2021-2022 Graduate Calendar

Adekunle Ajiboye (Aajimatics), Melissa K. Blair (Spitfire), Divya Joshi (McMaster University), Ashleigh Miatello (McMaster University), Cassandra Ogunniyi (Niagara Region Pubic Health and Emergency Services), Sandra Vamos (Western Michigan University)

Program Coordinator

Izabella Ludwa

905-688-5550, extension 4024

South Block 328

mph@brocku.ca

Program Description

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to meet the needs of public health professionals, health practitioners and recent post-graduate students with the goal of enhancing theoretical and applied knowledge through course work and a practicum experience. The MPH courses complement the core competencies outlined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, leading to a professional degree in public health.

Delivered in an exclusively online format, a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning techniques will be used to guide instruction and evaluate learning. The curriculum focuses on identifying the interdisciplinary elements required to design, implement and effectively manage public health systems. Research methods and analytical training essential to public health will provide a foundation in the conduct of research that will enhance evidence-based decision making. A unique aspect of the MPH program is its emphasis on infection control through its courses on Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control, and Epidemiology. The Social Marketing and Health Communication course will examine the complexities of public health administration in today’s technologically driven society. The program addresses the growing need to anticipate, manage and mitigate public health crises.

Graduates of the MPH will be prepared to compete for positions in a variety of public health organizations as well as leadership roles in the health sector.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) & Master of Public Health (MPH) Concurrent Degrees Program

The Department of Health Sciences and the Goodman School of Business offer a concurrent degrees program leading to both Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). This concurrent MBA-MPH degrees program is designed for private and public health professionals, health practitioners and recent post-graduate students who intend to pursue a professional career in Public health management and administration.

The goal of the concurrent MBA-MPH degrees program is to advance theoretical and applied knowledge through course work and a health experiential practicum. The MBA program is designed to provide individuals the opportunity to obtain an advanced professional business education. This program offers students a progressive management education, including advanced knowledge relating to professional business designations. The objective is operationalized in the program by emphasizing the development and integration of the broad-based, functional business knowledge needed to advance an individual’s management career.

At the same time, the MPH program complements the core competencies outlined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, leading to a professional degree in public health. Together, the concurrent MBA-MPH degrees program addresses the growing need to anticipate, manage and mitigate health crises. The curriculum focuses on identifying the interdisciplinary elements required to design, implement and effectively manage health systems, while incorporating evidence-based decision-making practices in healthcare. Graduates of the MBA-MPH program will be prepared to compete for positions in a variety of private and public business and health organizations as well as leadership roles in the health sector.

Admission Requirements

Master of Public Health

Successful completion of a four year Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university in Public Health, Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Social Sciences or a relevant health field, with an average of no less than 80% (A-) in the last two years of study. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in related fields of business, mathematics and pure sciences may also be eligible, although additional course work may be required. Applicants must have undergraduate preparation and a knowledge-based proficiency in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and have relevant work and/or volunteer experiences in a Public Health organization. Additional introductory courses in biostatistics (MPHA 6P01) and population epidemiology (MPHA 6P02) may be required as part of a conditional offer of admission for applicants with insufficient proficiency of these public health core sciences.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

This program is offered on a full-time (12 months), as well as part-time (maximum 4 years) basis.

Students who have completed courses equivalent to those in the MPH as part of a graduate Canadian or U.S. degree (within the last seven years) may be granted advanced standing, up to a maximum of four half-credit courses, subject to performance. Advanced standing can be assessed during the application review process.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) & Master of Public Health (MPH) Concurrent Degrees Program

Successful completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university in any discipline with an average of not less than 80% (A-). While not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that applicants have undergraduate preparation and/or a knowledge-based proficiency in epidemiology and biostatistics. Additional introductory courses in biostatistics (MPHA 6P01) and population epidemiology (MPHA 6P02) may be required as part of a conditional offer of admission for applicants with insufficient proficiency of these public health core sciences. Although not mandatory, professional work and/or volunteer experience in a public health organization is a valuable asset.

A minimum score of 550 on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or a minimum score at the 60th percentile for both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections on the GRE revised General Test is required. However, each year a limited number of applicants with extensive managerial work experience (a minimum of ten to fifteen years at mid-management or higher level) and a GMAT score of at least 600 who do not hold an undergraduate degree may be admitted to the program.

For students who must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, a minimum Academic IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 105 or Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 72 (or equivalent) is required.

While each of the general criteria outlined above is important, an applicant’s entire profile of academic and professional achievement will be evaluated. The Graduate Program Directors for the MPH and MBA will review applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Program Notes:

1.	This program is offered on a full-time (two years) and part-time (maximum 6 years) basis.
2.	Successful applicants to the concurrent MBA-MPH program will have the option of completing both degrees exclusively online or blended (year 1 face-to-face and year 2 online).
3.	The MBA & MPH concurrent degrees program will only commence beginning in the Fall term.
4.	Students must complete all year 1 MBA courses before proceeding to year 2 MPH courses.
5.	The co-op work term can only be completed in the spring term of year 1 following the completion of MBA courses and before proceeding to year 2 MPH courses in the fall term.
6.	Full- and part-time students must register for MPHA 5P06 in their final term of study, as a capstone course. Students must complete MPHA 5F11 in conjunction with or preceding MPHA 5P06.

Degree Requirements

Master of Public Health

Basic degree requirements include the successful completion of twelve (12) half-credit courses, which include a 32-week mandatory Public Health practicum. Requirements include: MPHA 5P01, MPHA 5P02, MPHA 5P03, MPHA 5P04, MPHA 5P05, MPHA 5P06*, and MPHA 5F11*. Students must complete four (4) half-credit electives selected from the following courses: MPHA 5P07, MPHA 5P08, MPHA 5P09, MPHA 5P10, MPHA 5P12, MPHA 5P13, MPHA 5P14, MPHA 5P15, MPHA 5P16, MPHA 5P17, and/or MPHA 5P99.

* Full and part-time students must register for MPHA 5P06 in their final term of study, as a capstone course. Students must complete a Public Health practicum (MPHA 5F11) in conjunction with or preceding MPHA 5P06 to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired during course work of MPHA 5P06 with the learning experiences gained through MPHA 5F11.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) & Master of Public Health (MPH) Concurrent Degrees Program

The concurrent MBA & MPH degrees program will incorporate a hybrid-teaching format. Year 1 MBA courses may be delivered using a face-to-face, online or in a blended format to guide instruction and evaluate learning. Year 2 MPH courses are taught exclusively online using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning techniques. Basic degree requirements include the successful completion of 22 equivalent half-credit courses, including 19 required and three elective half-credit courses, respectively. One required full credit (MPHA 5F11) involves a 32-week public health practicum, allowing students the opportunity to incorporate theory into a variety of health systems including, but not limited to, health care delivery, biotechnology, medical devices, translational research, health policy, and public health regulation.

Year 1

One credit from MBAB 5P23, 5P24

One credit from MBAB 5P25, 5P57

Year 2

One credit from MPHA 5P07, 5P08, 5P09, 5P12, 5P15, 5P16, 5P17, 5P99

Year 1 Co-op Option

The co-op option is available to all full-time MBA-MPH students.

Admission to the co-op option is on a competitive basis. Students may be admitted to the co-op option at the time of admission or following the first term of MBA courses. Co-op students must maintain a 75% overall average. Admission to the co-op option is on the basis of marks, a review of a personal resume, and employer availability. An interview may be required.

Co-op students must complete (MBAB 5N90) Co-op Professional Preparation Course, that includes lectures, presentations and industry specific information, for two hours each week prior to the co-op work term. Attendance is mandatory. MBA-MPH students will complete their MBA courses prior to the co-op work term.

Course Descriptions

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details. Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met.

Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.

PUBLIC HEALTH COURSES

MPHA 5P01

Quality Health Systems through Collaboration and Partnership

Critical evaluation of factors that contribute to high performing public health systems through the lens of collaboration and partnerships.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P02

Qualitative Research: Interviewing and Beyond

The philosophical, epistemological foundations, and practical knowledge and skills of the range of approaches and methods of qualitative inquiry useful for needs assessment, program evaluation, knowledge translation, and advocacy in public health practice.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P03

Epidemiology

Fundamental principles of epidemiology, including correct posing of study questions, study designs, measurements issues, study implementation, data collection and analyses, and concepts of validity, bias, confounding and correct interpretation of analyses and study results.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P04

Critical Foundations of Public Health

Foundations of public health, including history, core principles, philosophy, and the social and political forces that influence population health.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P05

Biostatistics in Public Health

Statistical principles and their applications in public health with emphasis on advanced understanding of multivariate analysis and practical skills in statistical programming.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P06

Policy and Practice: Critical Evaluation and Synthesis in Program Planning

An examination of the interface between theory, policy, and practice in public health. Students will identify an area within public health central to their interests, establish an understanding of the evidence driving both policy and practice, and demonstrate an awareness of the gaps in the interface. This is a self-directed course, based on adult-learning principles.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

Note: This course is the capstone course and is completed as the final course in the MPH program.

MPHA 5P07

Infection Control

Current practices in infection control and prevention of infectious disease, including strategies and emerging issues in vaccination, antimicrobial resistance, and health-care associated infections.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P08

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

The role of the public health system before, during, and after public health emergencies and disasters. The course is built upon and reinforces the public health competencies required and explores the phases of emergency management including: preparedness; response; recovery; prevention/mitigation of both man-made and natural emergencies from domestic to around the world using a health literacy lens.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P09

Measuring Health Equity

An examination of the definition of health equity and a critical discussion of the differences between equity, inequality and social determinants of health. The identification and appraisal of indicators/metrics to monitor and measure inequity from a local, national and global perspective.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P10

Social Marketing and Health Communication

Strategic marketing principles and communication techniques used to influence behavior change to solve social problems within a public health context. Students will be introduced to social marketing theory and practice by: exploring theories of behaviour change; applying techniques such as segmentation, branding and marketing mix; and assessing the planning tools required to develop and implement a social marketing strategy including digital and social marketing.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P12

Environmental and Occupational Health

Workplace and ecological stressors and processes that increase public health risk, and how these mechanisms influence occupational and environmental health.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P13

Economic Evaluation in Public Health

Health economics theory, methods, and application of economic modeling for analyzing decisions made by individuals, health professionals and local/global governments with respect to public health and the allocation of resources for health promotion, prevention and maintenance.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P14

Leading Change in Public Health

Foundational theories and concepts from management science with an emphasis on leadership and change management as it applies to the public health sector.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P15

eHealth Innovations and Trends

Critical issues related to eHealth, including drivers of innovation, developing trends, notable successes and failures. Review and discussion of potential improvements to eHealth as a positive force for change in public health.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P16

Colonization, Reconciliation and Indigenous Health

Examination of the severity and complexity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health issues on Turtle Island, or Canada. Historical and present impacts of colonization, the resiliency of Indigenous communities and the importance of Traditional Knowledge as a resource for health and well-being.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

MPHA 5P17

Artificial Intelligence: Theory and Managerial Application

Fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Systems and their applications in Public Health and Enterprise-Level decision-making functions. Studies of applied industrial-scale AI and ML tools and models in specific Public Health and Enterprise settings. Use of R and Python programming platforms along with related statistical precepts for data manipulation and management for key machine learning tasks and applications involving classification, prediction and learning.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors

MPHA 6P01

Introduction to Biostatistics

Introduction of statistical principles and techniques. Issues concerning the construction, administration and evaluation of data collection as well as the processing and analysis of data.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors or with permission from the MPH program.

Note: Intended for students with conditional offer of acceptance into the MPH or MBA-MPH programs.

MPHA 6P02

Introduction to Population Epidemiology

This course provides an overview of descriptive and analytical epidemiology. Main elements of study design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological research are introduced.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors or with permission from the MPH program.

Note: Intended for students with conditional offer of acceptance into the MPH or MBA-MPH programs.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COURSES

MPHA 5F11

Public Health Practicum

Public health practicum in which students will plan, implement and complete a project in collaboration with a healthcare professional organization.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

Note: This course will be completed in conjunction with MPHA 5P06

MPHA 5P99

Public Health Independent Project

Independent project (which may include an academic- or community-based experiential learning and/or research project) designed and collaborated in consultation with a MPH faculty supervisor.

Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.

Last updated: October 29, 2021 @ 10:40AM