Master of Public Health
Program Overview
MSM is one of five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC). MSM is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities; increasing the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce; and addressing primary health care needs through programs in education, research, and service, with emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia and the nation.
The M.P.H. Program provides the public health theory that supports the social mission of MSM. The mission of the M.P.H. Program is to develop, through graduate education, public health leaders who are fluent in community-focused public health research and practice, particularly in underserved communities. We offer a generalist curriculum focused on community health in underserved populations. The M.P.H. Program was established in 1995 to address the increasing shortage of underrepresented minorities in leadership positions in the field of public health. The Program was accredited initially in 1999 by the Council on Education for Public Health making it the first accredited M.P.H. Program at an HBCU. The Program was reaccredited in 2007. Graduates of the program are working at community-based organizations, as well as local, state, national and international agencies. Additionally, many have pursued terminal degrees including M.D., Ph.D., DrPH, J.D., and other advanced degrees (eg. MBA and PA).
MSM is located within the historic West End community in Atlanta, GA. As such, there are ample opportunities for student engagement within the community through participation in service-related activities and community planned events. Our core courses equip students with foundational knowledge and concepts essential for them to better understand the needs of the populations they serve. Additionally, our Community Health course and required community service hours ensure a strong service-learning component to our M.P.H. Program.
Our community service efforts target the Atlanta Promise Neighborhood (APN), an area encompassing a 1.7 mile radius of the AUCC. M.P.H. students provide services to schools, churches, food banks, advocacy groups and other community-based organizations.
MISSION
The mission of the MSM Master of Public Health (MPH) program is to develop, through graduate education, public health leaders who are fluent in community-focused public health research and practice, particularly in underserved communities. WE EXIST, BECAUSE WE MUST…Honor the mission, Serve the community, Do the work.
VISION
Our vision is to be the leading national model on community-focused public health education, research and practice, particularly in underserved communities. We will develop public health leaders who advance public health research and practice through a commitment to community service, and through targeted approaches to reduce health disparities.
CORE VALUES
- Leadership
- Ethics
- Academic Excellence
- Community Service
GOALS
- Goal I- Excellence in Leadership: Develop public health leaders who are fluent in community-focused public health research and practice.
- Goal II- Excellence in Education: Foster critical thinking and academic rigor while providing a unique connection to community health research and practice.
- Goal III- Excellence in Research: Engage in research that addresses the needs of communities with emphasis on underserved populations.
- Goal IV- Excellence in Service: Create strong sustainable partnerships that will improve the health of underserved communities.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Research
Students will be able to use quantitative and/or qualitative methods to address questions
in community-based and public health research.
Epidemiolgy
Students will use epidemiological methods to study the etiology and control of disease
and injury in populations.
Environment
Students will be able to describe environmental conditions that affect the health
of individuals and communities, particularly underserved communities.
Community
Students will use community assessment methods that take into consideration behavioral,
social, and cultural factors to understand public health problems and identify holistic
ways to improve health, particularly in underserved communities.
Leadership
Students will describe the use of program planning and evaluation to address health
problems in communities, particularly underserved communities.
Policy
Students will describe the impact of health administration, management, and policy
on the delivery, quality, access and cost of health care for individuals, communities,
and populations.
Application
Students will apply skills and knowledge in public health setting(s) through supervised experience(s)
related to professional career objectives.
Integration
Students will integrate public health theory and skills acquired from coursework,
practicum, and other learning activities into culminating experience utilizing research
methodology with a thesis as an outcome.