Public Health Genetics, MPH

MPH Requirements

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, practicum experience, and public health essay focus on the development of skills that are desirable to employers after graduation including critical thinking, scientific writing, and statistical analysis.  

A minimum of 47 credits is required for the M.P.H. This total is made up of school core courses, a core of required courses in the department of Human Genetics, and electives relevant to the student’s program goals.  The entire program can be completed in 1 1/2 years, although most students prefer to spread it out over two years.  There is also the option to complete the program on a part-time basis. 

The MPH in Public Health Genetics course schedule can be customized to meet individual student goals, interests, and circumstances. 

Required Human Genetics Courses

• HUGEN 2010 - BIOINFORMATIC RESOURCES FOR GENETICISTS
• HUGEN 2022 - HUMAN POPULATION GENETICS
• HUGEN 2025 - HUMAN GENETICS SEMINAR

• (must be taken two times)

• HUGEN 2034 - BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR GENETICS OF COMPLEX DISEASES
• HUGEN 2040 - MOLECULAR BASIS OF HUMAN INHERITED DISEASE
• HUGEN 2049 - INTRODUCTION PUBLIC HEALTH GENETICS
• HUGEN 2050 - PUBLIC HEALTH GENETICS PRACTICUM
• HUGEN 2052 - ETHICAL ISSUES IN CLINICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH GENETICS

School Core Course Requirements

• BIOST 2041 - INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL METHODS 1
• BCHS 2509 - SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
• EPIDEM 2110 - PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
• EOH 2013 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND DISEASE
• HPM 2001 - HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC HEALTH
• PUBHLT 2015 - PUBLIC HEALTH BIOLOGY

• *Students in the Public Health Genetics program with adequate prior background may apply to be exempted from the requirements to take PUBHLT 2015. Most student sdo this.

• PUBHLT 2016 - CAPSTONE COURSE: PROBLEM SOLVING IN PUBLIC HEALTH
• PUBHLT 2022 - THE DEAN’S PUBLIC HEALTH GRAND ROUNDS

• (must be taken for the first two semesters)

Public Health Essay and Practicum

Students must write a master’s essay, which may be based on the practicum experience or on another topic related to public health genetics. All essays must include analysis of data. The essay topic must be approved by the Director of the M.P.H. in Public Health Genetics program. The essay is read and approved by an M.P.H. Essay Committee that must consist of at least one of the Public Health Genetics faculty members in Human Genetics and one from outside the department. The M.P.H. Essay Committee must be approved by the Office of Student Affairs. The essay must be approved by unanimous vote of the committee.

All students in the MPH in Public Health Genetics program are required to complete a Practicum.  The Practicum is a supervised practice experience of at least 200 hours, providing students an opportunity to learn how genetics is applied in a public health setting and in the formulation and application of public health policy.  MPH students are encouraged to seek out opportunities that fit their interests and goals with guidance provided by program leadership.  Students may choose to complete their practicum in the city of Pittsburgh or in a location outside of the city.  Many students will complete the practicum during their summer semester, but scheduling is flexible based on student needs.