Last updated: November 17, 2022 @ 10:14AM

Public Health
Master of Public Health

Dean
Peter Tiidus
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
Deborah O'Leary
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Graduate Program Director
Brent E. Faught (Health Sciences)

Core Faculty

Professor Emeriti
John Hay (Health Sciences), Carolyn Pietrangeli (Health Sciences), Martin Tammemӓgi (Health Sciences)

Professor
Brent E. Faught (Health Sciences)

Associate Professors
Madelyn Law (Health Sciences), Adam MacNeil (Health Sciences), Miya Narushima (Health Sciences), William Pickett (Health Sciences)

Assistant Professors
Antony Chum (Health Sciences), Asif Khowaja (Health Sciences), Valerie Michaelson (Health Sciences), Michelle Vine (Health Sciences)

Adjunct Faculty
Sinead McElhone (Niagara Region Public Health)

Participating Faculty
Adekunle Ajiboye (Aajimatics), Melissa K. Blair (Spitfire), Divya Joshi (McMaster University), Ashleigh Miatello (McMaster University), Cassandra Ogunniyi (Niagara Region Public 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. Successful applicants to the MPH program will complete the degree exclusively online. 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 public health management is an 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.

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). This program is offered on a full-time (2 years) and part-time (maximum 6 years) basis. The MBA & MPH concurrent degrees program will only commence beginning in the Fall term.

Degree Requirements

Master of Public Health

Basic degree requirements include the successful completion of twelve (12) half-credit courses, which include a two mandatory Public Health practicum courses. Requirements include: MPHA 5P01, MPHA 5P02, MPHA 5P03, MPHA 5P04, MPHA 5P05, MPHA 5P06*, MPHA 5P11 and MPHA 5P21*. 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 two Public Health practicum courses in conjunction (MPHA 5P11 and MPHA 5P21) with or preceding MPHA 5P06 to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired during course work of MPHA 5P06 with the learning experiences gained through MPHA 5P11 and 5P21.

Program Notes:
1.  Failure to succeed in the practicum course MPHA 5P11 and MPHA 5P21 may result in dismissal from the program
2.  Students may require current Standard First Aid and CPR (BCLS or Level C) certification that is in accordance with and approved by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) when completing their practicum. The certification must be valid during the duration of study.
3.  Proof of immunizations may be required prior to commencement of the practicum course. Immunization screening required for: Measles, Mumps, Rubella; Hepatitis B; Tuberculosis; Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis; COVID-19.
4.  Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) may be required by practicum agencies. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the process is complete - at their own expense. In some cases, students may not be allowed to attend practicum if these requirements are not met.
5.  All program costs associated with required documentation or equipment are the sole responsibility of the student. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the process is complete prior to commencement of the program.

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

The concurrent MBA & MPH degrees program provides the opportunity for students to complete their studies in either a blended format of face-to-face and online teaching format or exclusively online teaching format. Students choosing a blended teaching format will complete their MBA courses in Year 1 using a traditional face-to-face 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. Two required half credits (MPHA 5P11 and MPHA 5P21) involves two 16-week public health practicum courses, 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
MBAB 5P01
MBAB 5P04
MBAB 5P06
MBAB 5P07
MBAB 5P08
MBAB 5P09
MBAB 5P21
MBAB 5P22
One credit from MBAB 5P23, 5P24
One credit from MBAB 5P25, 5P57

Year 2
MHPA 5P11*
MPHA 5P01
MPHA 5P02
MPHA 5P03
MPHA 5P04
MPHA 5P05
MPHA 5P06*
MPHA 5P10
MPHA 5P13
MPHA 5P14
MPHA 5P21
One credit from MPHA 5P07, 5P08, 5P09, 5P12, 5P15, 5P16, 5P17, 5P99

* Full and part-time students must register for MPHA 5P06 in their final year of study, as a capstone course. Students must complete a two public health practicum courses (MPHA 5P11 and MPHA 5P21) 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 5P11 and MPHA 5P21.

Program Notes:
1.  Students must complete all year 1 MBA courses before proceeding to year 2 MPH courses.
2.  The co-op work term can only be completed in the spring term of year 1 following the completion of face-to-face MBA courses and before proceeding to year 2 MPH courses in the fall term.
3.  Failure to succeed in the practicum courses MPHA 5P11 or MPHA 5P21 may result in dismissal from the program.
4.  Students may require current Standard First Aid and CPR (BCLS or Level C) certification that is in accordance with and approved by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) when completing their practicum. The certification must be valid during the duration of study.
5.  Proof of immunizations may be required prior to commencement of the practicum course. Immunization screening required for: Measles, Mumps, Rubella; Hepatitis B; Tuberculosis; Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis; COVID-19.
6.  Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) may be required by practicum agencies. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the process is complete - at their own expense. In some cases, students may not be allowed to attend practicum if these requirements are not met.
7.  All program costs associated with required documentation or equipment are the sole responsibility of the student. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the process is complete prior to commencement of the program.

Year 1 Co-op Option

The co-op option is available to all full-time MBA-MPH students completing the program in a blended format.

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 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 5P11
Public Health Practicum I
Search,approval,development and planning a research and/or professional development health project in collaboration with a public health or healthcare professional organization.
Restriction: Only open to MPH and MBA-MPH majors.
Note: This course will be completed in conjunction with MPHA 5P06

MPHA 5P21
Public Health Practicum II
Implementation and completion of a research and/or professional development health project in collaboration with a public health or 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.