education Specialist.

Capstone

For the MPH Capstone, students focus on a specific health behavior problem and work through one of the following skill sets, in partnership with a community organization or agency:

  • Grant writing
  • Comprehensive literature review
  • Intervention design/implementation
  • Program evaluation
  • Formative Research Protocol
  • Ethnographic/Qualitative Research Protocol
  • Research Project Addressing Social and Behavioral Issues in Health

Coursework

Students will be required to attend the two-term seminar and must complete 18 credits over and above the MPH core requirements.

Required two-term seminar:

Elective courses (remaining credits):

Theory

Research and Evaluation

Intervention Design and Implementation

Social and Behavioral Sciences Concentration Competencies Course Meeting Competency
1.  Understand health, behavior and society within a socioecological and multi-level perspective, and how individual factors such as socioeconomic status, sexual and gender identities, as well as community level factors, like community assets affect health behavior changes and outcomes. 410.600 Fundamentals of Health, Behavior and Society OR
224.689 Health Behavior Change at the Individual, Household and Community Levels
2.  Appropriately identify, select and apply fundamental behavioral science theories to study health problems and behavior change interventions in diverse populations. 410.600 Fundamentals of Health, Behavior and Society OR
224.689 Health Behavior Change at the Individual, Household and Community Levels
3.  Have a working knowledge of program planning frameworks to design pubic health programs and interventions. 410.620 Program Planning for Health Behavior Change OR
224.692 Methods in Formative Research and Human Centered Design for Intervention Development 
4.  Appropriately describe what and how to conduct formative research, such as a needs assessment, to inform and plan health behavior change interventions/programs. 410.620 Program Planning for Health Behavior Change OR
224.692 Methods in Formative Research and Human Centered Design for Intervention Development 
5.  Appropriately apply behavioral science methods, such as process and impact evaluations, to evaluate behavioral  interventions. 380.611 Fundamentals of Program Evaluation

Faculty Concentration Directors

Ryan Kennedy, PhD
Associate Professor
Health, Behavior and Society
410-955-3435
rdkennedy@jhu.edu

Julie Denison, PhD
Associate Professor
International Health
443-287-2704
jdenison@jhu.edu

Women's and Reproductive Health

The MPH concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health (WRH) focuses on understanding the general and reproductive health status of women, determinants of their health status, research approaches to study women’s and reproductive health, and preventive strategies, health services interventions and programs to address women’s health and well-being, as well as the health of their newborns. Students may choose to focus on women’s, reproductive or perinatal health, either in the US or global settings.

Capstone

The MPH capstone experience in Women’s and Reproductive Health is an opportunity for students to apply the competencies and skills acquired through coursework and other related educational activities (e.g. practicum). Most students fulfill the capstone by undertaking independent work with a concentration-affiliated faculty. The project may involve, but is not limited to, undertaking a data analysis, literature review with a focus on policy and programmatic implications, or an analysis of a public health problem using the problem-solving paradigm or other related conceptual model. Students register for the 2 credit MPH Capstone Course (xxx.800) in the 4th term. Students may also take an additional 1 to 3 credits of special studies research (xxx.840 with their capstone adviser) for the capstone experience, beginning as early as the 2nd term under the direction of the student’s capstone adviser. A written product and a formal presentation are required.

Coursework

Students must also select one or two additional courses if less than five courses are taken from the concentration competency table. Students may also pursue the Maternal and Child Health Certificate. However, there are additional certificate requirements outside the concentration requirements.

Recommended courses:  

Women’s and Reproductive Health Concentration CompetenciesCourse Meeting Competency
1.  Assess the major health concerns for women or mothers, newborns, and infants, the associated population-based risk factors, and the relative impact of each risk factor.380.664 Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology OR
380.765 Preventing Infant Mortality and Promoting the Health of Women, Infants, and Children OR
380.666 Women’s Health OR 
380.609 Women's Health: Disparities and Equity Implications
2.  Apply a life course framework to understanding the determinants a woman’s or reproductive health concern and population strategies to address the health concern.380.604 Life Course Perspectives on Health
3.  Evaluate strategies and frameworks to promote population health, including the policies and programs that address health and family planning concerns and behavior for women or mothers and newborns.380.624 Maternal and Child Health Legislation and Programs OR 380.665 Family Planning Policies and Programs OR 380.706 Using Data to Inform Family Planning Policies OR 380.667 Women’s Health Policy OR 380.768 Selected Topics in Women’s Health and Women’s Health Policy OR 380.668 International Perspectives on Women, Gender, and Health OR 380.669 International Perspectives on Women, Gender, and Health
4.  Critique health services and systems delivery strategies used to address women and reproductive health concerns, such as maternal morbidity and mortality, and preterm/low birth weight births.380.661 Clinical Aspects of Maternal and Neonatal Health OR 380.760 Clinical Aspects of Reproductive Health OR 221.627 Issues in the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Low Income Countries
5.  Evaluate study designs and methods to understanding women’s or reproductive health concerns and the implications of the research.380.664 Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology OR 380.662 Critiquing the Research Literature in Maternal, Neonatal, and Reproductive Health OR 380.601 Critically Evaluating the Science for Policy and Practice

Faculty Concentration Directors

Shannon Wood, PhD
Assistant Professor
Population, Family and Reproductive Health
swood@jhu.edu

Saifuddin Ahmed, PhD
Professor
Population, Family and Reproductive Health
410-614-4952
sahmed@jhu.edu