Public Health Genetics, MPH

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The Master of Public Health in Public Health Genetics program integrates human genetics and the public health science disciplines of epidemiology, behavioral and community health sciences, biostatistics, environmental health, and health services research with ethics, social sciences, public affairs, and law to prepare students for a career in the evolving field of public health genetics. Public health genetics integrates genetics with multiple public health disciplines to address society’s legal, ethical, financial, regulatory, and organizational responsibilities in offering genetic services and developing interventions to bring genetic services to the public. 

A detailed program description can be found on the Pitt Public Health website, Department of Human Genetics, under the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Genetics designation.

The MPH in Public Health Genetics curriculum is designed to give students a strong knowledge base in Human Genetics with a broad understanding of the field of public health.  Through the coursework, students are immersed in current topics in human genetics, public health, and the ethical, legal and social issues important to the field of public health genetics.  The curriculum, 200-hour practicum experience, and public health essay focus on the development of skills that are desirable to employers after graduation.  The entire requirements for the program are usually fulfilled in two years.  An accelerated completion is available on a case-by-case basis, and the degree can also be completed part-time. can be completed in 1 1/2 years, although most students prefer to spread it out over two years.