pfrh-mhs degree programpfrh-mhs degree program 2014-15 4 8/22/14 340.753 epidemiologic methods 3 5 3...

PFRH-MHS Degree Program 2014-15

1 8/22/14

MHS students must unconditionally meet the following academic standards: During the program, students are required to:

complete a minimum of 64 units including: three (3) focal area courses, eight (8) units of department requirements, 21 units of Quantitative Sciences, five (5) units of Research Ethics and Public Health, two (2) Research Methods courses, and six (6) units of Special Studies for the Essay requirement

take all required courses for a letter grade

take a minimum of 16 units each term

successfully complete courses in the responsible conduct of research

achieve a GPA of 2.75 or higher in all course work

successfully complete an original essay of publishable quality based on secondary data analysis (6 units)

PFRH Policy for Academic Standards: The Director of the Masters’ Programs and Academic Coordinator, representing the Masters Committee, reviews and credentials the academic progress of all Master’s students at the end of each term. A tracking sheet summarizing the student’s progress is provided to the advisor and student immediately after the review. The tracking sheet notes if a student is not making satisfactory progress. The advisor and student are then required to meet and provide a formal letter to the Director of the Masters’ Programs indicating how the student will meet the academic standard(s). A student who earns a “D” or “F” grade in a course that meets a core requirement must, at the next opportunity, make a second attempt to complete the core requirement either by repeating the same course or by completing another course that meets the same core requirement (if available).

If an MHS student cannot meet the academic standards, a formal letter requesting remediation may be submitted by the student and advisor to the Director of the Masters’ Programs. Judgment concerning dismissal from the program for students demonstrating substandard academic performance will be made by the Masters Committee in consultation with the Chair of PFRH.


2 8/22/14

Department and School-wide Requirements

*Not Offered During Academic Year 2014-15

QUANTITATIVE REQUIREMENTS-

Course Number Course Name Units Term

340.601 or 340.601.81

Principles of Epidemiology 5 1

5 3

140.6211 Statistical Methods in Public Health I 4 1

140.622 Statistical Methods in Public Health II 4 2

140.623 Statistical Methods in Public Health III 4 3

140.624 Statistical Methods in Public Health IV * 4 4 1Covers statistical concepts and calculations for data analysis; develops statistical computing skills Research Ethics and Public Health

RESEARCH ETHICS REQUIREMENTS- Student must take the following


550.860.82 Academic and Research Ethics 0 1, 2, 3, or 4

550.865.81 Public Health Perspectives on Research 2 2

Students are required to take 3 units of Research Ethics

306.665 Research, Ethics and Integrity: US and International Issues 3 3

306.663 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Services Management 3 4

221.616 or 212.616.81

Ethics of Public Health Practice in Developing Countries 2 4

306.655 Ethical Issues in Public Health 3 4

*Post doctoral fellows in the School of Medicine (SOM) may substitute the REWards program and CITI training for 306.665 (Research Ethics and Integrity: US and Int’l Issues) These students will still be required to take 550.865.81 (Public Health Perspectives on Research).

CORE DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS – Students Must take Life Course and either Principles of Population Change or Demographic Methods for Public Health


Students must take the following

380.604 or 380.604.81

Life Course Perspectives on Health 4 1

Choose 1

380.600 or 380.600.81

Principles of Population Change* 4 2

380.603 or 380.603.81

Demographic Methods for Public Health

4 2

4 3

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.601/81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/340.601/81/2014/20124/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/140.621/01/2014/18861/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/140.622/01/2014/19129/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/140.623/01/2014/19828/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/140.624/01/2014/20235/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/550.860/82http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/550.865/81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/306.665http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/306.663/01/2014/20148/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/221.616http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/221.616/81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/306.655http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.604/01/2012/15947/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.604/81/2012/15983/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.600/01/2012/16204/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.600/81/2012/16282/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.603/01/2012/16205/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.603.81


3 8/22/14

Research Methods Requirements Students must select 2 research methods courses within a methodological area of their choice: behavioral/social science; epidemiology (2 different options); or health services research and evaluation. The methods areas and course requirements are listed in alphabetical order below.

Behavioral/Social Science Specialty Core Requirements


Study Design ( Choose 1)

380.611 Fundamentals of Program Evaluation 4 3

230.601 Research Design (Sociology)

230.636 Research Designs for Causal Inference and Mixed Methods (Sociology)

Data Collection and Analysis (Choose 1)

340.717 Health Survey Research Methods 4 2

380.711 Issues in Survey Research Design 3 3

224.690 Qualitative Research I: Theory and Methods 5 3

330.657 or 330.657.81

Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Measurement 4 1

140.658 Statistics for Psychosocial Research: Structural Models 4 2

224.690* Qualitative Research Theory and Methods 4 3

224.691* Qualitative Data Analysis 5 4

*Multi-term course. Must take both 224.690 and 224.691 in order to receive a grade for the course. 220.689 is a prerequisite for the course.

Epidemiology Specialty Core Requirements

Option 1 (340.601 Principles of Epidemiology) Professional Track


Study Design Select the following)

340.608 or 340.608.81

Observational Epidemiology 4 2

4 3

Data Collection and Analysis ( Choose 1)



340.770 Public Health Surveillance 3 4

Electives

340.645-or-380.645.81

Introduction to Clinical Trials 3 2

3 1 or 3

223.664 Design and Conduct of Community Trials 4 3

Option 2 (340.751 Epidemiology Research Methods)


Study Design and Data Analysis ( Choose Both)

340.752 Epidemiologic Methods 2 5 2

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.611/01/2014/19943/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/230.601http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/230.636http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/340.717/01/2014/19095/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.711/01/2014/19948/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/224.690http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/330.657/01/2014/18909/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/330.657/81/2014/19005/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/140.658/01/2014/19174/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/224.690/01/2014/20032/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/224.691/01/2014/20295/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.608http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/340.608/81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/340.717/01/2014/19095/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.711/01/2014/19948/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.770http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.645http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.645/81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/223.664http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.752


4 8/22/14

340.753 Epidemiologic Methods 3 5 3

Electives



340.645 or 380.645.81

Introduction to Clinical Trials 3 2

3 1 or 3

340.754 Methodologic Challenges in Epidemiologic Research 5 4

223.664 Design and Conduct of Community Trials 4 3

Health Services Research and Evaluation Specialty Core Requirements


Study Design ( Choose 1)

380.611 Fundamentals of Program Evaluation 4 3

309.616.81 Introduction to Methods for Health Services Research and Evaluation1 2 3

309.617.81 Introduction to Methods for Health Services Research and Evaluation II1 2 4

Data Collection and Analysis ( Choose 1)

380.612 Applications in Program Monitoring and Evaluation 4 4

221.645-or- 221.645.81

Large Scale Effectiveness Evaluations of Health Programs 3 4



Electives

300.713 Research and Evaluation Methods for Health Policy 3

309.715 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research: Research Design 4 2

410.710 Concepts in Qualitative Research for Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 2

221.644 Econometric Methods for Evaluation of Health Programs 4 4

224.690* Qualitative Research Theory and Methods 4 3

224.6912 Qualitative Data Analysis 5 4

1 Students who elect to take 309.616, must also take 309.617 2Multi-term course. Students must take both 224.690 and 224.691 in order to receive a grade for the course. 220.689 is a prerequisite for the course.

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.753http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.717http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.711http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.645http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.645/81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/340.754http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/223.664http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.611http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/309.616/81/2014/19883/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/309.617/81/2014/20245/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.612http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.645/01/2014/20408/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.645/81/2014/20441/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/340.717/01/2014/19095/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.711/01/2014/19948/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/300.713/01/2014/20147/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/309.715/01/2014/19106/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/410.710/01/2014/19096/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.644/01/2014/20407/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/224.690/01/2014/20032/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/224.691/01/2014/20295/


5 8/22/14

PFRH Focal Area Requirements Students must take a minimum of three required courses from one of the department’s focal areas. The courses taken to fulfill these requirements must be in addition to any departmental or the school-wide course requirements. The focal areas for students to select from are the following:

Adolescent Health

Child Health

Maternal and perinatal health

Population and Health

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Women’s Health Within a given focal area, a unique course needs to be selected for principal health concerns, strategies to promote population health and frameworks for evaluating principal health concerns. If a student chooses to complete a secondary focal area, courses may be double counted across their primary and secondary focal areas; students must, however, complete the course requirements for at least one focal area. In addition to these courses, the department encourages students to select electives from the focal areas to enhance their breadth and depth of a particular focal area. Focal areas are listed in alphabetical order.


6 8/22/14

ADOLESCENT HEALTH


Principal Health Concerns (Choose 1)

380.623 Adolescent Health and Development 3 3

380.747 International Adolescent Health 3 4

Evaluation of Strategies to Promote Population Health (Choose 1)

380.624 or 380.624.81

Maternal and Child Health Legislation and Programs 4 2

380.665 Family Planning Policies and Programs 4 3

Frameworks for Evaluating Principal Health Concerns (Students must take the following)

380.725 The Social Context of Adolescent Health and Development 3 4

Electives


Principal Health Concerns

380.720 Masculinity, Sexual Behavior and Health: Adolescence And Beyond 3 2

380.762 HIV Infection in Women, Children and Adolescents 4 4

380.761 or 380.761.81

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Public Health Practice 4 3

4 4

Evaluation of Strategies to Promote Population Health

380.747 International Adolescent Health 3 4

380.623 Adolescent Health and Development 3 3

380.771 Understanding International Reproductive Health Policy 3 4

380.761 or 380.761.81

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Public Health Practice 4 3

4 4

221.640 Children in Crisis 3 4

318.654 Adolescence Crime & Justice 3 3

410.626 Alcohol, Society and Health 3 3

410.657 Community Strategies for Sexual Risk Reduction 3 4

380.625 Attitudes, Programs and Policies for Children with Special Healthcare Needs

3 3

Frameworks for Evaluating Principal Health Concerns

380.749 Adolescent. Sexual and Reproductive Health 3 4

380.720 Masculinity, Sexual Behavior and Health: Adolescence And Beyond 3 2

318.654 Adolescence, Crime and Justice 3 3


http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.623/81/2014/20038/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.747/81/2014/20434/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.624/01/2014/19234/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.624.81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.665/01/2014/19870/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.725/01/2014/20163/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.720http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.762http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.761http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.761.81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.747/81/2014/20434/http:/www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.747/81/2014/20434/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.623/81/2014/20038/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.771/01/2014/20409/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.761http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.761/81/2014/20351/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.640/01/2014/20332/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/318.654/01/2014/19055/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/410.626/01/2014/20033/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/410.657/01/2014/20398/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.625/01/2014/19944/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.749/01/2014/20445/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.720/01/2014/19310/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/318.654/01/2014/19055/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.640/01/2014/20332/


7 8/22/14

Child Health



223.663 Infectious Diseases and Child Survival 3 3

380.625 Attitudes, Programs & Policies for Children with Special Health Care Needs 3 3

Evaluation of Strategies to Promote Population Health (Students must take the following):

380.624 or 380.624.81


Frameworks for Evaluating Principal Health Concerns (Choose 1):

380.642.81 Child Health and Development 3 2

380.641 Prenatal and Infant Growth and Development 3 1

Electives:


Principal Health Concerns


330.640 Childhood Victimization 3 4

380.744.81 Nutrition and Growth in Maternal and Child Health 2 1

380.765.81 Preventing Infant Mortality and Promoting the Health of Women, Infants, and Children

3 4

380.762.81 HIV Infection in Women, Children & Adolescents 4 4

221.627 Issues in the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Low Income Countries

4 2


380.625 Attitudes, Programs & Policies for Children with Special Health Care Needs 3 3

380.740.81 Nutrition Programs, Policies, Politics in the United States: The Impact on Maternal, Child and Family Health

3 2

380.742 Family Health, Public Health and Policy 3 4

380.762.81 HIV Infection in Women, Children and Adolescents 4 4

380.765

Preventing Infant Mortality and Promoting the Health of Women, Infants, and Children

3 4


223.663 Infectious Diseases and Child Survival 3 3

330.640 Childhood Victimization 3 4



380.623.81 Adolescent Health and Development 3 3

380.641 Prenatal and Infant Growth & Development 3 1

380.744.81 Nutrition and Growth in MCH 2 1

410.752 Children, Media and Health

3 3

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/223.663/01/2014/19839/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.625/01/2014/19944/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.624/01/2014/19234/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.624.81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.624/81/2014/19766/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.641http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.640/01/2014/20332/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/330.640/01/2014/20468/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.744/81/2014/19018/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.765/81/2014/20249/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.762/81/2014/20418/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.627/01/2014/19226/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.625/01/2014/19944/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.740/81/2014/19385/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.742/01/2014/20433/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.762/81/2014/20418/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.765/81/2014/20249/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.640/01/2014/20332/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/223.663/01/2014/19839/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/330.640/01/2014/20468/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.640/01/2014/20332/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.623/81/2014/20038/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.641/01/2014/18938/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.744/81/2014/19018/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/410.752/01/2014/19802/


8 8/22/14

Maternal, Fetal and Perinatal Health


Principal Health Concerns (Students must take the following)

380.664 Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology 4 4

Evaluation of Strategies to Promote Population Health (Students must take the following)

380.624 or 380.624.81


Frameworks for Evaluating Principal Health Concerns (Choose 1)

380.641 Prenatal and Infant Growth and Development 3 1

120.620 Fundamentals of Reproductive Biology 3 1

Electives:


Principal Health Concerns:

380.662 Critiquing the Research Literature in Maternal, Neonatal, and Reproductive Health

4 2

380.765.81 Preventing Infant Mortality and Promoting the Health of Women, Infants, and Children

3 4


380.661 Clinical Aspects of Maternal and Newborn Health 3 3

380.765 Preventing Infant Mortality and Promoting the Health of Women, Infants, and Children

3 4


380.655 Social and Economic Aspects of Human Fertility 4 4


4 2

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.664/01/2014/20192/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.624/01/2014/19234/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.624.81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.641/01/2014/18938/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/120.620/01/2014/18850/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.662/01/2014/19285/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.765/81/2014/20249/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.661http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.765http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.655/01/2014/18639/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.662/01/2014/19285/


9 8/22/14

Sexual and Reproductive Health


Principal Health Concerns: (Students must take the following)


Evaluation of Strategies to Promote Population Health (Choose 1)


380.761 or 380.761.81

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Public Health Practice

4 3

4 4

380.771 Understanding International Reproductive Health Policy 4 4

Frameworks for Evaluating Principal Health Concerns (Choose 1)

120.620

Fundamentals of Reproductive Biology 3 1

380.655 Social and Economic Aspects of Human Fertility 4 4

Electives:




4 2

380.720 Masculinity, Sexual Behavior & Health: Adolescence & Beyond 3 2

380.749 Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health 3 4

380.761.01 or 380.761.81

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Public Health practice 4 3

4 4

380.762.81 HIV infection in Women, Children and Adolescents 4 4

380.760.01 Clinical Aspects of Reproductive Health 3 3

380.623.81 Adolescent Health and Development 3 3


380.624 or 380.624.81

Maternal and Child Health Legislation and Programs

4 2

380.667 Women’s Health Policy 3 4

380.768.81 Selected Topics in Women’s Health and Women’s Health Policy 4 1

410.657 Community Strategies For Sexual Risk Reduction 3 4


380.767 Couples and Reproductive Health 3 1

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.664/01/2014/20192/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.665/01/2014/19870/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.761/81/2014/20351/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.761/81/2014/20351/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.771/01/2014/20409/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/120.620http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.655http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.662/01/2014/19285/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.720/01/2014/19310/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.749/01/2014/20445/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.761/01/2014/19867/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.761/81/2014/20351/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.762/81/2014/20418/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.760/01/2014/19987/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.623/81/2014/20038/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.624http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.624.81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.667/01/2014/20227/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.768/81/2014/19052/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/410.657/01/2014/20398/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.767/01/2014/18830/


10 8/22/14

Focal Area Women’s Health



380.666 International Perspectives on Gender Women and Health*

3 3

380.668 Women’s Health

3 3

Evaluation of Strategies to Promote Population Health (Students must take the following):

380.667 Women’s Health Policy

3 4

380.768.81 Selected Topics in Women’s Health and Women’s Health Policy 4 1

Frameworks for Evaluating Principal Health Concerns (Students must take the following):

120.620 Reproductive Biology

3 1

Electives:




221.627 Issues in the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Low Income Countries

4 2

380.762.81 HIV Infection in Women, Children & Adolescents 4 4


380.624 or 380.624.81


380.665 Family Planning Programs and Policies 4 3


380.668 International Perspectives on Gender Women and Health* 3 3

380.666 Women’s Health 3 3

380.667 Women’s Health Policy 3 4

380.662 Critiquing the Research Literature in Maternal Neonatal and Reproductive Health

4 2

*Not Offered during Academic Year 2014-15

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.666/01/2014/19885/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.668/01/2014/19912/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.667/01/2014/20227/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.768/81/2014/19052/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/120.620/01/2014/18850/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.664/01/2014/20192/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.627/01/2014/19226/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.762/81/2014/20418/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.624/01/2014/19234/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/results/380.624.81http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.665/01/2014/19870/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.668/01/2014/19912/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.666/01/2014/19885/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.667/01/2014/20227/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.662/01/2014/19285/


11 8/22/14

Focal Areas Under Development: New focal areas are currently under development, two of which are shown below. Some courses in these areas are available as electives to students during Academic Year 2014-15. There also may be special studies options available in these and other areas as faculty pilot new courses. The department encourages students to take courses from these areas. Updates will be provided during the academic year.

Focal Area Urban Health

Course Number Course Name Units Terms

380.635 Introduction to Urban Health

3 4

221.624.81 Urban Health in Developing Countries

3 4

550.609.01 Life & Death in Charm City 3 1

180.655 Baltimore Food Systems 4 3

380.605 Tapping into “The Wire”* 3 3

380.756 Poverty, Economic Development & Health 4 2

301.615 Seminar in Health Disparities 3 2

380.750 Migration & Health 3 3

*Not offered in Academic Year 2014-15

Focal Area Family Health

Course Number Course Name Units Terms


380.767 Couples and Reproductive Health 3 1

http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.635/01/2014/20410/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/221.624/81/2014/20391/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/550.609/01/2014/19048/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/180.655/01/2014/20027/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.605/01/2014/20095/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.756/01/2014/19371/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/301.615/01/2014/19268/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.750/01/2014/20025/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.665/01/2014/19870/http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/course/380.767/01/2014/18830/


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Waivers With approval of their academic advisor, students may request a waiver for course requirements (PFRH core courses or track specific) if they can provide information regarding related work experience or prior coursework which duplicates course offerings. A course description and syllabus from the prior course should be submitted with the request. Students requesting a course waiver should identify, in advance, what other course(s) in their area of interest will be taken in lieu of the required course. The total number of credits required for completion of the degree remains the same. For a full list of Department policies and waivers refer to the General Information section of the Student Handbook.


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Guidelines for the Master’s Essay and Presentation Requirement All Master’s students are required to successfully complete a culminating Master’s Essay and Presentation. Specific information and guidelines can be found below. Registration Requirements for Master’s Essay and Presentation One Year Program: 380.840 Special Studies and Research in PFRH: Master’s Essay / Presentation

1 year program = 3 units – 3rd Term 3 units – 4th Term

Introduction

The Master’s Essay is a requirement for students to graduate in the Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health. The essay is designed to allow students to explore a public health topic of interest related to their academic program. The goal is for students to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their academic program to a public health problem or issue. Students should begin thinking about essay topics at the end of the first term. In addition to the written essay, students each will give a 10-minute public presentation of their essay. Readers Students may select any faculty member in the PRFH department with whom to work. However, the following guidelines must be followed in selecting readers:

The student’s primary reader must be PRFH faculty. The student’s advisor must be one of the readers. The student’s second reader must be JHSPH faculty.

Responsibilities of Students and Readers: Primary reader: The primary reader has the overall responsibility of working with the student on the essay from the outline to the final draft, and the actual presentation. The primary reader also has the option of nominating the student’s essay for a distinction award (discussed on page 17) if the quality of the essay is deemed to be excellent. Students must ensure that they submit outline and essay drafts to the primary reader by the following key dates to ensure timely feedback. These dates are the following:

February 2nd, 2015 (receipt of student’s essay outline)

February 23rd, 2015 (receipt of student’s first draft)

March 23rd, 2015 (receipt of student’s final draft for final edits)

April 6th, 2015 (receipt of student’s final essay with incorporated edits)

April 13th, 2015 (approval form signed) Secondary reader: The secondary reader provides additional comments to the student about essay drafts. Typically, secondary readers provide their feedback on the second draft of the essay, once students have incorporated comments on the first draft by the primary reader. The student is expected to incorporated feedback from both the primary and secondary reader for the final draft of the essay. Secondary readers must also provide their approval for the final essay. Key dates for a secondary reader are the following:

March 23rd, 2015 (receipt of student’s final draft for final edits)

April 6th, 2015 (receipt of student’s final essay with incorporated edits)

April 13th, 2015 (approval form signed)

Third reader: The third reader may also provide comments on the essay at any stage. If the third reader is outside the department, students are strongly advised to discuss the roles and responsibilities of a third reader. For the purposes of the essay, they should be aware that they do not need to provide final approval for the essay. The essay must meet the standards for the essay of faculty of the school. However, if the student is using data affiliated with the third reader or the third reader’s


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agency, students should provide drafts of the essay to the third reader and discuss when feedback will be provided to the student from the third reader. Choosing a topic and format for the essay: Many students link the essay topic to their internship experience. For example, student work on a literature review or a research project as part of the internship may serve as a good basis for developing the essay. There are a few important tips to remember when choosing a topic and essay format:

Topics must focus on a public health issue or problem but do not need to be within the student’s departmental track The student and his/her advisor must be able to verify the skills and knowledge skills required for the selected essay format (see Essay Topic Form) Summary of Steps Need to Complete the Essay Steps Needed to Complete the Essay Step 1: Identify Readers and Topic Students should identify a primary reader whose research interests and expertise are in the topic area and/or methodology for the essay. Please note that academic advisors must serve as a reader, but need not be the primary reader. Advisors can serve as a useful resource for discussing potential topics of interest and providing referrals to other faculty members in the department whose expertise better matches the proposed topic of the essay. Other resources for identifying a potential primary reader are the academic coordinators, Department’s website, and school faculty directory. Step 2: Discuss roles and responsibilities with readers Once readers have been identified, all students should have a conversation with their readers so that each knows what his/her responsibility is for the essay. This discussion is especially important for readers who are outside our department and especially for third readers. A timeline should also be provided to the readers so that each is aware of when feedback should be provided. In general, readers should have at least a week to provide feedback to the students. Additionally, while not required, the student and readers should discuss whether the essay is published and if so, the order of authors. Separate guidelines regarding authorship will be provided to the students. Step 3: Determine Whether Essay Involves ‘Human Subjects Research’ What is ‘human subjects research’? “Human subjects research’ is broadly defined to include any activity involving humans that seeks to test a hypothesis or answer a scientific question. This activity can include both secondary data analysis and research involving direct contact with subjects. All students who plan to undertake human subjects’ research must have IRB approval before working with human data or samples and/or before contacting human subjects. The JHBSPH IRB Office (http://www.jhsph.edu/irb) is charged with assuring that human subjects research studies conducted in the

school comply with internal school policies and external regulations designed to protect human subjects. For the purposes of the Essay, after students have identified the data source(s) for their research, they should complete the online IRB Worksheet to determine the additional steps (if any) needed for securing IRB approval for the essay, or documenting existing approval. For additional questions about the IRB process, please visit: http://www.jhsph.edu/offices-and-services/institutional-review-board/Student_Projects.html

Step 4: Submit the Essay Topic Form After students have selected an essay topic and format, the Essay Topic Form must be completed and signed by the student, academic advisor, and primary reader (if different from the advisor). This form will ensure that a student has the needed skills and knowledge to complete the essay. For example, if a student has decided to conduct an evaluation of a project or a program for the essay, he/she must have either taken the ‘Fundamentals of Program Evaluation’ course or had prior experience conducting an evaluation. Students also must indicate whether IRB approval is needed for the essay. Step 5: Register for 380.840 in PFRH Register for the 3-credit course with the academic advisor using course number 380.840 Step 6: Submit Outline of Essay to Primary Reader Students need to submit the outline of the essay to their primary reader by the required deadline. The outline should contain all the major headings and sub-headings of the particular essay format, with bulleted sentences on the content of each section. Primary readers will have 1 week to provide feedback to the student on the outline.

Step 7: Submit First Draft of Essay to Primary Reader Students will submit a complete draft of their essay to the primary reader by the required deadline. The primary reader will ensure that the draft contains all the necessary elements of the essay in the standardized formats. Primary readers will provide feedback to the student within 2 weeks of receiving the draft essay.

http://www.jhsph.edu/irbhttp://jhsph.us2.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1GrF6WBUcNFZCV6http://www.jhsph.edu/offices-and-services/institutional-review-board/Student_Projects.htmlhttp://www.jhsph.edu/offices-and-services/institutional-review-board/Student_Projects.htmlhttps://my.jhsph.edu/sites/PFHS/handbook/Masters%20Students/Forms/AllItems.aspx


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Step 8: Submit Second Draft of Essay to Primary and Secondary Readers Second drafts will be reviewed by both the primary and secondary readers for final edits and recommendations. Both readers will provide feedback to the student within 2 weeks of receiving the second draft. Step 9: Submit Final Draft of Paper to Primary and Secondary Readers for Approval Students will submit the final draft of their essay to both primary and secondary readers for approval and submission to the Academic Office. Both primary and secondary readers will also submit their approval for the

essay directly to the Academic Office. Please note that if the essay is not approved by both readers, students may not participate in the oral presentation and may be in jeopardy of not graduating. Step 10: Oral Presentation of Essay Each student is required to present his/her essay in a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation at a public seminar before the end of the 4th term. The student’s advisor is expected to review draft presentations prior to a practice session. The practice session will be scheduled approximately one week prior to the public seminar. No video clips are allowed in the presentations.

General Format for all Essays

1) The essay should be between 15-20 pages in length including tables, but excluding the title page, acknowledgements,

references/bibliography, and appendices. (Note: longer papers will not be accepted.) 2) All essays should have a Title page which states the title of the essay, the student’s name, the readers (with an

indication of who is the advisor), and the date. Please see template. You may include an acknowledgments page if you wish.

3) Typing guidelines:

Standard letter size paper 8 ½ by 11

Double spaced/single sided (can single space block quotations)

Type size no smaller than 11 pt.

1 inch margins all around

Page numbering: title page, acknowledgments, etc., usually not numbered. Others numbered consecutively through to the end of the paper;

Consistent format for all tables, figures, headings, and endnotes and/or bibliography materials. References – APA or AMA Format

Resource material will be provided

file:///G:/MSPH/MSPH%20Essay/Essay%20Title%20Page_Template.doc


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Essay Formats

The following are the specific guidelines for each essay format. Please note that if a student prefers a format that is different from those specified below, he/she will need advisor approval.

1) Research Report: this format could be based on secondary data analysis (more typical) or primary data collection and analysis. Note that IRB approval is needed for this format.

Structured abstract (1 page maximum) o Should include the following

headings: Background, Objective (s) of study, Methods, Results, Conclusions

Introduction (1 to 3 pages) o Why is the topic an important

public health issue/problem? o What is the magnitude of

issue/problem and population affected?

o What are the knowledge gaps and how does the current study fill those gaps?

Methods (2 to 4 pages) o Study design o Population/participants o Measures/Topics of interest: [for

quantitative analyses, include variable tables that specifies variables and how operationalized (e.g., categorical, ordinal, interval); for qualitative analyses, include table with domains and sample questions]

o Data analysis

Results (3 to 6 pages)

Discussion (2 to 4 pages)

References

Tables/figures

2) Analysis of a Public Health Problem or

Legislation Position Paper: both of these formats examine a public health problem and recommend either a specific intervention strategy or a policy/set of policies for addressing the problem/issue. The difference is that the analysis of a public health problem format offers solutions and recommendations related to intervention strategies, while a legislation position paper offers solutions and recommendations related to a policy or a set of policies.

Executive summary (2-3 pages) o Should include an Introduction and

overview of public health problem or issue, and a brief discussion about how the problem/issue could be addressed

Statement of the problem/issue (1 page)

Magnitude of Problem/Issue (1-2 pages)

Causes/determinants of the problem/issue (3 to 5 pages)

Potential solutions/remedies to address problem/issue (3 to 5 pages)

Specific Recommendations (2 to 4 pages)

References Tables/figures


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3) Systematic Literature Review: this format would analyze an important public health problem/issue by examining the literature published on the problem/issue.* *Students should either have taken the systematic review course or be working with faculty with expertise in systematic reviews in order to meet this essay requirement.

Structured abstract (1 page maximum) o Should include the following

headings: Background, Objective (s) of review, Methods, Results, Conclusions

Introduction (1 to 3 pages) o Why is the topic an important

public health issue/problem? o What is the magnitude of

issue/problem and population affected?

o What are the knowledge gaps and how does the current literature review contribute to field or fill those gaps?

Methods (1 to 3 pages) o Databases used o Search criteria o Analytic tables

Results (3 to 6 pages)

Discussion (2 to 4 pages)

References

Tables/figures

4) Evaluation of a Program/Project: this involves evaluating/monitoring an existing public health program/project and could include a process evaluation, an outcome evaluation, or an impact evaluation

Introduction (1 to 2 pages)

Description of Program/Project (1 to 3 pages) o Need (what is the public health

problem the program/project is trying to address?)

o Target audiences (what are the groups/individuals who are going to be targeted for the program/project?) Outcomes

o Activities of program/project

Objectives of Program/Project (1 page)

Logic Model of Program/Project (1 page)

Evaluation Methodology (3 to 6 pages) o Type of evaluation o Indicators o Data collection methods o Sample size o Sampling strategy o Data analysis

Anticipated use of results (2 to 5 pages)

Timetable (1 page)

To view sample essays go to: https://my.jhsph.edu/sites/PFHS/handbook/pfrhessays/Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx. Please note that format requirements of essays may have evolved. The sample essays are intended to provide information regarding quality of content.

https://my.jhsph.edu/sites/PFHS/handbook/pfrhessays/Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx


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Evaluation Criteria for Masters Essay Readers

The student demonstrates the ability to successfully complete a cohesive and acceptable essay in the timeframe provided

and applying public health knowledge and skills. The student demonstrates the ability to make appropriate inference(s) and draw logical conclusion(s) to inform the field of

public health. The essay is suitable for publication either for a peer-reviewed journal or an organization/government report Honors Student essays that demonstrate excellence, as indicated by both the primary and secondary readers, can be nominated for an honorary ‘distinction’ award. Nominations will be accepted from both primary and secondary readers. Student essays that receive a distinction award will be selected by the masters committee. Resources/Support for Essays Students who are conducting quantitative analyses for their essays may wish to contact Mark Emerson ([email protected] ) for any assistance. Students who are conducting literature reviews for their essays may wish to contact Lori Rosman, Public Health Informationist ([email protected]) or Claire Twose, Associate Director, Public Health and Basic Science Informationist Services ([email protected]). Additional resources for essay writing and preparing oral presentations may be found at: Welch Medical Library.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://welch.jhmi.edu/welchone/departmentguidescontent?dgid=49http://welch.jhmi.edu/welchone/departmentguidescontent?dgid=49


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Deadlines

In preparation for the completion of the Master’s essay and presentation, students should contact their advisor no later than 2nd Term to discuss the type of essay the student is interested in writing. Master’s Essays are due early in the 4th Term. Therefore, students should begin to work on their paper no later than 3rd term, and complete it early in the 4th term (see deadlines below).

Master’s Essay Deadlines One year Master’s Students

Tasks 2014-15 Deadlines

Submit one page form to identify essay topic, readers and format

January 26, 2015

Register for 380.840 SS/R in PFRH with advisor January/early February

If essay is a research report, work with JHSPH faculty to submit IRB application

February 2, 2015

Submit essay outline to 1st reader February 2, 2015

Final outline of essay completed February 9, 2015

Submit 1st draft of essay to 1st reader February 23, 2015

Submit copy of completed essay to 1st and 2nd reader for final edits

March 23, 2015

Submit final copy (with 1st and 2nd reader’s revisions incorporated) to both readers

April 6, 2015

Submit copy of essay approved by 1st and 2nd reader to Academic Coordinator

April 13, 2015

Presentation of essay/project Mid April through Early May

These dates are not guidelines, they are deadlines.

Students should plan on being in frequent contact with their advisor and reader during this period of their academic program.