Master of Public Health
University of Michigan-Flint
Student Handbook
Department of Public Health and Health Sciences
Applicable for students admitted during the
Academic Year 2015-2016
Table of Contents
General Overview
PHHS Graduate Orientation Information
MPH Competencies
MPH Competencies: Core
MPH Competencies: Health Administration Track
MPH Competencies: Health Education Track
Fall 2015 Program Requirements
Suggested Program Sequences
Internship Experience [Practicum]
The Capstone
Role of Academic Advisor
Policies
School of Health Professions and Studies (SHPS) Policies
Public Health and Health Sciences (PHHS) Policies
Appendix 1
Required Course Descriptions
Elective Course Descriptions
Appendix 2
Approved Elective Course Descriptions
Appendix 3
Faculty/Staff Information
Appendix 4
Student Resources and Services
Master of Public Health Program
General Overview
TheMasterof Public Health(MPH) program is designed to prepare public health professionals who aim to promote and protect the health and well being of human populations. The MPH degree enables public health professionals to assume leadership roles in a broad range of positions within public health practice.There is an increased demand for well-trained public health professionals who are able to respond to the need for high quality public health services nationally and throughout the world. The UM-Flint MPH program provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to develop broad-based and collaborative strategies to contribute to successfully resolving the public health challenges of today and tomorrow. Our program “Public Health in the City” reflects the partnerships we have in the city of Flint and the surrounding communities and our goal to address challenges of urban settings around the globe.
PHHS Graduate Orientation Information
Welcome to the PHHS Department. The information below contains important department policies and practices that affect you.
Office Hours: Fall and Winter semester department office hours (3124 WSW). On Monday-Thursday the office is open from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00-5:00 p.m. During Spring and Summer semesters the hours are 8:00-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Academic Advising:Academic advising with adepartment faculty member helps you make the most appropriate beginning courseselections. Each semester you are highly encouraged to meet with an advisor toensure you are moving forward with the proper classes towards completion of your program.Students who do not meet with their advisors on a regular basis risk taking courses in the wrong order, missing important requirements, and potentially delaying graduation. Ignorance of program changes or requirements does not constitute a valid reason for those requirements to be waived or altered.
When to Register for Classes: A newsletter is emailed to all currently enrolledstudents several weeks prior to the start of registration. Please be sure to read it! Thenewsletter will also be available on our website at The newsletter indicates which HED/HCR/PHS classes will be offered during the upcomingsemester(s). Information about the complete UM-Flint course schedule is available online.
When Courses Are Offered: The list of anticipated future course offerings is available on our website. A listof electives is also included to help in your course planning. Program requirements areavailable online at:
Contacting an Instructor: Our faculty members are committed to servingour students and making themselves available as needed. Each faculty maintains their owncalendar. If you would like to meet with a faculty member, you may check availability in theOnline Appointment System or contact them directly via e-mailto set up a meeting time. You can also leave a voice mail message by calling ourdepartment at 810-762-3172.
Student Contact Information:Please check your UM-Flint e-mail account frequently and make sure that your telephone numbers are up-to-date inthe Student Information System (SIS). You can change or update them in the “PersonalInformation” area of the SIS site. These channels of communication are vital for receiving informationabout class cancellations/schedule changes, emergencies, advising, and more. It is also important to sign-up for the Emergency Alert system within SIS, which will notify you of campus closures and/or other emergencies.
Changes to Your Course Schedule: Please see the onlineCourse Schedulefor add/drop procedures and deadlines. It isyour responsibility to follow these procedures/deadlines. Please contact the Office of the Registrar if you need clarification. The official drop procedure must be followed or a failing grade will beassigned. PHHS faculty will not support a petition to drop after the deadline based on poorperformance.
Applying for Graduation: Applications for graduation must be submitted within the time limits established in the Academic Calendar. Graduation is not automatic upon completion of degree requirements. Students who do not apply for graduation will not graduate.
Examination Schedule. Although it is not allowed as common practice, your faculty may permit you to take an exam outside of the allotted class time. To see if this is possible, youmust contact your instructor prior to the scheduled exam time. If you obtain instructor approval, you then must contact the Department of Public Health and HealthScience’s office (810-762-3172) to schedule an exam time.
Access to Final Course Grades. Final grades will be available within SIS per dates listed in the semester calendar. University policy does notpermit us to give grades over the phone or via e-mail.
Availability of Written Work/Exams not returned to you by the end of the semester. Our
office (3124 WSW) will retain students’ papers and exams (if the instructor wishes to return
them) for 30 days following a semester. After that time, they will be shredded. Please check
with our office if you wish to obtain these.
Academic Integrity. The following statements are provided in the onlineUM-Flint Catalogand repeated here to reinforce the importance of maintaining academic integrity.
Academic Integrity--Intellectual integrity is the most fundamental value of an academic
community. Students and faculty alike are expected to uphold the highest standards of
honesty and integrity in their scholarship. No departure from the highest standards of
intellectual integrity, whether by cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or aiding and
abetting dishonesty by another person, can be tolerated in a community of scholars. Such
transgressions may result in action ranging from reduced grade or failure of a course, to
expulsion from the University or revocation of degree.
Plagiarism- Using others’ work without proper citation is forbidden. This involves taking credit for someone else’s work or ideas, submitting a piece of work (for example, an essay, research paper, assignment, laboratory report), which in part or in whole isnot entirely the student’s own work without fully and accurately attributing those sameportions to their correct source.
Student Outcome Assessment. Our department is committed to continuing to seek ways to
further enhance the quality of our programs. Methods of assessment include competencies addressed in core coursework and in the capstone and internship, an Entrance and Exit survey, alumni survey and course evaluation feedback. Providing thoughtful feedback will be essential inhelping us to maintain a quality program and help future students.
MPH Competencies
MPH Competencies: Core
As an MPH student you will be expected to demonstrate competencies in the following areas through your coursework, your Internship and your Capstone project
Biostatistics
Identify and analyze appropriate data sets for a specific public health issue and/or apply statistical reasoning and methods in addressing, analyzing and solving problems in public health.
Epidemiology
Apply appropriate descriptive and inferential techniques to represent data and/or delineate patterns of disease and injury in human populations.
Social Determinants of Health
Critique and disseminate current knowledge of how social determinants influence public health.
Professionalism
Participate effectively on a team in a public health setting demonstrating ethical choices, values and professional practices implicit in public health decisions; consider the effect of choices on community, equity, social justice and accountability.
Environmental Health
Identify important environmental factors (e.g., biological, physical, chemical) affecting the health of a community and/or develop policies and/or plans that support individual and community environmental public health efforts.
Diversity and Social Justice
Appreciate cultural diversity through dialogue and the exploration of social justice and/or interact with diverse individuals and communities to produce or impact an intended public health outcome.
Program Planning
Develop a population-based project or program for an agency in a surrounding community and/or plan for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to improve individual and community health.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Identify behavioral, social, and cultural factors related to individual and population health and health disparities and/or apply theoretical constructs in the development of intervention strategies specific to health issues.
Health Services Administration
Analyze the effects of political, social, and economic policies on public health systems at the local, state, national and international levels and on health care for individuals and populations.
MPH Competencies: Health Administration Track
Health Information Management
Describe the major content areas of the health record, including administrative and demographic data, clinical data, and specialized content and/or collect, manage, and organize data to produce information.
Financial Management
Apply the basic principles of accounting and financial management appropriate to the healthcare delivery system.
Healthcare Quality Management
Understand and apply the context and key principles associated with quality improvement in healthcare.
Legal Issues in Healthcare
Apply legal and ethical principles to identify solutions to public health issues and understand current legal implications of health policy and the impact the law has on those policies.
MPH Competencies: Health Education Track
Program Planning and Implementation
Plan, implement, and manage health education programs.
Community Assessment
Develop and plan for a community assessment.
Health Communication
Develop a strategic plan for a focused communication strategy that will be implemented within the local community and/or present information to different audiences in-person, through information technologies, or through media channels; and strategically design the information and knowledge exchange process to achieve specific objectives.
Health Education & Promotion Program Evaluation
Write a grant proposal that presents the objectives, logic model, and methodology of a program evaluation.
Fall 2015 Program Requirements
The MPH degree requires a minimum of 42 credits as follows:
- Core courses(22 credits).
HCR 500 - Epidemiology.
HED 540 - Health Education Theory and Strategies.
HED 547 - Biostatistics for Health Professionals.
HED 562 - Cultural Competence in Health Care.
PHS 500 - Social Determinants of Health.
PHS 501-Public Health Administration and Policy.
PHS 520 - Environmental Health. - Health Education or Health Administration Concentration (12 credits).
Health Education Concentration
HED 541 - Program Planning and Program Design.
HED 543 - Community Assessment.
HED 545 - Health Communications.
HED 546 - Evaluation of Health Education and Promotion Programs.
Health Administration Concentration
HCR 577-Financial Management in Health Care.
HCR 578 - Healthcare Quality Management.
HCR 587-Legal Issues in Health Care.
PHS 567 - Health Information Management. - Elective(3 credits). From:HCR 505,HCR 506,HCR 511,HCR 561,HCR 621,HED 542,PHS 504,PHS 531; or another course chosen with approval of the advisor.
- Capstone Experience(3 credits).
PHS 595 - Public Health Capstone. - Practicum(3-6 credits).
PHS 590 - Public Health Internship.
The program is designed for completion in two (2) years of full-time study. Students may however also choose to study part-time over a maximum of six (6) years.
Suggested Program Sequences
MPH-Health Administration Recommended Sequencing
Full-Time (1.5 years)
Year 1 Fall / Year 1 Winter / Year 1 Spring / Year 1 Summer4. cr. HCR 500 / 3 cr. HCR 578 / 3 cr. HCR 587 / 3 cr. PHS 567
3 cr. HED 540 / 4 cr. HED 547 / 3 cr. PHS 501 / 3 cr. PHS 590
3 cr. HED 562 / 3 cr. PHS 520
3 cr. PHS 500
13 credits / 10 credits / 6 credits / 6 credits
1
As of 2.17.16
Year 2 Fall / Year 2 Winter / Year 2 Spring / Year 2 Summer3 cr. HA Elective
3 cr. HCR 577
3 cr. PHS 595
9 credits
1
As of 2.17.16
Full-Time (2 years)
1
As of 2.17.16
Year 1 Fall / Year 1 Winter / Year 1 Spring / Year 1 Summer4. cr. HCR 500 / 3 cr. HCR 578 / 3 cr. HCR 577 / 3 cr. PHS 567
3 cr. HED 540 / 4 cr. HED 547 / 3 cr. PHS 501
3 cr. PHS 500 / 3 cr. PHS 520
10 credits / 10 credits / 6 credits / 3 credits
Year 2 Fall / Year 2 Winter / Year 2 Spring / Year 2 Summer
3 cr. HCR 587 / 3 cr. HA Elective
3 cr. HED 562 / 3 cr. PHS 595
3 cr. PHS 590
9 credits / 6 credits
1
As of 2.17.16
Part-Time
1
As of 2.17.16
Year 1 Fall / Year 1 Winter / Year 1 Spring / Year 1 Summer4. cr. HCR 500 / 4 cr. HED 547 / 3 cr. PHS 501 / 3 cr. PHS 567
3 cr. HED 540 / 3 cr. PHS 500
7 credits / 7 credits / 3 credits / 3 credits
Year 2 Fall / Year 2 Winter / Year 2 Spring / Year 2 Summer
3 cr. HCR 577 / 3 cr. HCR 578 / 3 cr. HCR 587 / 3 cr. PHS 590
3 cr. HED 562 / 3 cr. PHS 520
6 credits / 6 credits / 3 credits / 3 credits
Year 3 Fall / Year 3 Winter / Year 3 Spring / Year 3 Summer
3 cr. HA Elective
3 cr. PHS 595
6 credits
MPH-Health Education Recommended Sequencing
Full-Time (1.5 years)
Year 1 Fall / Year 1 Winter / Year 1 Spring / Year 1 Summer4. cr. HCR 500 / 3 cr. HED 541 / 3 cr. HED 543 / 3 cr. PHS 590
3 cr. HED 540 / 3 cr. HED 545 / 3 cr. PHS 501 / 3 cr. HE Elective
3 cr. HED 562 / 4 cr. HED 547
3 cr. PHS 500 / 3 cr. PHS 520
13 credits / 13 credits / 6 credits / 6 credits
1
As of 2.17.16
Year 2 Fall / Year 2 Winter / Year 2 Spring / Year 2 Summer3 cr. HED 546
3 cr. PHS 595
6 credits
1
As of 2.17.16
Full-Time (2 years)
1
As of 2.17.16
Year 1 Fall / Year 1 Winter / Year 1 Spring / Year 1 Summer4. cr. HCR 500 / 3 cr. HED 541 / 3 cr. HED 543 / 3 cr. HE Elective
3 cr. HED 540 / 3 cr. HED 545
3 cr. HED 562 / 4 cr. HED 547
10 credits / 10 credits / 3 credits / 3 credits
Year 2 Fall / Year 2 Winter / Year 2 Spring / Year 2 Summer
3 cr. PHS 500 / 3 cr. PHS 520 / 3 cr. PHS 595
3 cr. PHS 501 / 3 cr. PHS 590
3 cr. HED 546
9 credits / 6 credits / 3 credits
1
As of 2.17.16
Part-Time
1
As of 2.17.16
Year 1 Fall / Year 1 Winter / Year 1 Spring / Year 1 Summer4. cr. HCR 500 / 3 cr. HED 545 / 3 cr. HED 562 / 3 cr. HE Elective
3 cr. HED 540 / 4 cr. HED 547
7 credits / 7 credits / 3 credits / 3 credits
Year 2 Fall / Year 2 Winter / Year 2 Spring / Year 2 Summer
3 cr. HED 546 / 3 cr. HED 541 / 3 cr. HED 543 / 3 cr. PHS 590
3 cr. PHS 500 / 3 cr. PHS 520
6 credits / 6 credits / 3 credits / 3 credits
Year 3 Fall / Year 3 Winter / Year 3 Spring / Year 3 Summer
3 cr. PHS 590
3 cr. PHS 501
6 credits
1
As of 2.17.16
Internship Experience [Practicum]
Purpose/Goals
The major purpose of an internship is to provide you with a professional experience outside of the classroom that is consistent with your academic program and career goals.It provides opportunities to gain in-depth exposure and understanding of your internship setting, apply what is learned in coursework to enhance academic and professional development, and to provide you with opportunities to network with health professionals.
The goals of this experience include:
To demonstrate achievement of competencies
To provide relevant and practical professional experiences
To enhance understanding and application of health management, health education and/or public health principles, concepts, and procedures
To gain an in-depth understanding of the specific environment of your internship site
To establish a professional network within the health care community
To develop professionally through on-site experiences
To strengthen oral and written communication skills
To strengthen interpersonal skills
To strengthen problem solving skills
To engage in personal reflection
To further interactions with other professionals and interns
Internships are conducted in a professional work environment and must be approached as professional employment.The internship provides an opportunity to further critical thinking in applying knowledge to practice.If performance is outstanding it can possibly lead to employment, or, securing an important professional reference for future employment.
Early Planning
Consider your career goals and what type of internship experience might best help you prepare for your desired position after graduation.Note which courses in your program interest you the most and which health care settings you prefer. Talk to other students about their internship experiences. Join HASO, Upsilon Phi Delta or Eta Sigma Gamma and discuss options with student members. Discuss ideas with your academic advisor and/or instructors.Attend ongoing internship meetings to learn from current interns (schedule of internship meetings can be found in the online course schedule for the current term at
Contact Hours/Credit Hours
You can opt for a 3-credit/150-hour or a 6-credit/300-hour internship (as long as this can be arranged with your Field Supervisor). If you wish to obtain more experience, the 300-hour internship option is recommended.
Your "contact hours" (150-300) must be completed on site at the agency, under the supervision of a qualified Field Supervisor.Internship-related work performed at home does not count as "contact hours." Exceptions to this must be agreed upon by all parties, and are sometimes made for students who are employed full-time in a non-health related setting.
Attendance and travel time to required internship meetings do NOT count toward your required contact hours.
Internship Site Selection
Identifying an appropriate internship site
You play an important role in identifying an appropriate site. You are encouraged to discuss preliminary ideas with your advisor and/or course instructors.Bring your ideas to your meeting with the Internship Program Coordinator who will assist with matching your interests with available sites.The Internship Program Coordinator, with your input, will contact sites to set up an interview for you with a potential Field Supervisor.It is possible to split your internship hours between two sites if you are approved for a 6-credit (300-hour) internship (depending on availability).
Using your place of employment as the internship site
You can only use your place of employment as your internship site if you can document that (1) the internship assignment is distinct from your employment responsibilities and will be completed in a department or division distinct from your regular position; (2) the hours devoted to the internship are distinct from your hours of employment; (3) there is a qualified Field Supervisor, other than your immediate supervisor, who can supervise your work; and (4) criteria 1-3 were reviewed by your employer and your supervisor is willing to submit a written statement that the criteria are acceptable and that each will be met.Two of the major disadvantages of this arrangement reported are role confusion and job-related interruptions. The major advantage reported is convenience.