Public Health

This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.

All applicants to the Master of Public Health program must demonstrate adequate preparation in a field related to public health and show potential to undertake advanced study, research and practical training as evidenced by previous academic accomplishment and experience.

All admission decisions are based upon full review of all information in the application in order to ensure fairness and to balance the limitations of any single element of the application, including practical experience in the field of public health.

Minimum Program Admission Requirements

  1. Completion of the SOPHAS application and NDSU Graduate School application.
  2. A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university (for U.S. degrees, accreditation by one of the six regional accrediting associations: MSA, NASC, NCA, NEASC-CIHE, SACS-CC or WACS-Sr.).
  3. An undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00. Undergraduate coursework in fields related to public health should generally exceed a GPA of 3.00.
  4. No entrance exam is required (e.g. GRE). It is an optional item you can submit if you choose.
  5. All graduate applicants must demonstrate academic-level proficiency with the English language before they will be considered for admission. This requirement must be met by all applicants, regardless of citizenship, residency, or nation of birth. No applicants will be considered for admission until the English Language Proficiency Requirement has been met. The English Proficiency Requirement will not be waived for any reason. This requirement may be satisfied in any of the following ways:
    • A bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized institution in the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, or English Speaking Canada;
    • An overall minimum band score of 6.5 on the Academic Module IELTS;
    • A satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).The expected minimum score is 233 for the computer-based test, 90 for the Internet-based test, and 577 for the paper-based test.
    • Successful completion of English Language Service (ELS) Language Center’s Intensive Level 112.
  6. Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation
  • Written Statement of Purpose and Goals – applicants must submit a one to two page, written narrative describing their education and skill set, relevant work experience, and current professional career goals. Applicants are expected to comment on their plans to use their education and training in public health in their future career. In addition, the application should highlight any personal qualities, characteristics and abilities they believe will enable them to be successful in achieving their professional career goals..
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Official post-secondary academic transcripts from all institutions attended (transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions to NDSU)
  • Admissions Tests (as applicable) – scores must be sent by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) directly to NDSU. The institution code for the GRE and TOEFL for North Dakota State University is 6474 and Centralized Application Service for Public Health Programs (SOPHAS) Code 4770.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who the applicant feels are most qualified to evaluate their academic achievement; clinical, public health or other professional experiences; or leadership potential in public health.

Early review begins November 15. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through March 1 or until filled; accepted for fall, spring and summer terms

Required Coursework
PH 675One Health2
PH 704Public Health Management and Policy3
PH 731Biostatistics3
PH 741Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health3
PH 712Public Health Research Methods3
PH 745Community Health Leadership3
PH 706Essentials of Epidemiology3
PH 794Practicum3
PH 789Integrative Learning Experience (Integrative Learning Experience)1
Specialization Courses (select from below)18
Total Credits42

Epidemiology Option

PH 750Epidemiologic Methods I2
PH 752Epidemiologic Methods II2
PH 753Public Health Surveillance2
PH 754Health Survey Research2
Select One Group from below for 10 credits:10
Group One: Management of Infectious Diseases
Principles of Infectious Disease Management I
Principles of Infectious Disease Management II
Electives (4 credits)
Group Two: American Indian Public Health
American Indian Health Equity
Research and Evaluation in Tribal Communities
Electives (4 credits)
Group Three: Electives (10 credits)
Total Credits18

Community Health Sciences OPTION

PH 700Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness3
PH 725Promoting Health through Policy, System and Environment3
PH 711Integrating Primary Care and Public Health3
PH 722Applied Community Health3
Select One Group from below for 6 credits:6
Group One: Electives (6 credits)
Group Two: American Indian Public Health
American Indian Health Equity
Research and Evaluation in Tribal Communities
Group Three: Maternal and Child Health
Foundations of Maternal and Child Health
Introduction to Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology
Graduate Seminar
Total Credits18

For more information about MPH options, please visit the website


M.P.H. in Epidemiology

PH 704Public Health Management and Policy3
PH 706Essentials of Epidemiology3
PH 712Public Health Research Methods3
PH 720Environmental Health2
PH 731Biostatistics3
PH 741Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health3
PH 745Community Health Leadership3
PH 750Epidemiologic Methods I2
PH 752Epidemiologic Methods II2
PH 753Public Health Surveillance2
PH 754Health Survey Research2
PH 789Integrative Learning Experience1
PH 794Practicum3
Select one group from below.10
Group One: Management of Infectious Diseases
Principles of Infectious Disease Management I
Principles of Infectious Disease Management II
Electives
Group Two: American Indian Public Health
American Indian Health Equity
Research and Evaluation in Tribal Communities
Group Three: Electives
Electives
Total Credits42

Students cannot receive credit for past work experience.

American Indian Public Health
PH 704Public Health Management and Policy3
PH 772American Indian Health Equity3
PH 774Research and Evaluation in Tribal Communities3
Total Credits9
General Public Health
PH 704Public Health Management and Policy3
PH 741Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health3
PH 706Essentials of Epidemiology3
PH 745Community Health Leadership3
Total Credits12
Infection Prevention
PH 704Public Health Management and Policy3
PH 735Principles of Infectious Disease Management I3
PH 736Principles of Infectious Disease Management II3
PH 706Essentials of Epidemiology3
Total Credits12
Maternal and Child Health
PH 704Public Health Management and Policy3
or PH 745 Community Health Leadership
PH 781Foundations of Maternal and Child Health3
PH 782Introduction to Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology2
PH 790Graduate Seminar1
Total Credits9

Faculty

Akshaya Bhagavathula, Ph.D.

Andrea Huseth, Ph.D., CPH

Mark Strand, Ph.D., CPH

Mary Larson, Ph.D., MPH, RD, CDE, CHES

Pamela Jo Johnson, MPH, Ph.D., FACE

Paul Carson, MD, FACP

Ramona Danielson, Ph.D.

Stefanie Meyer, Ph.D., CSCS

Tracie Newman, MD, MPH

Tracy Miller, Ph.D., MPH