| a) | to foster students' ability to do high quality, scientifically rigorous research in their discipline; |
| b) | to expand their understanding of concepts, theories and practices in their discipline such that they can successfully advance to doctoral studies; |
| c) | to provide the knowledge base and skills to analyze and evaluate programs, policies, environmental issues, and organizational structures related to applied health sciences; |
| d) | to enhance students' abilities to apply and disseminate new knowledge and practices to colleagues, practitioners, policy makers/analysts, and other professionals in applied health sciences. |