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 HealthConcentration Competencies Course Meeting Competency

      1.  Evaluate how the biology of aging influences late-life 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 policy 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 and Adolescent Health focuses on the determinants of child and adolescent health 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.

      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. The minimum number of academic units needed to complete the concentration requirements over and above the MPH core requirements is approximately 18 credits (depending on which of the required courses are selected).

      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 Competencies Course Meeting Competency
        1.  Assessing principal health concerns for the child and adolescent population, the associated population-based risk 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.  Evaluating strategies 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.  Applying 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, social and economic 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 policy by local, national and international organizations. 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
        Assistant Scientist
        Population, Family & Reproductive Health
        410-614-5066
        sgross3@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 for both tracks:

        Required courses for the Epidemiology track:

        Required courses for the Biostatistics track:

        Epidemiologic and Biostatistical Concentration Competencies Course Meeting Competency
        1.  Compare and contrast epidemiologic study designs 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 applicable to retrospective and prospective study designs.  140.622 Statistical Methods in Public Health II
        OR
        140.652 Methods in Biostatistics II
        4.  Formulate and correctly interpret a multivariable linear, logistic or survival regression model to estimate a health effect while minimizing confounding and identifying possible effect modification. 140.623 Statistical Methods in Public Health III
        OR
        140.653 Methods in Biostatistics III
        5.  Summarize in a table, the results of linear, logistic, log-linear, or survival regressions 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
        Professor
        Epidemiology
        410-614-2411
        rcrum1@jhu.edu

        Marie Diener-West, PhD
        Professor
        Biostatistics
        410-502-6894
        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 policy 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 to the analysis of food and nutrition policies and/or programs. There are many opportunities for students to utilize available data sets to conduct statistical analyses for their capstone, and this would be strongly recommended for those interested in nutritional epidemiology. Through meetings with their advisor, and concentration meetings (to be held quarterly), students will explore their interests and options for a capstone experience.

        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 Competencies Course Meeting Competency
        1.  Define the role of foods, nutrients and nutrition for human health and for disease risk and prevention.

        For those more generally interested in population-level nutrition:
        222.641 Principles of Human Nutrition

        For those who wish to understand nutrient metabolism, health and disease in a public health context:
        222.644 Cellular Biochemistry of Nutrients OR
        222.651 Nutrients of Biological Systems

        For those who wish to understand diet in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases:
        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 to advance nutrition and health through public health initiatives. 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

        Laura E. Caulfield, PhD
        Professor
        Department of International Health
        410-955-2786
        lcaulfi1@jhu.edu

        Casey Rebholz, PhD
        Associate Professor
        Department of Epidemiology
        410-502-2359
        crebhol1@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. Students will apply systems thinking, communication, public health policy analysis, and/or advocacy skills to address the public health implications of food systems.

        Capstone

        The MPH Capstone experience involves applying the skills and competencies acquired during the MPH coursework to a particular food systems-related problem or to the analysis of policies and/or programs at the intersection of food, the environment and public health. Through meetings with their advisor and monthly concentration meetings, students will explore their interests and options for a capstone experience.  The capstone experience may be completed in partnership with a community organization or agency, at the discretion of the student and the advisor. A list of research and project ideas for students will be provided by concentration faculty sponsors, many of which tie into projects currently underway by faculty and staff at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, or may serve as inspiration for project ideas that align with the students’ interests and goals. 

        Coursework

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

        One course from the following:

        One course from the following:

        Food Systems Concentration Competencies Course 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. Characterize political, social and economic influences on food systems. 180.620 Food Systems and Public Health
        3. Use a systems perspective to propose an evidence-based food system intervention. 180.620 Food Systems and Public Health
        4. Explain the linkages between human health, animal health and environmental health. 180.606 Case Studies in Food Production and Public Health OR
        180.635 Seafood and Public Health: Global Trade, Nutrition and the Environment
        5. Evaluate opportunities to advance food system change through an equity lens.

        180.655 Baltimore Food Systems: A Case Study of Urban Food Environments OR
        180.644 Food System Resilience to Disasters: Covid-19, Climate Change, and Beyond OR
        180.605 Food Systems Practicum
        6. Develop and communicate an evidence- based-policy position on a complex food systems topic. 180.606 Case Studies in Food Production and Public Health OR
        180.644 Food System Resilience to Disasters: Covid-19, Climate Change, and Beyond

        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

        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. A list of research and project ideas for students will be provided by concentration faculty advisors.

         Coursework

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

        Required courses:

        One from the following:

        Recommended courses:

        Global Environmental Sustainability and Health Concentration Competencies Course Meeting Competency
        1. Define climate change and describe multiple ways climate change will have an impact on public health. 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
        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
        International Health
        Hannah.marker@jhu.edu

        Health Leadership and Management

        The MPH concentration in Health Leadership and Management provides 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, but who do not require or desire a full management degree.

        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 advisor and monthly concentration meetings, students will explore their interests and options for a capstone experience.

        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:

        *4 course leadership series (312.700, which is required for concentration, and 312.701, 312.702, 312.703)

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

        Health Leadership and Management Concentration Competencies Course Meeting Competency
        1. Leadership: Evaluate leadership styles as applied to self, organizations, and the impact on organizational performance. 312.700 Leading Organizations*
        2. Communication and Relationship Management: Apply concepts of negotiation to manage conflict, enhance problem-solving, and improve team dynamics. 552.623 Principles of Negotiation and Mediation AND
        552.624 Applications of Negotiation and Mediation
        3. Professional and Social Responsibility: Explain the relationship between a commitment to self-development including continuing education, networking, reflection and personal development and leadership effectiveness. 312.700 Leading Organizations
        4. Health and Healthcare Environment: Establish goals and objectives for improving health outcomes that incorporate an understanding of the social determinants of health and of the socioeconomic environment in which the organization functions. 221.722 Quality Assurance Management Methods for Developing Countries
        5. Business: Collate relevant data and information, and analyze and evaluate this information to support or make an effective decision or recommendation. 312.604 Quantitative Tools for Managers

        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, introduce students to possible career paths for professionals in this field, and expose them to the workings of a variety of organizations concerned with health systems and policies in the U.S. and internationally.

        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 Competencies

        Course(s) Meeting Competency
        (select one course for each competency)
        1. Assess the role of those health systems in addressing contemporary public health issues. 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 OR
        180.620 Introduction to Food Systems and Public Health OR
        221.654 Systems Thinking in Public Health: Applications of Key Methods and Approaches
        2. Assess the role of policy in addressing contemporary public health issues.

        300.712 Formulating Policy: Strategies and Systems of Policymaking in the 21st Century OR
        221.646 Health Systems in LMIC OR
        221.650 Health Policy Analysis in LMIC (note prerequisite) OR
        305.607 Public Health Practice (note prerequisite) OR
        300.651 Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System
        306.650 Public Health and the Law OR
        300.600 Introduction to Health Policy OR
        301.645 Health Advocacy OR
        305.684 Health Impact Assessment (HIA) OR
        222.657 Food and Nutrition Policy OR
        380.667 Women’s Health Policy
        3. Identify and apply evidence to formulate public health policies and interventions within health systems. 221.650 Health Policy Analysis in LMIC (note prerequisite) OR
        300.712 Formulating Policy: Strategies and Systems of Policymaking in the 21st Century OR
        301.645 Health Advocacy OR
        305.607 Public Health Practice (note prerequisite) OR
        380.667 Women’s Health Policy OR
        317.600 Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy OR
        305.684 Health Impact Assessment (HIA) OR
        180.620 Introduction to Food Systems and Public Health
        4. Apply economic principles to health systems and/or public health policy  interventions. 313.641 Introduction to Health Economics OR
        313.790 Introduction to Economic Evaluation OR
        221.652 Financing Health Systems for Universal Health Coverage OR
        313.602 Economic Evaluation II (note prerequisite or concurrent course) OR
        313.643 Health Economics I (note prerequisite) 
        5. Use evaluation tools to assess the impact of health systems and/or public policy interventions. 300.713 Research & Evaluation Methods for Health Policy OR
        221.620 Applying Summary Measures of Population Health to Improve Health Systems OR
        221.638 Health Systems Research & Evaluation in Developing Countries OR
        221.645 Large-Scale Effectiveness Evaluation of Health Programs OR
        309.617 Introduction to Methods for Health Services Research & Evaluation II OR
        380.611 Fundamentals of Program Evaluation

        Faculty Concentration Directors

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

        Dustin Gibson, PhD
        Assistant Scientist
        International Health
        410-502-3238
        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 6 credits from the following):

        Remaining concentration credits may be obtained from the following courses:

        Health

        Mental Health

        Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness 

        Human Rights

        Quantitative Methods and Monitoring and Evaluation

        Required for International Field Placements

        Humanitarian Health Concentration Competencies Course 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 OR
        604.601 Public Health 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 OR
        604.601 Public Health 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 OR
        604.601 Public Health Humanitarian Emergencies
        4. Project Planning and Implementation: Students will be able to demonstrate basic skills in humanitarian project design, planning and implementation, including awareness of appropriate interventions and how to contextualize them in operational settings. 221.613 Introduction to Humanitarian Emergencies OR
        604.601 Public Health 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

        Faculty Concentration Directors

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

        Shannon Doocy, PhD
        Associate 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 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. 

        Coursework

        Students must complete 20 infectious disease-related courses. These 20 credits include those selected from the competencies table (about 6-8 credits) and the remainder from the list of courses below, with a minimum of 3 credits in each of the following four areas: 1) Epidemiology, 2) Microbiology, 3) Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, and 4) Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases. Courses that are listed in multiple areas can only be used to satisfy one area requirement.  Courses fulfilling the concentration requirements cannot be taken pass/fail (a letter grade is required).

        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 Competencies

        		 Course Meeting Competency
        1.  Describe the epidemiological characteristics of major infectious diseases of humans. 340.627 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases OR
        340.609 Concepts and Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology OR
        185.600 One Health Tools to Promote and Evaluate Healthy and Sustainable Communities (for part-time/online students only)
        2.  Explain the immune responses to infection. 550.603 Fundamentals of Immunology OR
        260.631 Immunology, Infection, and Disease OR
        260.611 Principles of Immunology I
        3.  Develop and evaluate strategies to control infections. 340.627 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases OR
        340.609 Concepts and Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology OR
        185.600 One Health Tools to Promote and Evaluate Healthy and Sustainable Communities (for part-time/online students only)
        4.  Compare and contrast the microbiology and pathogenesis of major infections. 223.682 Clinical and Epidemiologic Aspects of Tropical Diseases OR
        340.627 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
        5.  Develop and evaluate strategies to prevent infections. 340.627 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases OR
        340.609 Concepts and Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology OR
        185.600 One Health Tools to Promote and Evaluate Healthy and Sustainable Communities (for part-time/online students only)

        Faculty Concentration Directors

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

        Kawasar 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.  Identify social and psychological factors and processes in the etiology of disease and health-related behaviors. 410.600 Fundamentals of Health, Behavior and Society OR
        224.689 Health Behavior Change at the Individual, Household and Community Levels
        2.  Appropriately select and apply behavioral science theories to studying health problems 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.  Utilize effective assessment and program planning skills to design health-promoting programs and policies. 410.620 Program Planning for Health Behavior Change OR
        410.654 & 410.655 Health Comm Progs I & II (cannot take this as a single course; counts as 2 courses) OR
        224.692 Formative Research for Behavioral and Community Interventions
        4.  Articulate and address issues that facilitate the design, implementation, and sustainability of effective behavior-change programs. 410.620 Program Planning for Health Behavior Change OR
        410.654 & 410.655 Health Comm Progs I & II (cannot take this as a single course; counts as 2 courses) OR
        224.692 Formative Research for Behavioral and Community Interventions
        5.  Appropriately apply behavioral science methods 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 models.

        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 Competencies Course Meeting Competency
        1.  Assess the principle health concerns for women or mothers and newborns, 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 
        380.668 International Perspectives on Women, Gender and Health
        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 to promote population health, including the policies and programs that address health 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
        Reproductive Health Policy OR
        380.667 Women’s Health Policy OR
        380.768 Selected Topics in Women’s Health and Women’s Health Policy OR
        380.765 Preventing Infant Mortality and Promoting the Health of Women, Infants, and Children
        4.  Critique health services and systems delivery strategies used to address women and reproductive health concerns. 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 research approaches 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

        Donna Strobino, PhD
        Professor
        Population, Family and Reproductive Health
        410-502-5451
        dstrobi1@jhu.edu

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