Doctor of Public Health Programs 2021-2022 Student Handbook Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022Student Handbook
Table of Contents Message from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs 4
Policies are Subject to Change 5 Overview of ColoradoSPH 6
Administration 7
General information/ Policies 8
Registration Policies 17 DrPH Program Policies 23
Community and Behavioral Health Program Focus Area 35 Environmental and Occupational Health Program Focus Area 39
Epidemiology Program Focus Area 43 Key Contacts 47 ColoradoSPH Student Activities/Events 50 Involvement in Public Health Organizations 51 CU Anschutz Medical Campus: Student Services/ Programs 51 Competencies for all ColoradoSPH Students 58
Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook
Statement about COVID-19 at ColoradoSPH
The Colorado School of Public Health requires that all students (MS, PhD, MPH, DrPH, certificate, and non-degree) must either be fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization-approved COVID-19 vaccine or have a request for a medical or religious exemption submitted and approved by August 6, 2021. This requirement is in accordance with the CU Anschutz Medical Campus COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement and Compliance Policy (policy number 3012).
The University of Colorado has determined to require that all University of Colorado students, faculty, and staff receive a COVID-19 vaccine before the start of fall semester 2021. CU and its four campuses join several other Colorado public and private higher education institutions to make this decision, including the Colorado State University System, the University of Northern Colorado, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado College and the University of Denver.
Read the communication from CU President Mark Kennedy > Read the CU vaccine FAQs > Read the communication from CSU > Read the communication from UNC >
The CU Anschutz Medical Campus self-reporting requirement remains in effect for everyone—regardless of vaccination status—who has COVID-19-like symptoms, tests positive or may have been exposed to a COVID-19 case. Anyone fitting these categories is asked to stay home, self-report, and await one-on-one follow-up from the CU Anschutz Contact Tracing Team. Students and employees are not to return to on-campus activity until this team has officially cleared them for return. More information about self-reporting is available here.
For the most up-to date information about return-to-campus efforts at the Anschutz campus, please visit COVID-19 Dashboard |University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (cuanschutz.edu)
For the most up-to-date information about return-to-campus efforts at the CSU campus, please visit Vaccinations for CSU faculty, staff and students | COVID Information & Resources | Colorado State University (colostate.edu)
For the most up-to-date information about return-to-campus efforts at the UNC campus, please visit: https://www.unco.edu/coronavirus/
Revised July 2021 3 A Message from the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs
Welcome to the Colorado School of Public Health!
This is an extraordinary time to be working on community and population health. There is a rejuvenated realization that many of the determinants of health lay not in medical care, but in our social and physical communities, the exposures we receive from the environment, the health care systems that we have access to, and the choices we make in our daily behaviors.
We are a collaborative school of public health, with a strong partnership between three major public universities, and also with our ties to and belief in the importance of communities using scientific evidence to develop their own priorities and strategies for achieving health.
As you embark on your studies, I encourage you to reach out to faculty for mentorship. There are vast opportunities for you to be involved in education, research and practice. I encourage you to get involved beyond the classroom. It is our vision that together we will learn and work to allow all members of our communities to reach their highest potential for healthy, productive lives.
As the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, I encourage you to explore all of the opportunities that the Colorado School of Public Health has to offer.
Sincerely,
Danielle (Dani) R. Brittain, PhD Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs
4 Policies Are Subject to Change
Colorado School of Public Health handbooks comprise the policies and procedures relevant to enrollment and completion of ColoradoSPH programs at the time of publication in August of 2018. These policies are reviewed annually and are subject to change at that time or more often, if necessary.
Students are expected to adhere to the academic policies and procedures of each academic program, school, and university in which they are enrolled. Dual degree students need to be aware of and adhere to the policies in this handbook, as well as the policies for the other program in which they are enrolled. Dual degree students should familiarize themselves with policies associated with each of their academic programs.
Please bring any questions, concerns, or policy discrepancies to the attention of program staff.
5 Colorado School of Public Health Overview The Colorado School of Public Health is a collaborative school of public health with the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado. It is the first school of public health in the nine-state region of the Rocky Mountain West.
Emerging infectious diseases, chronic diseases, emergencies, lifestyles, the environment, disparities and various other factors impact the health of our communities. The Colorado School of Public Health aims to meet the challenges that our communities face by preparing a public health work force with the skills, research, knowledge, and values necessary to advance the health of our communities. The combined faculty, located at the three partner institutions, is at the forefront of various health issues and research, proactively addressing and improving the lives of our children, adults and aging populations.
As part of our commitment to meeting the training and research needs of the public health workforce, the Colorado School of Public Health offers educational programs that include master’s, doctoral, residency, and certificate programs. Descriptions and materials are available through the Colorado School of Public Health website.
Mission Statement The mission of the Colorado School of Public Health is to promote the physical, mental, social and environmental health of people and communities in the Rocky Mountain Region and globally. The mission will be accomplished through collaborations in education, population-based research, and community service that bring together institutions, agencies and diverse populations.
Vision Statement The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) will become one of the nation's premier institutions for public health education and research, with top recognition for its work in selected areas and an outstanding reputation for delivering education, training, and service programs that are based in science, proven in practice, and adapted through creativity to meet pressing population health needs.
Diversity Statement The Inclusion, Diversity and Health Equity mission of the Colorado School of Public Health is to build a diverse and representative academic community, which recognizes the importance of social and economic justice in relation to health. The ColoradoSPH will work to build an inclusive, culturally competent institution, which includes the environment, policies and procedures, faculty, staff, leadership and student body.
Accreditation The Colorado School of Public Health received school-wide re-accreditation in June 2016 from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs outside of schools of public health. As an accredited school of public health, graduates at the masters and doctoral levels are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health examination.
6 Administration
University Leadership & Academic Partners
Donald M. Elliman Jr. Andrew Feinstein, PhD Chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical President, University of Northern Colorado Campus Joyce McConnell, JD, LLM President, Colorado State University Colorado School of Public Health Leadership Jonathan Samet, MD, MS Cathy Bradley, PhD Dean Associate Dean for Research Dani (Danielle) Brittain, PhD Lisa Miller, MD Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Associate Dean for Public Health Practice Carolyn DiGuiseppi, MD, PhD, MPH Teresa Sharp, PhD Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs Director University of Northern Colorado Christine Gillen, MS Tracy Nelson, PhD, MPH Associate Dean for Finance and Administration Director Colorado State University Department Chairs Alison Bauer, PhD Jill Norris, PhD, MPH Interim Chair, Environmental and Occupational Health Chair, Epidemiology Jenn Leiferman, PhD Glen Mays, PhD Chair, Community and Behavioral Health Chair, Health Systems, Management & Policy Debashis Ghosh, PhD Chair, Biostatistics and Informatics Anschutz Medical Campus Staff Chloe Bennion, MPH Katie Guthmiller, MPH Student Affairs and Academic Operations Director Recruitment & Enrollment Specialist Katherine Brumfield, MA Bobbi Ortega Career Services & Practicum Specialist Executive Assistant to the Dean Tonya Ewers Brenda Witt Director of Communications & Alumni Relations Academic Affairs Specialist Kayla Gray Kevin Young, MBA Student Lifecycle Manager Director of Human Resources Colorado State University Staff Kendra Bigsby, MPH Christina Pasana Assistant Director Academic Support Coordinator Lily Doniger Administrative Assistant University of Northern Colorado Staff Esta Lukemire Assistant to the Director
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General Information/Policies Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA) Purpose of FERPA FERPA deals specifically with students’ education records, affording them certain rights with respect to those records. For purposes of definition, education records are those records, which are:
1. Directly related to a student and 2. Maintained by an institution or a party acting for the institution.
FERPA gives students who reach the age of 18 or who attend a post-secondary institution the right to inspect and review their own education records. Furthermore, the right to request amendment of records and to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from these records, shift from the parent to the students at this time.
FERPA applies to the education records of persons who are or have been in attendance in post- secondary institutions, including students in cooperative and correspondence study programs, videoconference, satellite, Internet or other electronic forms. FERPA does not apply to records of applicants for admission who are denied acceptance or, if accepted, do not attend an institution.
Directory Information FERPA directory information is information contained in your education record that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Under current CU Denver policy, the following information is designated as directory information:
1. name 2. address, telephone number, and email address 3. dates of attendance 4. registration status 5. class 6. major 7. awards 8. honors 9. degrees conferred 10. photos
Although these items are designated by CU Denver as directory information, only a limited amount of this information is routinely disclosed by CU Denver officials, and the University retains the discretion to refuse to disclose directory information if it believes such disclosure would be an infringement of your privacy rights.
Nondisclosure of Directory Information Students may ask the University not to publicly disclose directory information. Please note, however, that if you elect for nondisclosure of directory information and are seeking employment, the Registrar's Office cannot release your enrollment, degree status or major to anyone unless you come to the Registrar's Office with a photo ID.
Revised July 2021 8 Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Forms to prevent disclosure of directory information can be obtained at The Anschutz Medical Campus Registrar’s Office or via the Registrar’s website at:
https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar/student-resources/forms
Questions regarding your rights under FERPA should be directed to the Registrar's Office:
Anschutz Medical Campus: Phone: 303-724-8059 Fax: 303-724-8060 Email: [email protected]
For additional information regarding FERPA, please visit the complete policy on the Registrar’s website at:
https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar/student-resources/ferpa
Immunization Policy To ensure that a minimum standard of public health and safety is provided for our faculty and students, all students matriculating into any ColoradoSPH program are required to provide proof of immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis through CastleBranch, in addition to official documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or medical/religious exemption. The Office of Academic & Student Affairs must receive proof of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption in CastleBranch by August 6, 2021. Other immunizations via CastleBranch are due at least two weeks prior to the start of a student’s first term in the program. Students who do not submit immunization records at the specified time may experience a hold on future registration and/or be administratively withdrawn from classes until proof of immunizations has been received.
Health Insurance Requirement Full-time MPH students (definition of full-time for health insurance purposes varies from campus to campus) are required to have a University student health insurance plan, unless proof of comparable coverage can be verified. Students are required to have insurance at their home campus only. If a student wishes to waive the insurance requirement due to comparable personal coverage, they may do so by petitioning the student health office at their home campus. Students at the Anschutz Medical Campus enrolled in one or more credit hour are required to have health insurance. Part-time students at CSU and UNC may also be eligible to purchase a student health insurance plan. Please check with the student health office on your home campus for more information.
Background Check Policy Students matriculating into any ColoradoSPH program (including non-degree) are required to pass a criminal background investigation. The background check is conducted during the admissions process through CastleBranch. Students are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee for conducting the background check. Students who work at the university also need to submit the processing fee and complete the student background check, as additional criteria are specified beyond that required for employment. This must be completed before course registration can begin.
9 Revised July 2021 Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Student Academic Honor and Conduct Code Education at the Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) is conducted under the honor system. Matriculation at ColoradoSPH implies the acceptance of, and adherence to, the ColoradoSPH Student Academic Honor and Conduct Code. All students who have entered graduate and health professional programs should have developed the qualities of honesty and integrity, and each student should apply these principles to his or her academic and subsequent professional career. All students are expected also to have achieved a level of maturity reflected by appropriate conduct at all times.
Although it is not possible to list every situation that violates the ColoradoSPH Student Academic Honor and Conduct Code, the following examples provide a frame of reference.
1. Academic Honesty Students should adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. Examples of behavior that violate these standards include, but are not limited to: plagiarism (including the undocumented or improperly documented use of internet and web-based information), cheating, copying solutions from solutions manuals or from tutors, and using it as your own work, citing references not used in your work, illegitimate possession and/or use of examinations, violation of the ethical standards for conducting research, and falsification of official records.
2. Professional Conduct As future health professionals, students should also adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. Examples of unprofessional conduct include misrepresentation of effort, credentials, or achievement in either the academic or professional setting; any action that compromises the quality or safety of patients, study participants, or the public; violation of patient or study participant confidentiality; institutional review board (IRB) violations; forgery, alteration, or misuse of any university document, record, or instrument of identification; disorderly, lewd or indecent conduct; disrespectful communications in all forms including verbal, written, and email; failure to be accountable or take responsibility for one’s actions; and any other conduct unbefitting a professional public health practitioner, researcher, or educator.
3. Alcohol and Drug Use Excessive alcohol and/or drug use compromises the student's ability to learn and to practice as a public health professional and thus is considered unprofessional conduct. Students who misuse alcohol and/or drugs should seek assistance from services available on campus or elsewhere. The sale of drugs or the possession of narcotics (unless prescribed by a medical doctor) is against the law. To minimize the potential for excessive alcohol use at campus functions, students must adhere to current University policy governing the consumption of alcohol on campus.
4. Respect for the Rights and Property of Others Students should always conduct themselves in a manner that recognizes the rights and property of others. Examples of prohibited behavior include: theft, damage to University or personal property of others, disruption of educational or other activities on campus, illegal use of University facilities, sexual harassment, physical assault, violation of academic honesty standards in a way that affects other students or faculty, such as in a group or collaborative project, and any conduct that threatens the health or safety of others.
Revised July 2021 10 Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook 5. Adhere to all state and local public health and safety orders and campus public health and safety policies. Students are responsible for knowing and following all health and safety orders and policies. Examples include the wearing of face coverings, guidelines for social gatherings and events, quarantines, isolation, orders to shelter in place, and any other public health and safety orders and policies.
Any student found to have committed acts of misconduct (including, but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, misconduct of research, breach of confidentiality, or illegal or unlawful acts) will be subject to the procedures outlined in the Honor Code. Additional information regarding the ColoradoSPH Honor Code can be found online at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/education/calendars-policies
Academic Grievance Policy The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) recognizes that a student may have grievances about different aspects of his or her academic program. ColoradoSPH is committed to addressing these grievances promptly and professionally and reaching a fair resolution through a formal and unbiased process. In the statements below, “Associate Dean” refers to the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Student Rights All ColoradoSPH Students have the right to: 1. Competent instruction 2. Access to instructors outside of class during a specified set of office hours or by appointment 3. Clearly understand the grading system by which he or she will be judged, and expect that the grading system as determined by the instructor will be adhered to for the duration of the course 4. Be treated with respect and equality 5. Be treated fairly according to standards stated within the student handbook and each course syllabus If a student feels as if they have been denied one of the above rights, that student may file a formal grievance with the school. Formal Grievance Process Step 1 Because the filing of an Academic Grievance is considered a serious matter, the student is strongly encouraged to seek informal resolution first by discussing the matter with the faculty member or administrator involved. The student and faculty/administrator should document the date, time, and outcome of the meeting for future reference. If the student feels they need assistance in discussing or resolving the issue, a University of Colorado Denver Ombuds representative is available to help students facilitate a resolution related to any type of grievance. The Ombuds office can be reached at 303.724.2950. Additional information about the Ombuds Office can be found on their website:
http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/departments/OmbudsOffice/Pages/OmbudsOffice.aspx
Step 2 The student should contact the chair of the department to which the course in question belongs. The chair and the student will work together to informally resolve their grievance. In the case that the
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11 Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook subject of grievance is the department chair, or at the election of involved parties, the Associate Dean may be asked to facilitate these conversations. The Associate Dean will act as a mediator between the student and faculty member to help resolve any miscommunications between the parties. Step 3 If an informal resolution cannot be reached, the Associate Dean will meet with the student to determine if the grievance is one that can be legitimately pursued through the official grievance process. Step 4 If the Associate Dean and the student agree to move forward, a Hearing Committee must be constituted within 30 days of indication from the student or the chair that the grievance cannot be resolved at the department level. Step 5 A report will be prepared by the Associate Dean to include a personal statement from the individual filing the grievance or appeal outlining the grievance or appeal, the date(s) of the alleged incident, and all supporting documentation and evidence. This report will be sent to the faculty member with whom the grievance has occurred. Step 6 The Hearing Committee members shall be contacted to schedule a hearing. All committee members shall commit to being present on the agreed date and time. Step 7 One week in advance of the hearing, all Hearing Committee members will be informed in writing of the hearing committee composition, and be provided with the Associate Dean’s written report, any other evidence and testimony to be presented, and the resolutions each deems acceptable. Step 8 On the date of the hearing, the Hearing Committee will privately and separately interview each party. At that time, any additional information, documentation and testimony regarding the grievance can be introduced. All testimony will be audio recorded for accuracy. The recording will be destroyed at resolution of the grievance.
The Associate Dean, or their designee, shall be present at the hearing. The Associate Dean will not have voting power, but will oversee the hearing to ensure procedures are followed, proceedings are conducted with respect for all parties, and that all parties are satisfied that their testimony was presented. Step 9 All testimony and documentation will be strictly confidential. This confidentiality will be waived only if the grievance hearing results in legal action to the extent that grievance testimony and documentation need to be available to the court. All parties shall be advised that no hearing participant should use any information from the hearing in any way to affect future interactions among the parties. Step 10 The Hearing Committee will send a formal written recommendation to the Associate Dean within five (5) working days. The Associate Dean will make a formal recommendation to the Dean based on all of the evidence and testimony within five (5) working days of receipt of the Hearing Committee’s recommendation.
Revised July 2021 12 Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Step 11 The Dean’s decision will be considered final and binding by all parties. Step 12 Upon acceptance of the formal decision by the Dean of the ColoradoSPH, the Associate Dean will be notified and will inform all relevant parties of the decision. It is the intent of ColoradoSPH that all individuals associated with the School have the right to bring grievances to the appropriate School officials and that they be granted full opportunity to be heard, treated with respect, and afforded due process as they seek redress of their grievances. The full Academic Grievance policy can be found online at:
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/education/calendars-policies
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement The University of Colorado, including ColoradoSPH, will not discriminate against any applicant, student or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university and ColoradoSPH will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants, students and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University of Colorado Non-Discrimination Policy can be found at:
https://www.cu.edu/regents/Policies/Policy10A.htm
Sexual Misconduct Policy Statement It is the policy of ColoradoSPH to maintain the community as a place of work, study, and residence free of sexual harassment or exploitation of students, faculty, staff or administrators. All forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, are prohibited on campus and in any of the School’s programs. ColoradoSPH is committed to taking appropriate action against any member of the University community who violates the policy. No retaliation will be taken against any individual for making a legitimate complaint. It is a violation of the ColoradoSPH policy to knowingly make a false accusation. For more information, please refer to the Title IX overview: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity/university-policies-procedures
Policy on Pregnancy and Parenting The Colorado School of Public Health does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy, parenting status, or related conditions. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by the student’s doctor and the student will be given the opportunity, wherever possible, to make up missed work. Students needing assistance can seek accommodations from the Office of Disability, Access, and Inclusion ([email protected]) or the Title IX Liaison for ColoradoSPH (Dani Brittain, [email protected]).
Email Policy Email is an official means of communication for ColoradoSPH students. All official email related to enrollment at ColoradoSPH (including, but not limited to, financial aid, billing, transcripts, school announcements) will be sent to each student’s assigned CU email address ([email protected]), regardless of the student’s home campus. Students are responsible for checking their CU email on a
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook regular basis. The student Academic Honor and Conduct Code should be followed when using university email and other forms of university electronic communication and devices.
Students with a home campus of CSU or UNC should also frequently check their home campus email accounts, as any correspondence specifically from their home campus will be sent to that email address.
For questions regarding your CU email account, please contact the Anschutz Medical campus OIT Department at (303) 724-HELP or visit their website at: https://www.ucdenver.edu/offices/office-of-information-technology
Identification/Access Badges
Students are required to have an electronic security photo ID badge for the safety and protection of all faculty, staff, and students on campus. Additionally, this badge allows students access to buildings and computer labs, as well as parking surfaces.
Badge applications for the CU Anschutz Medical Campus are issued to the ID Badge Office by the education staff prior to the start of a student’s first semester in the program. Students should pick up their badges at one of the badging pickup days or make alternate arrangements with the Office of Academic and Student Affairs ([email protected])
Students with a home campus of CSU or UNC should contact their campus education staff to inquire about ID badges on those campuses.
Establishing Residency
The requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are defined by Colorado law. The statutes require that a qualified individual must be domiciled in Colorado for the twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the term for which resident status is claimed.
A person's tuition classification status is initially determined using the Verification of Residency form submitted during the application process for admission. If a person is classified as a “nonresident,” they must wait until eligible for a change in tuition classification and then file a petition for the change. Petitions that are denied may be appealed.
For more information regarding establishing residency, please visit the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Registrar’s website at:
https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar/residency
Tuition and Fees
Each semester, ColoradoSPH students receive a single bill for ColoradoSPH tuition and fees from the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Bursar’s Office, regardless of their home campus affiliation (CU, CSU, UNC). At the time of matriculation, all students are charged the university matriculation fee,
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook background check fee, and enrollment deposit. Fees associated with the student’s primary campus, such as academic support fees and RTD fees are also assessed. When students take courses at a campus other than their primary campus, there are not additional general fees for taking courses outside of the primary campus, but course-specific fees may still apply. All students, regardless of their home campus, must follow the CU Anschutz payment policies and deadlines. Additional information regarding fee and billing policies can be found on the bursar’s website at:
https://www.cuanschutz.edu/student-finances/billing-payments
A breakdown of tuition and fees per campus can be found on the ColoradoSPH website at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/cost-of-attendance
Students must follow the published drop/add deadlines in order to receive a tuition refund for any dropped courses. For courses dropped before the semester’s drop/add deadline, full tuition and fees will be refunded. Courses dropped after the semester’s drop/add deadline will be considered withdrawals, and will not be refunded tuition and fees. For more information on dropping or withdrawing from a course, see “Registration Policies” in this handbook.
The Academic Calendar, which specifies deadlines, including the drop/add deadline, can be found on the ColoradoSPH website at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/education/calendars-policies
For students who have been approved to take a course(s) at the downtown CU Denver campus, the ColoradoSPH tuition rate will be charged for those courses, unless the student is enrolled in a dual degree program with the downtown campus. The ColoradoSPH tuition rate may be different than the downtown UCD campus rate.
Employee Tuition Benefit
Employees of the University of Colorado and their dependents may be eligible for up to nine credit hours per year to be used towards University of Colorado courses on a space-available basis. When employees are using the tuition benefit, registration can only occur on or after the first day of classes in order for tuition to be waived. For registration of dependents, please see the link below, as new policies for dependent registration are in development. Students who violate this policy are at risk of losing their tuition benefit. For the entire policy, restrictions and forms, please visit the Payroll and Benefit Services website:
https://www.cu.edu/pbs/tuition-benefit/
Employees on the CSU and UNC campuses using their employee tuition benefits may transfer in a maximum of 20 credits of approved public health coursework taken at a ColoradoSPH partner institution during the time of employment. Of these 20, a maximum of 10 non-degree credits are allowed prior to program matriculation.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Beginning in the spring semester 2015, the Colorado School of Public Health will not accept tuition waivers for PUBH 6606 (MPH Practicum) and MPH Capstone Project (Preparation and Integration courses).
These two courses are tailored to the individual student, and require individualized faculty attention to the development of each learning plan/proposal, monitoring of progress, and evaluation of final products
Please note that CU Denver/ Anschutz Medical Campus waivers may only be applied to courses at CU Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus. ColoradoSPH’s CU Anschutz students cannot use waivers for CSU and UNC courses. Employees at CSU and UNC have their own system for tuition waivers. For more details, reference the links below.
UNC: https://www.unco.edu/human-resources/employee-resources/benefits/ CSU: http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/study-privilege.html
By university policy, tuition waivers are accepted on a space-available basis. Some courses, particularly core courses, have been reaching their enrollment caps with tuition-paying students, therefore, there has not been space for students using tuition waivers. Students who wish to use a tuition waiver and who must take these courses in a particular semester should consider paying tuition for these core courses and using tuition waiver credits for other courses that have more space available.
The courses that are likely to fill before waiver-using students can register include, but are not limited to: BIOS 6601. BIOS 6602, BIOS 6611, BIOS 6612, CBHS 6610, CBHS 6612, EHOH 6614, EPID 6626, EPID 6630, EPID 6631, HSMP 6601, PUBH 6600.
By university policy, tuition-paying students (including non-degree students) receive higher registration priority than students using tuition waivers.
Please visit the employee tuition benefit webpage for more information: http://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits/employee-tuition-benefit
Financial Aid All financial aid, regardless of a student’s home campus (CU, CSU, UNC), is processed through the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Financial Aid Office. All ColoradoSPH students interested in applying for financial aid should do so through the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Detailed information can be found at:
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/financing-your-education
For financial aid purposes, full-time status is considered five credits per fall, spring, or summer term. Part-time is considered 3 credits per fall or spring term and 2 credits per summer term.
Registration Policies All students – regardless of home campus affiliation (CSU, CU, UNC) – should register for ColoradoSPH courses through UCD Access at https://portal.prod.cu.edu/UCDAccessFedAuthLogin.html. Students must have a CU email address to access the registration system.
ColoradoSPH students may register for courses offered at any of the three partner institutions, bearing in mind the home campus credit requirements ( MPH and certificate students, see “Minimum Credit Hour Requirement at Home Campus” in this handbook). While the add/drop deadline and tuition payment deadline are the same for all campuses, the start of classes at each campus may be different, so it is important that students are aware of campus-specific dates and deadlines.
Semester start and end dates for each campus, as well as registration deadlines, can be found on the ColoradoSPH Academic Calendar at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/education/calendars-policies
Auditing Courses
The CU Anschutz Medical Campus does not allow auditing of courses. Students may register for a course for “No Credit,” but must pay the full tuition and fees. Students must designate “No Credit” by the appropriate deadlines as set forth by the Registrar’s Office. No Credit forms are available from the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Registrar’s Office:
https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar
Late Registration
Students who wish to register for a course after the drop/add deadline must obtain the approval of both the course instructor and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. If late registration is approved, a late registration fee of $60 will be assessed. Students should use the Registration Form on the CU Anschutz Registrar’s website to request late registration to a course. https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar/register
Dropping & Adding a Course
The drop/add period usually extends 1-2 weeks into the semester from the first day of classes, and is typically shorter in summer semesters. Please consult the ColoradoSPH Academic Calendar for exact deadlines. You may drop or add a class during the drop/add period using the registration system in the UCD Access portal:
https://portal.cusys.edu/UCDAccessFedAuthLogin.html
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook After the drop/add deadline has passed, discontinuation of course enrollment will be considered a withdrawal, and will follow policies detailed in “Course Withdrawal Policy” below. Withdrawal will result in 0% tuition reimbursement and a corresponding grade of “W” (withdrawal) will be reflected on the transcript.
Please note that for courses with start dates that vary from the regular academic calendar (e.g., some summer courses are compressed to short time frames that start after the summer drop/add deadline), students may avoid a tuition penalty if they withdraw before the 2nd class meeting.
Permission to register for or withdraw from a course after the drop/add period without a tuition penalty will be granted only in the presence of extenuating circumstances, and require the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Appeals for tuition refunds after the drop/add deadline will follow the policy outlined on the Tuition Appeals Form on the ColoradoSPH website:
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
Drop/add deadlines can be found on the ColoradoSPH Academic Calendar at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/education/calendars-policies
Registering for Courses on Other CU Campuses
ColoradoSPH students are able to register for UC Denver (downtown) campus courses with the UCD Access registration system, given that any prerequisite requirements are met. For more information about tuition and fees for courses taken at non-ColoradoSPH campuses, see “Tuition and Fees” in this handbook. If the student wishes to apply a course taken at UCD downtown toward MPH program requirements, he or she must secure faculty advisor approval prior to taking the course. See “Electives outside ColoradoSPH” below.
Students who would like to enroll for a course on the Boulder or Colorado Springs campuses do not register on UCD Access. Instead, they must complete the Concurrent Registration Form found on the Anschutz Medical Campus Registrar’s Office at: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar
Approval from both the host and home campuses is required. After all signatures have been obtained, the completed form should be return to the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Registrar’s Office for processing. Students must be registered for at least one course on their home campus in order to add a concurrent class on either the Boulder or Colorado Springs campuses
Leave of Absence
Students who need to interrupt their coursework for a semester or more, either because of academic requirements for a dual degree program, or because of extenuating circumstances such as prolonged illness, maternity/paternity leave, or extreme personal hardship, may request a leave of absence.
Please note:
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• Students must have completed at least one semester in the MPH program and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible for a leave of absence. • Leaves of absence are valid for no longer than one year • Time spent on leave does not increase the maximum allowable time limit to complete the degree program
Students desiring an extended break in progress toward their degree (more than the one year allotted by a leave of absence) should withdraw from the University and reapply for admission when they are ready to resume coursework. Upon possible readmission, any courses older than five years will need to be revalidated with the Course Validation Form on the ColoradoSPH website before the course(s) will count towards the degree requirements. A leave of absence can be requested using the Leave of Absence Request Form on the ColoradoSPH website at:
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
Any leaves of absence from the MPH program must be approved in advance by the Campus / Concentration Director and the Associate Dean for Academic & Student Affairs.
Course Withdrawal Policy & Timeframe
Withdrawal from a course is a formal discontinuation of the course after the drop/add period, and results in a grade of “W” on the student’s official transcript. If attendance in a current course is discontinued without an official withdrawal, the student’s transcript will reflect the grade earned for that course. Withdrawals from courses are not eligible for tuition reimbursements.
• 100% reimbursement will be granted if a ColoradoSPH course is dropped before classes begin or during the drop/add period (see ColoradoSPH Academic Calendar for semester deadlines) • There will be no reimbursement for withdrawal after the drop/add period and a grade of “W” (withdrawal) will be reflected on the transcript.
In the case that circumstances outside the student’s control necessitate withdrawal from coursework after the drop/add deadline, students may submit an appeal for a tuition refund. Appeals for tuition refunds after the drop/add deadline will follow the policy outlined on the Tuition Appeals Form on the ColoradoSPH website:
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
Please note that the Academic Calendar for the ColoradoSPH does not necessarily align with other programs that are part of a dual degree program, and often does not align across all three campuses of the ColoradoSPH. Therefore, students should carefully check the ColoradoSPH academic calendar for drop/add deadlines each semester.
Grading Policy
All coursework must be completed on time. Exceptions are considered only under special circumstances (either academic or personal-beyond the student’s control), and terms of exception must be agreed upon in advance by the instructor. Without a prior agreement, the instructor will assume that the student's work is unsatisfactory, which will be reflected in the student's grade.
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If special arrangements are made for extenuating circumstances, the student can be assigned a grade of “I” (incomplete). For more information, see “Incomplete Coursework” below.
Students must receive grades of B- (2.70) or higher in all core courses (including Practicum and Capstone/Research Paper Credits), as well as in all concentration-required courses. Any course in which a grade below a B- (2.70) is received is not acceptable to be counted toward fulfilling program requirements for master’s or doctoral programs; these courses may be used to fulfill elective credits only.
If a student receives a grade below a B- in a core or required course, they may re-take the course once to secure a passing grade. For courses taken twice, both course grades will be included in calculation of cumulative grade point average (GPA), and will appear on the student’s transcript. Course credits for repeated courses may be counted only once toward satisfying credit requirements for the degree. If the course is a pre-requisite to another course, the student must obtain special permission from the instructor if they wish to enroll in the advanced/subsequent course before re-taking the pre-requisite.
Grading System
For the calculation of grade point average (GPA), the following point assignments are used at the CU- AMC and CSU campuses:
Grades Non-Grade status in course A = 4.0 IP – In progress used for Practicum and Research A- = 3.70 Paper credits (A+ is not given in this system) B+ = 3.30 I – Incomplete (Converts to an “F” if not B = 3.0 completed after a maximum of one year) B- = 2.70 C+ = 2.30 W – Withdrawal (used for courses dropped after C = 2.00 the drop/add period) C- = 1.70 D+ = 1.30 D = 1.00 D- = 0.70 F = 0.00
At the UNC campus, only whole grades are given (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0)
Some courses use a Pass (P)/Fail (F) grading system. These grades are not included in the student’s GPA.
Students should expect that a clear grading rubric will be presented at the beginning of each course and used in determining their grades. Upon request by a student, the instructor of a course should provide evidence to support the grade assigned to the student.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Students may access their grades in ColoradoSPH courses via UCD Access; grades are not mailed or distributed by the ColoradoSPH or the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Incomplete Coursework
In the case that a student cannot complete a course during the regular semester, the student may request an incomplete or “I” grade in the course, which will enable the student to complete the course on a timeline agreed upon by student and instructor.
Students must gain approval from the instructor of the course in which they are seeking an incomplete prior to the end of the academic term by completing the Request for a Grade of Incomplete Form found on the ColoradoSPH website at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
A substantial amount of work must have been satisfactorily completed before approval for an incomplete grade is given. Students will be granted no more than one year in which to finalize incomplete coursework and solidify their grade. If the coursework is not completed in that timeframe, a grade of “F” will automatically be applied to the student’s transcript.
Students who have been approved for an incomplete grade and need to continue the course should not re-register for the course on UCD Access, because this will cause duplicate tuition to be charged. If an ’incomplete' grade has been approved and continued access to online materials (i.e., Canvas) is needed, please contact the Office of Admissions & Student Affairs. Students should not re-register for the course to gain access to online course materials.
Academic Probation
If a student's cumulative GPA across courses that will be applied to their program falls below 3.0, they will be placed on academic probation. The student will have two terms (fall and spring) in which to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0. If a student on probation does not raise their cumulative GPA after these two terms, they will be subject to termination upon the recommendation of the associate dean for academic and student affairs. Students who demonstrate progress towards this goal, but are unable to sufficiently raise their GPA over the allotted two terms, may request an extension of the probation period. Extensions will also be considered in the case of extenuating circumstances, and will be granted at the discretion of the associate dean for academic and student affairs.
While on academic probation, students are required to meet with their advisor prior to registering for ColoradoSPH courses. A hold is put on registration until this requirement is fulfilled.
Termination from the Program
The Office of Academic Affairs will notify students who are terminated from their ColoradoSPH program for reasons of academic performance or misconduct. Such notification will include the reasons for termination and the right of appeal. The Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs will consider appeals.
Any student who is terminated from a ColoradoSPH program following unsuccessful academic probation or failure to meet program guidelines for satisfactory academic progress may reapply for admission to the program after one year and with evidence of better preparation. Such evidence might include the successful completion of graduate courses taken elsewhere or other steps
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook taken to overcome deficiencies that led to termination. The student's application will be considered equally with other applications but will not be given special consideration.
Withdrawal from the Colorado School of Public Health
Students who wish to withdraw from the ColoradoSPH must submit a University Withdrawal Form to the office of the registrar.
https://www1.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider266/forms/withdrawal-form_official- university.pdf?sfvrsn=add3a5b9_2
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook DrPH Program Policies
The DrPH Program is a professional doctoral program designed to train research leaders, public health policy-makers and public health practitioners who are able to address complex public health issues. Individuals with a DrPH degree combine sophisticated analytic and research skills with a broad-based understanding of the environmental, political, social, behavioral, medical, ethical, economic and systems factors that contribute to health and wellness in the community.
The DrPH degree prepares students for leadership positions that have major influence on the policies, programs and institutions of public health. This will often involve taking a leadership role in defining public health needs, designing public health strategies and programs to address those needs, and evaluating the effectiveness of policies and programs in meeting public health objectives. Typical worksites for individuals with a DrPH degree include local, state, national and international public health agencies, non-profit foundations, and universities.
In addition to gaining leadership, management and advocacy skills, graduates of the DrPH program will develop strong research and practice skills in a focus area of public health (major area), and develop a secondary area of expertise in another core area of public health (minor area). The Colorado School of Public Health currently offers three major focus areas: Community and Behavioral Health (CBH), Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) and Epidemiology (EPI).
How does a DrPH program differ from a PhD program? . The DrPH is an advanced professional degree designed to prepare individuals for public health [evidence-based] leadership and practice-based research roles1. . Both the PhD and DrPH degree programs should prepare students for research careers, with PhD training typically aimed at graduates who focus their research in narrowly defined areas, while the DrPH is aimed at graduates who focus their research on broader practice oriented applications. The DrPH dissertation addresses, generates, and/or interprets and evaluates knowledge applicable to practice. . DrPH degree holders use advanced research expertise to perform and evaluate evidence based public health practice. . The DrPH degree includes competency requirements in the areas of advocacy, communication, community/cultural orientation, critical analysis, leadership, management, professionalism and ethics. These competency areas are reflected in specific program coursework. . DrPH students complete a significant public health practicum in which they collaborate with senior public health practitioners to develop and apply leadership, management, and advocacy skills. . 1 Source: Association of Schools of Public Health. DrPH Core Competency Model Version 1.3, November 2009.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook DrPH Requirements Successful completion of the DrPH program requires 55 credit hours of approved coursework. Program requirements are detailed at the following link: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/education/degrees-and-programs/doctor-of-public-health Each student, in consultation with their Faculty Advisor, will develop a proposed plan of study. The plan of study must specify both a major focus area and minor area of study, courses to be taken, and proposed timeline for courses, practicum, comprehensive exams, and dissertation. The DrPH degree has been designed to be completed within 4 years at full-time effort. There is a 7-year time limit. The minimum enrollment requirement for DrPH students is four (4) semesters of full-time scholarly work.
Program Credit Areas The DrPH program requires 55 total credit hours in the following areas:
Focus Area 12 credit hours must be taken in the CBH, EHOH, or EPI focus areas. Please refer to CBH, EHOH, or EPI Focus Area information following this description for specific requirements.
Minor Area Public Health Electives These are elective courses taken in the minor area of study determined by the student in consultation with their advisor. The minor area must satisfy 6 credit hours and be in one of the five core areas of public health, excluding the major focus area. The five core areas include: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, community and behavioral health, and health systems, management and policy. These courses are required to be taken at the Colorado School of Public Health.
Selective Area Courses Selective area courses are graduate level courses in the area of specialization determined by the student in consultation with their advisor. The student must satisfy 9 credit hours of coursework. This coursework is intended to lead to expertise in the area in which the student will be examined in the comprehensive exams and in which the dissertation will be completed. These courses may be taken at the Colorado School of Public Health or at another relevant school or department with approval from the faculty advisor and/or the DrPH Director for the student’s focus area. The student’s dissertation committee will review the student’s background and may advise coursework in the chosen areas of study. If selective area courses are taken prior to forming a dissertation committee, the committee later may require additional coursework to fulfill the selective requirement.
Leadership A course on leadership development must be taken at the Colorado School of Public Health or, with permission, at another affiliated school. The ColoradoSPH Doctoral Leadership Seminar (CBHS 7020) is intended to provide a foundation for emerging public health leaders that will include taking leadership from theory and principle to action and practice in contexts of the individual, team, organization and community. Central leadership topics addressed include: vision, values, collaborative action, coaching, emotional and social intelligence, decision making styles, conflict management and difficult
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook conversations, teamwork, and leadership practices. This course will be offered with a concentrated modular structure. The leadership course is typically offered in the Summer. However, please check with the Office of Academic Affairs for the most up-to-date schedule.
Management A course on the principles of management or organizational communications must be taken at the Colorado School of Public Health or, with permission, at another affiliated school. Students are encouraged to enroll in HSMP 6633 Management of Non-Profit Organizations in Public Health +a 1 credit HSMP Independent Study or HSMP 6634 Management, Budgeting and Public Health Administration.
Proposal Writing The overall goal of this 3 credit hour requirement is to develop skills in preparing high quality, successful, research or practice-based research grant applications. Students will become familiar with different granting mechanisms (e.g., NIH, CDC, foundations) and develop grant writing skills, including the ability to formulate research plans and budgets. This is a closely mentored and intensive activity that is intended to lead directly to the submission of a grant application. Students are advised to take EPID 7912 no sooner than Year 2.
DrPH Seminar Four, 1-credit semesters of the DrPH Seminar (PUBH 6842) are required. Students will attend the bi- monthly seminar for the first 4 semesters of their tenure in the program. This sequence is intended to introduce DrPH students to the historical, conceptual, and value foundations of public health and facilitate their development of skills in social change consistent with the frameworks of the field.
In addition to readings that challenge the students’ thinking, students will write papers that are shared with the entire class, allowing opportunities for synthesizing new concepts and examining complex practical issues encountered in the field. In the professional skills segment, students will engage in activities that facilitate practice of professional skills. Throughout, students will lead seminar discussions, receive feedback on written work, and be urged to prepare reflective documents to help them consider the progression in their thinking.
Practicum All DrPH students must engage in a minimum of 240 hours of fieldwork (PUBH 6850 DrPH Practicum). This will usually be completed with an agency outside of the Colorado School of Public Health (e.g., local health department, state health department, community-based organization, etc.). The fieldwork experience should address, at a minimum, the core DrPH competencies.
Students are advised to begin their practicum after they have completed the management and leadership course requirements and 24 credit hours of their program. Please refer to the DrPH Practicum Student Handbook for details on completing the practicum requirement, at:
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/practicum-capstone
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Directed Reading This course is intended to help prepare DrPH students for their comprehensive exams and dissertation research. After taking this course, the student will be an expert in their specific area(s) of research, including understanding of the historical development of the specific area(s), current research findings in the specific area(s), and current practice in the areas. Readings will address current epidemiological understanding of the area, methodological aspects of the area, theoretical underpinnings of behavior and/or policy related to the area, and current practice.
For example, in the area of physical activity, upon completion of this activity, a student would be expected to have a thorough understanding of epidemiological evidence supporting or disputing a relationship between physical activity and disease etiology, natural history, and prognosis, physiological/psychological mechanisms for the relationship between physical activity and health/disease status, social, environmental and system level determinants, theoretical approaches used in understanding determinants of physical activity behavior, methods for assessing levels of physical activity, and current practices in developing programs and policies for increasing levels of physical activity.
Prior to enrolling in the course, and with guidance from the committee, the student will:
. Select at least 2 areas of focus that are in line with the student’s dissertation area of study. . Compile an extensive reading list in these select areas. The reading list should include seminal readings, reviews, meta-analyses and key original pieces of work. . Have the reading list reviewed and approved by the dissertation committee. Committee members may choose to add/delete various readings from the list.
Once the initial reading list is finalized, the student may enroll in the DrPH Directed Reading course and the student will be expected to complete an annotated bibliography of the full reading list within the designated time span (i.e., one or two semesters as described above). The final reading list should include approximately 75-100 readings. The written comprehensive exams will take place upon completion of the directed reading.
Dissertation Students will complete 9 dissertation credits, during which time they prepare and defend their dissertation proposal, conduct their dissertation research, and complete and defend their written dissertation.
Application for Admission to Candidacy It is expected that, for full-time students, formal coursework will take approximately 2 years to complete. In the epidemiology focus area, students typically take the preliminary examination at the end of year 1. For CBH and EOH, there is no preliminary examination. As students complete required coursework and practicum hours, they will advance towards independent research for their dissertation. Once a minimum of 32 credits hours is completed students may file an Application for
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook Admission to Candidacy. The Application for Admission to Candidacy form must be submitted and approved prior to taking both the written and oral comprehensive exams.
Submitting the application for admission to candidacy and the Request for Scheduling Exam (i.e., the form scheduling oral comprehensive exam) forms can take place concurrently. Both forms can be found online and should be completed and returned to the Office of Academic Affairs.
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
All candidates are required to take both written and oral comprehensive exams (see Written and Oral Comprehensive Exams section below). Written comprehensive exams take place prior to the oral comprehensive exam.
Dissertation Committee Each student will form a 5-member dissertation committee to guide their dissertation research including the directed reading, written comprehensive examination, dissertation research proposal, oral comprehensive examination, conduct of research, and completion and defense of the dissertation. The committee chair must have a primary faculty appointment from the focus area department. The student’s main mentor must have a primary or secondary appointment at the Colorado School of Public Health. The mentor may not be the Chair of the dissertation committee. In addition, the committee as a whole must meet the following minimum criteria:
1. Two members must be primary faculty in the Focus Area department. 2. One member must be from outside the Focus Area department. 3. One member must be from the practice community.
Individuals can serve on committees if they are affiliated faculty or have a PhD or equivalent in the related area of study. The Committee Chair and the Program Director must complete a Committee Membership form that designates committee membership and is signed. The form must be submitted to and approved by the Program Director prior to beginning the Directed Reading. The Committee Membership form can be found at:
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
Criteria Considerations for Community Practice Member When selecting a member from the Community, be mindful that the individual is:
. Able to assure that the research questions are relevant to public health practice; . Entrenched in practice and can mentor and guide on how the research may be applied in practice; . In a position of leadership that can help the student with professional connections; . Able to advise on directed readings and selective courses to assure the student has the broad background needed for a leadership position in practice, and; . Knowledgeable of evidence-based practices in the student’s selected area of study.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook Requirements:
. A resume and any additional relevant information that helps the program assess the practice member’s potential to provide the guidance intended . The student’s written rationale as to why the practice member has been selected (see Dissertation Committee Member form) . Approval by the Program Director and the committee chair (see Dissertation Committee Member form)
Written and Oral Comprehensive Exams Students must be registered (in either coursework or dissertation credits) at the time the written and oral comprehensive exams are conducted. The written comprehensive exam is taken upon completion of the directed reading course. The Application for Admission to Candidacy form must be submitted and approved prior to taking the written comprehensive exam. Each student who passes the written exam will be able to begin preparation for the oral comprehensive exam. Students must submit the Request for Scheduling Exam form complete with required signatures to the Academic Affairs Specialist at least two weeks prior to the date of the oral comprehensive exam. The form is available at:
https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
Written Comprehensive Exam Upon completion of the directed reading course and submission of the Application for Admission to Candidacy form, students may take their written comprehensive exam. The student will have 2 weeks to provide written answers. The exam will include 3-5 essay questions written by the dissertation committee that incorporate DrPH competencies (both general and focus area specific) and the areas covered in the student’s Directed Reading. Responses are expected to be in-depth with citations and may be of publishable quality (such as a literature synthesis). The complete written response should be approximately 20-30 single-spaced pages. The committee will grade (pass/fail) the written exam and submit the final grade to the Program Director. Each student who passes the written exam will be able to begin preparation for the oral comprehensive exam.
Oral Comprehensive Exam Following completion of the written comprehensive exam and the written dissertation proposal, students will present their dissertation proposal in an oral examination. The oral comprehensive examination may include questions that cover the student’s focus area, directed reading and dissertation proposal. The examination will include a detailed review and discussion of the proposed dissertation research. Students should provide all committee members a final copy of the dissertation proposal at least two weeks prior to the oral comprehensive exam. During the oral comprehensive exam, students should plan to give a 30-40 minute presentation highlighting the key components of their dissertation proposal. After this presentation, allow up to 2 additional hours for committee feedback and questions. Once the committee has had all of their questions answered the student will be asked to leave the room while the committee deliberates and then invited back once a decision has been reached. All members of the committee must be present during the exam, although a minority of members but not the chair, mentor or student may participate by interactive video.
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Below is a list of the possible outcomes for each of the comprehensive exams:
Pass – The majority of the members of the committee vote in the affirmative.
Pass with conditions – The committee may feel that although the student has passed the examination, the student should complete additional work on the exam. These conditions will be specified and must be satisfied within 4 months of the exam.
Fail – The majority of the members of the committee do not vote in the affirmative. In this event, the student is subject to immediate dismissal from the program. At the program’s discretion, the student may be allowed to retake the examination once. The retake will be in a format designated by the committee and must be completed within 6 months.
Dissertation The dissertation will be of an applied nature and must demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent research on a contemporary public health issue. The student is expected to examine and analyze a problem in public health practice that has readily identifiable beneficiaries and constituents. The dissertation committee will work with the student to identify appropriate areas of investigation. The project will involve a written product that comprehensively addresses, generates, and/or interprets and evaluates knowledge applicable to public health practice.
The written dissertation document may be one of several forms depending on the nature of the scholarly work, but should be of publishable quality and must demonstrate rigorous analytic strategies. It will typically take one of two forms: (1) a unified traditional dissertation, or (2) the equivalent of three publishable papers plus, at a minimum, introduction and conclusion chapters, as well as a reflection chapter, in which the candidate will apply competencies gained in the program to a broader public health context. The dissertation will be defended publicly and must be approved by the dissertation committee before the degree of DrPH is conferred.
Final Dissertation Defense The examination committee will conduct a final examination of the dissertation orally. Students should submit the Request for Scheduling Exam form to the Academic Affairs Specialist at least 2 weeks in advance to allow time to have a room scheduled and an announcement circulated to the public. Students should provide all committee members a final copy of the dissertation at least two weeks prior to the scheduled defense. During the defense, students will provide a 30-45 minute presentation highlighting the key components of their dissertation. After this presentation, allow up to 2 additional hours for the public and committee members to ask questions and provide feedback. Once the committee has had all of their questions answered the student will be asked to leave the room while the committee deliberates and then invited back once a decision has been reached. All members of the committee must be present during the exam, although a minority of members but not the chair, mentor, or student may participate by interactive video.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook Below is a list of the possible outcomes for the defense:
Pass – Affirmative votes by a majority of the committee members signifying that the candidate has met the dissertation requirement. The committee may still request changes to the dissertation document but these should be minimal.
Pass with conditions – A majority of committee members agree that the candidate will pass the dissertation requirement with additional work on the thesis that can be completed within a set timeline. These conditions will be specified and must be satisfied within 60 days of the defense.
Fail – A majority of the committee do not vote in the affirmative. If a student fails the examination, s/he may not continue in the program.
DrPH Dissertation Credit Registration DrPH students must register for a total of 9 (semester) ColoradoSPH dissertation credit hours to complete the requirements of the degree. Students may register for a maximum of 9 hours of dissertation credit in any one semester. Upon approval of the Director, up to six dissertation credits may be taken prior to completion of the oral comprehensive exam. Once a student has completed the required 9 dissertation credits, they need to enroll for only one credit in each Fall and Spring semester until a successful defense of their dissertation. Students must be registered for the semester in which they undertake an examination or a dissertation defense, therefore if students elect to defend their thesis in the summer semester they must register for that semester.
Some students who receive a stipend may have to register for 5 credit hours to ensure their status as full time students and ensure that retirement contributions are not withheld from their stipend. International students who register for only one credit in a semester and who need to maintain their status on an F-1 or J-1 visa may need to request that their academic advisor complete a “Less Than Full- Time Enrollment” form that allows foreign students to be less than full time and still in valid status. Students who are unable to register for these minimum credits because of extenuating personal circumstances should apply for a leave of absence.
Students must maintain continuous enrollment (enrollment in at least one credit hour in each fall and spring semester) until they have completed the program. A student (who is not on a leave of absence) who fails to register continuously in a given academic year (fall and spring semesters) for dissertation credit hours after passing the comprehensive examination may, at the discretion of the Program Director, be required to retake and pass the examination in order to regain status as a student in “good standing” in the DrPH Program.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook A grade of “In Progress” (IP) will be assigned for dissertation credits taken in all semesters until the final approved dissertation is submitted. The Office of Academic Affairs will then obtain the dissertation grade from the dissertation committee chair, and all IPs then will be changed to this final grade.
Timetable for Completion The DrPH degree is designed to be completed within 4 years at full-time effort. Upon entering the DrPH program, students will have a maximum of 4 years to pass the written comprehensive exam and must complete the dissertation and defense of the dissertation within 7 years of entering the program. Students who fail to complete the degree in this seven (7) year period are subject to termination from the program upon the recommendation of the Program Director. For a student to continue beyond the prescribed time limit the student must petition the Program Director for an extension on the Request for Extension of Time Limit form and include 1) reasons why the student believes he/she should be allowed to continue in the program and 2) an anticipated timeline for completion of the degree. Normally, extensions for time to degree are for one year or less, but under rare circumstances, a second extension may be requested.
Departmental Copy of Dissertation The Program requires that an electronic copy of the dissertation be provided to the DrPH program director and the Academic Affairs Specialist by the stated deadline for the semester of graduation, usually two weeks before the end of each semester. The student is also required to submit the final dissertation to the national database ProQuest by the same deadline date for the semester of graduation. The ProQuest submission site for the Colorado School of Public Health can be found at: http://www.etdadmin.com/ucdenverph.
Graduate School Deadlines Followed by the DrPH Graduate School Calendar and Deadlines also followed by the DrPH are: submitting application for graduation through the UCDAccess Student portal; submitting requests for examination forms; final dissertation defense dates; submitting final dissertation to ProQuest and program. Please refer to the graduate school graduation deadlines calendar for the year of your graduation at:
https://graduateschool.ucdenver.edu/forms-resources/resources
Those listed above are the only graduate school deadlines that apply to the DrPH Program. For all other deadlines, please reference the ColoradoSPH academic calendar.
Program Process Order of Occurrence 1 Form committee 2 Start directed reading 3 Write dissertation proposal 4 Submit application for admission to candidacy 5 Take written comprehensive examination 6 Submit request to schedule exam form 2 weeks prior to oral comprehensive examination date
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7 Take oral comprehensive examination 8 Submit request to schedule exam form 2 week prior to final examination date 9 Take final examination
Continuous Enrollment Policies Students are required to begin coursework during the semester for which they are initially accepted. Failure to begin classes during the initial semester of acceptance will result in the withdrawal of the student’s admission status and the student will need to reapply to the program during a subsequent admission cycle to be reviewed for re-admittance.
Students have a maximum of seven years to complete the DrPH program, and must maintain continuous enrollment in the program from matriculation to completion. Continuous enrollment requires that a student enroll in at least one credit hour each fall and spring semester until completion of the program.
For students who have extenuating circumstances and are unable to meet the continuous enrollment requirement, a formal leave of absence (up to one year) may be requested through the Office of Student Affairs. Any student who fails to meet this continuous enrollment requirement (fall and spring), and who has not been approved for a formal leave of absence, will be automatically withdrawn from the program after more than one year of inactivity and will need to reapply to be reviewed for re-admission into the program.
Transfer Credits Graduate work of high quality done in an accredited graduate program and within the time limit may be accepted, provided it is reviewed and recommended by your program and approved by the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Transfer credit is defined as any graduate level credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned within the ColoradoSPH or CU system, or credits earned as a non- degree student within the CU system. This includes credit taken as part of an earned Master’s degree. Core public health coursework taken as part of an MPH degree or as co- requisites required for admission into the program will not be recognized or considered for transfer.
Number of Hours That May be Transferred With approval from the DrPH Program Director and the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, up to 18 credits of prior graduate coursework may be transferred and applied to the DrPH degree at ColoradoSPH. No more than 8 credits of non-degree coursework (graduate coursework taken outside a specific graduate program) can be transferred as part of this 18 total.
Time Limit and Time Frame for Transfers All work accepted for transfer must have been taken within a five-year time limit or be validated by special examination by the DrPH Program Director and, at their discretion, reviewed by appropriate faculty in the course content area. Transfer credit will not be accepted to apply toward the doctoral requirements until a student has established a satisfactory record in residence in the program of at least one semester. Such credit must be transferred before a student makes application for admission to candidacy for the degree.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook Effect on Residence Such transfer will not reduce the residence requirement at this University, but it may reduce the amount of work to be done in formal courses.
Requirements of Transferred Courses 1. Be graduate level (MS/MA/MPH or PhD/DrPH) from an accredited University 2. Have a letter grade and a grade of “B” or higher 3. Not have been applied toward an undergraduate degree or another graduate degree on the same level (e.g., PhD or DrPH) 4. Be validated by the program director to ensure that the courses were taken within a time frame such that their content is considered “current”, usually within five years 5. Be transferred prior to the term in which the comprehensive examination is taken 6. Correspondence work is not recognized
Eligibility to Transfer Courses Before courses can be considered for transfer, the student must have an overall grade point average of 3.00 in all courses taken at the University of Colorado in the Colorado School of Public Health and have completed at least one term in residence after official matriculation.
Transfer Procedures After reviewing details of courses to be considered for transfer with the DrPH Program Director, the following steps should be taken:
1. Obtain and complete a Transfer of Credit form from the Office of Academic Affairs (https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms ) Obtain the approval of the advisor and the Program Director. Usually this will require providing the course syllabus and student products from the course (e.g., exams or course papers). 2. Return the signed form, along with an original transcript to the Office of Academic Affairs at least one term prior to the anticipated comprehensive examination. Courses may not be transferred in during the term of the comprehensive examination. 3. The Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs will approve or disapprove the request. If approved, the form will be processed for inclusion on the student’s official transcript.
Courses from inside the CU system as a non-degree student need only be included with the coursework listed on the Application for Admission to Candidacy. Approval of the application serves as approval of the transferred courses.
Course Waiver Policy If a student believes that they have, in previous course work, learned the content of a required course, they may request to waive the course. The student must consult with the instructor teaching the course and bring evidence of previous work completed in that subject area. Upon approval by both the instructor teaching the course and the DrPH Program Director, the student can substitute the course requirement with an equivalent number of hours in an elective course. This will be documented in the student’s academic file.
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Please note that it is not standard practice for the program to waive required courses.
Graduation/Convocation Paperwork Students are required to complete the DrPH Application for Graduation by the published deadline for the semester in which they intend to complete degree requirements (see the Academic Calendar for specific deadline dates). The DrPH Program Director and the Office of Academic Affairs approve the completed application. The Graduation Application can be found at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students/academic-forms
Additionally, students must apply for a diploma for their intended semester of graduation through the UCDAccess Portal by the specified deadlines.
Ceremonies A commencement ceremony is held once a year in May on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. All graduates for that academic year plus the following summer are invited to attend. In addition, the School offers a separate Convocation ceremony for ColoradoSPH graduates.
Official regalia must be worn to participate in these ceremonies. Additional details will be posted on the website and emailed to students prior to the event.
Diplomas Diplomas are typically available for pick-up from the CU Anschutz Medical Campus Registrar’s Office 4- 6 weeks after final grades are posted. Students will be notified that their diploma is available for pick up. Students who would like their diploma mailed should contact the Registrar’s Office directly to make arrangements.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook Community & Behavioral Health Program Focus Area
The DrPH Program in Community and Behavioral Health is designed to develop public health leaders who are skilled in the development, implementation, and evaluation of theory and evidence-based programs that contribute to health and wellness. “Community” is interpreted broadly and can include neighborhoods, schools, worksites, towns, cities, regions, nations, or larger geographic areas. In addition to a strong knowledge base in social and behavioral theory and evidence, graduates will have strong research skills to facilitate their contributions to the body of evidence linking social and behavioral factors to health and to aid them in developing sound health promotion policy.
Admissions Requirements In addition to the general admissions requirements for the DrPH program, the Focus Area in Community and Behavioral Health requires the following:
MPH in behavioral/social sciences/health education or equivalent CEPH-accredited program that includes coursework in the 5 core disciplines of public health and the four Community and Behavioral Health core courses (co-requisites CBHS 6611, 6612, 6613, and 6624).
If the applicant does not meet these requirements, they will need to take, at a minimum, EPID 6630, PUBH 6600, and EHOH 6601, as well as the four Community and Behavioral Health Core Courses (CBHS 6611, 6612, 6613, and 6624) once they matriculate into the program. The program director may also require a student without a prior MPH to complete additional pre-requisite or co-requisite coursework, based on the student’s educational background. Co-requisite credits are in addition to the 55 credits required for the DrPH degree.
DrPH Community and Behavioral Health Coursework DrPH students in the Community and Behavioral Health Focus Area will follow the curriculum structure outlined for all DrPH students. The 12 hours of credit in the CBH Focus Area will include the following:
CBHS 7670 Advanced Seminar – 3 credits This course will address theory and practice at a level beyond that covered in CBH Master’s level courses. Students will acquire advanced skills in developing, testing, and applying health behavior theory to public health problems. Students are encouraged to enroll in this seminar in their first year of study.
Applied Biostatistics II (BIOS 6602) – 3 credits This course is a continuation of BIOS 6601, which extends the basic principles of descriptive and inferential statistics to modeling more complex relationships using linear regression, logistic regression, Poisson regression, and Cox regression. The statistical package SAS is used extensively.
Alternative: Applied Quantitative Analysis for Community Health Science (CBHS 6637) - 3 credits This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to database management and common statistical analyses used in community health science. Emphasis will be placed on
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook understanding how to prepare data to be analyzed and on being able to run and evaluate common statistical techniques using SPSS.
CBHS 6622 Qualitative Methods – 3 credits Students will take either CBHS6622 or HBSC 7051-3 at the downtown campus, or an equivalent course that explores methods for collecting and analyzing interview and text-based data and theoretical paradigms that underlie these methods.
CBHS 7010 Latent Variable Methods – 3 credits This course will familiarize students with latent variable statistical techniques commonly used in behavioral sciences research – including scale development, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. It will encompass the conceptual basis of each technique, practical applications using appropriate statistical software, and interpretations of statistical output in light of research hypotheses. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in both concepts and applications.
Selective Credit Hours – 9 credits Selective Credit Hours will build the student’s specific area of expertise, leading to the comprehensive exams and dissertation. Examples of areas of specialization for CBH include (but are not limited to) the following: health communications, maternal and child health, cancer prevention and control, physical activity, nutrition, aging, school health, and mental health. See DrPH General Requirements above for further information.
Program Plan of Study for DrPH in CBH Below is an example of DrPH in CBH course sequencing for full time students carrying an average of 12 credit hours per semester and completing the degree in four years.
Fall Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Qualitative Research Methods CBHS 6622 3 Management, Budgeting and Public Health Administration HSMP 6634 3 CBH Advanced Seminar CBHS 7670 3 (Selective) 2-3 Total credits 12-13
Spring Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Biostatistical Methods II or Applied Quantitative Analysis for Community BIOS 6602 3 Health Science (Selective) (minor) 2-3 Total credits 6-7
Summer Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar in Leadership CBHS 7020 3 Total credits 3
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Fall Semester Year 2 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Practicum PUBH 6850 2 Directed Reading CBHS 7030 1 Latent Variable Methods CBHS 7010 3 Developing a Research Grant EPID 7912 3 Total credits 10
Spring Semester Year 2 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Practicum PUBH 6850 2 Directed Reading CBHS 7030 1 (Selective) 4-6 Total credits 8-10
Summer Year 2 Written and Oral Qualifying Exams
Fall Year 3 Credit Dissertation CBHS 8991 2
Spring Year 3 Credit Dissertation CBHS 8991 2
Fall Year 4 Credit Dissertation CBHS 8991 2
Spring Year 4 Credit Dissertation CBHS 8991 2
Summer Year 4 Credit Dissertation CBHS 8991 1
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook DrPH CBH Program Requirements/Plan of Study Credits Course Description Semester Grade Total Sub Number DrPH Seminar 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #1 4 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #2 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #3 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #4 CBHS Focus Area 3 CBHS 7670 CBH Advanced Seminar 3 CBHS 6622 Qualitative Research Methods 12 Applied Biostatistics II or BIOS 6602 or 3 Applied Quantitative Analysis for CBHS 6637 Community Health Science 3 CBHS 7010 Latent Variable Methods Leadership 3 3 CBHS 7020 DrPH Seminar in Leadership Management 3 HSMP 6634 Management, Budgeting and Public 3 Health Administration Proposal Writing 3 3 EPID 7912 Developing A Research Grant Practicum 4 4 PUBH 6850 DrPH Practicum Directed Reading 2 2 CBHS 7030 DrPH Directed Reading Minor 6
Selectives
9
Dissertation CBHS 8991 9
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook Environmental and Occupational Health Program Focus Area
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program in Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) is designed to develop public health leaders who are skilled in the identification, evaluation and control of environmental and occupational stressors and promotion of health and wellness. Within EOH "environment" is broadly interpreted and can include neighborhoods, worksites, cities, regions, nations, and the planet, and include chemical, physical, and biological stressors. Areas of specialization in EOH include (but are not limited to) built environment; exposure, toxicology and risk; and occupational health and wellness; and climate and health. Graduates will develop a strong knowledge base in the environmental and occupational health sciences and will be prepared to hold leadership positions in public health practice at the local, state or national level and in academia.
Admissions Requirements In addition to the general admissions requirements for the DrPH program, the focus area in Environmental and Occupational Health (referred to as EOH) requires an MPH or MS in environmental or occupational health, or a related discipline, from a CEPH-accredited program. If the applicant does not meet this requirement, they will need to take, at a minimum, EPID 6630, PUBH 6600, and EHOH 6601 once they matriculate into the program. The program director may also require the student to complete additional pre-requisite or co-requisite coursework, based on the student’s educational background. Co-requisite credits are in addition to the 55credits required for the DrPH degree.
DrPH Environmental and Occupational Health Coursework DrPH students in the EOH Focus Area will follow the curriculum structure outlined for all DrPH students. The 12 hours of credit in the focus area will include the following:
Advanced Methods in Environmental & Occupational Health – 2 credits Students will take EHOH 7631 which will cover advanced methods in survey design, environmental sampling, risk assessment, biomarkers and exposure assessment and focus on use of and issues associated with analysis of secondary datasets.
Advanced Field Investigations in Environmental & Occupational Health – 1 credit Students will take EHOH 7632, which will build on the Advanced Methods in EOH course and provide practical field and laboratory applications. Field investigations will include sampling design, sample collection (e.g. air, water, soil, and questionnaire), analysis and interpretation.
Geographic Information Systems – 3 credits Students will take EHOH 6621 or the equivalent, Geographic Information Systems for Public Health Research and Practice, which includes the use of GIS software, mapping, and geocoding and data analysis. If a student has previously completed an introductory GIS course, an advanced GIS course may be substituted.
Advanced Biostatistics – 6 credits Students will take BIOS 6611 and 6612 or equivalents to acquire advanced biostatistical skills. With permission of the student’s advisor, advanced biostatistical coursework may be substituted such as
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook structural equation modeling, applied regression analysis, Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM), principal component or factor analysis, and mixed-model methods.
Selective Credit Hours – 9 credits Selective Credit Hours will build the student’s specific area of expertise, leading to the qualifying exams and dissertation. Examples of areas of specialization for EOH include (but are not limited to) the following: built environment, cancer prevention, climate change and health, worksite wellness, total worker health, exposure assessment, and toxicology. Courses must be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor, and relevant electives may be taken at any ColoradoSPH campus.
Program Plan of Study for DrPH in EOH Below is an example schedule for a DrPH in EOH for full time students completing the degree in four years.
Fall Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Advanced Methods in EOH EHOH 7631 2 Biostatistical Methods I BIOS 6611 3 (Minor) 2-3 (Selective) 2-3 Total credits 11-12
Spring Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Advanced Field Investigations in EOH EHOH 7632 1 Biostatistical Methods II BIOS 6612 3 GIS for Public Health Practice EHOH 6621 3 (Selective) 2-3 Total credits 10-11
Summer Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar in Leadership CBHS 7020 3 Total credits 3
Fall Semester Year 2 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Practicum PUBH 6850 2 Developing a Research Grant EPID 7912 3 Management, Budgeting and Public Health Administration HSMP 6634 3 (Selective) 2-3 Total credits 11-12
Spring Semester Year 2 Course # Credit
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DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Practicum PUBH 6850 2 Directed Reading EHOH 7030 2 (Minor) 2-3 (Selective) 2-3 Total credits 9-11
Summer Year 2 Written and Oral Qualifying Exams
Fall Year 3 Credit Dissertation EHOH 8991 2
Spring Year 3 Credit Dissertation EHOH 8991 2
Fall Year 4 Credit Dissertation EHOH 8991 2
Spring Year 4 Credit Dissertation EHOH 8991 2
Summer Year 4 Credit Dissertation EHOH 8991 1
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook DrPH EOH Program Requirements/Program of Study Credits Course Description Semester Grade Total Sub Number DrPH Seminar 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #1 4 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #2 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #3 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #4 EOH Focus Area Required Courses 2 EHOH 7631 Advanced Methods in EOH 1 EHOH 7632 Advanced Field Methods in EOH 12 3 EHOH 6621 GIS for Public Health Research/Practice 3 BIOS 6611 Biostatistical Methods I 3 BIOS 6612 Biostatistical Methods II Leadership 3 3 CBHS 7020 DrPH Seminar in Leadership Management 3 HSMP 6634 Management, Budgeting and Public Health 3 Administration Proposal Writing 3 3 EPID 7912 Developing A Research Grant Practicum 4 4 PUBH 6850 DrPH Practicum Directed Reading 2 2 EHOH 7030 DrPH Directed Reading Minor 6
Selectives
10
Dissertation EHOH 8991 9
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook Epidemiology Program Focus Area
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program in Epidemiology is designed to develop public health leaders who are skilled at identifying the factors that affect the health of a population and developing, implementing and evaluating disease control and prevention strategies to improve public health. Areas of specialization in epidemiology include (but are not limited to) health data and information systems, chronic disease prevention and control, communicable disease prevention and control and injury prevention. Graduates will be prepared to hold leadership positions in public health practice at the local, state or national level and in academia.
Admissions Requirements At least one semester of calculus is a pre-requisite that must be completed prior to admission. In addition to the general admissions requirements for the DrPH program, the focus area in Epidemiology requires a MPH or MS in epidemiology or a related discipline from a CEPH- accredited program. If the applicant does not meet this requirement, they will need to take, at a minimum, EPID 6630, PUBH 6600, and EHOH 6601 once they matriculate into the program. The program director may also require the student to complete additional pre-requisite or co-requisite coursework, based on the student’s educational background. Co-requisite credits are in addition to the 55 credits required for the DrPH degree.
DrPH Epidemiology Coursework DrPH students in the Epidemiology Focus Area will follow the curriculum structure outlined for all DrPH students. The 12 hours of credit in the Epidemiology Focus Area will include:
Advanced Epidemiology – 3 credits EPID 7632 is an advanced course in Epidemiology that covers the conduct and interpretation of epidemiologic studies at a level beyond that covered in EPID Master’s level courses. The course is offered in the spring semester.
Advanced Biostatistics Methods – 6 credits BIOS 6611 and BIOS 6612 or equivalent applied statistics covering probability, descriptive, parametric and non-parametric methods for one and two sample estimation/testing, linear modeling and analysis of variance. Logistic and Poisson regression, survival analysis and methods for correlated and hierarchical data are also covered. Matrix algebra and the statistical package SAS will be used.
Research Methods with Secondary Data Sets – 3 credits EPID 7605 covers a broad range of secondary data sources including those designed for health and medical surveillance (e.g., BRFSS, NHIS, SEER, NACCHO Profiles, MEPS) and those derived from practice (e.g., Medicaid, PharMetrics, HEDIS, HCUP). Coursework covers identification and evaluation of secondary data sets and principles and methods for research design and analysis using secondary data. Each student will develop a research question and study design that can be informed with secondary data, establish inclusion/exclusion criteria, describe study population, determine precision and/or power, and assess measurement validity. It is recommended that students link the class project with their chosen area of specialization. This course is offered spring semester.
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Due to the emphasis on both epidemiology and biostatistics in the focus area requirements, minor credit hours (6) will usually be taken in one of the other core areas of public health: Community and Behavioral Health, Environmental and Occupational Health or Health Systems, Management and Policy.
Selective Credit Hours – 9 credits Selective Credit Hours will build the student’s specific area of expertise, leading to the comprehensive exams and dissertation. Examples of areas of specialization for Epidemiology include (but are not limited to) the following: health data and information systems, chronic disease prevention and control, communicable disease prevention and control, food safety, injury prevention, newborn screening. See DrPH General Requirements above for further information.
Preliminary Exam In addition to requirements listed above for the DrPH, students will take the preliminary exam required of both PhD and DrPH students in Epidemiology at the end of the first year and after completion of Advanced Epidemiology and the required courses in Biostatistics.
The purpose of the written preliminary exam is to demonstrate competence in epidemiology and biostatistics methods. The exam includes three components: Epidemiology A covering interpretation and presentation of analytic results; Epidemiology B covering the principles and methods of epidemiology; and Biostatistics. This exam is taken at the end of the first year of study and should be successfully completed before starting the dissertation.
Program Plan of Study for DrPH in Epidemiology Below is an example of DrPH in EPI course sequencing for full time students completing the degree in four years.
Fall Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Advanced Epidemiology 1 (if needed as a co-requisite) EPID 7631 - Biostatistical Methods I BIOS 6611 3 Co-requisites - (Selective) 3-6 Total credits 7-10
Spring Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Research Methods with Secondary Data Sources EPID 7605 3 Advanced Epidemiology EPID 7632 3 Biostatistical Methods II BIOS 6612 3 Remaining Co-requisites - Total credits 10
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Summer Semester Year 1 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar in Leadership CBHS 7020 3 (Minor or Selective) 3 Preliminary Exam Total credits 6
Fall Semester Year 2 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Practicum PUBH 6850 2 Directed Reading EPID 7030 1 (Minor or Selective) 3-5 Developing a research Grant EPID 7912 3 Total credits 10
Spring Semester Year 2 Course # Credit DrPH Seminar PUBH 6842 1 Practicum PUBH 6850 2 Directed Reading EPID 7030 1 Managing of Non-Profits in Public Health (Management option) HSMP 6633 3 (Selective) 3-5 Total credits 10-12
Summer Year 2 Written and Oral Qualifying Exams
Fall Year 3 Credit Dissertation EPID 8991 2
Spring Year 3 Credit Dissertation EPID 8991 2
Fall Year 4 Credit Dissertation EPID 8991 2
Spring Year 4 Credit Dissertation EPID 8991 2
Summer Year 4 Credit Dissertation EPID 8991 1
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021- 2022 Student Handbook DrPH EPID Program Requirements/Plan of Study Credits Course Description Semester Grade Total Sub Number DrPH Seminar 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #1 4 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #2 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #3 1 PUBH 6842 DrPH Seminar #4 EPID Focus Area Required Courses 3 EPID 7632 Advanced Epidemiology 12 3 BIOS 6611 Biostatistical Methods I 3 BIOS 6612 Biostatistical Methods II 3 EPID 7605 Research Methods/Secondary Data Leadership 3 3 CBHS 7020 DrPH Seminar in Leadership Management 3 3 HSMP 6633 Managing of Non-Profits in Public Health Proposal Writing 3 3 EPID 7912 Developing A Research Grant Practicum 4 4 PUBH 6850 DrPH Practicum Directed Reading 2 2 EPID 7030 DrPH Directed Reading Minor 6
Selectives
10
Dissertation EPID 8991 9
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Key Contacts
CU Anschutz Medical Campus Concentration Directors
Fan Yang, PhD Madiha Abdel-Maksoud, MD, PhD Concentration Director Applied Biostatistics, MPH Concentration Director Epidemiology, MPH [email protected] Global Public Health Plus, MPH [email protected]
Carsten Görg, PhD Tessa Crume, PhD, MS Program Director Epidemiology, MS & PhD Director Biostatistics, MS & PhD [email protected] [email protected]
Brandie Wagner, PhD Molly Lamb, PhD Program Co-Director Biostatistics, MS & PhD Program Director Epidemiology, DrPH [email protected] [email protected]
Virginia Visconti, PhD Cathy Battaglia, PhD, MSHA, RN Concentration Director Program Co-Director Community & Behavioral Health, MPH Health Systems Research, PhD [email protected] [email protected]
Ashley Brooks-Russell, PhD, MPH Richard Lindrooth, PhD Program Director Program Director Community and Behavioral Health, DrPH Health Systems Research MS [email protected] [email protected]
Charlotte Farewell, PhD Beth McManus, PT, MPH, ScD Program Director Concentration Director Population Mental Health & Wellbeing, MPH Health Systems, Management & Policy, MPH [email protected] [email protected]
Alison Bauer, PhD Mary Dinger, PhD Concentration Director Concentration Director Environmental & Occupational Health, MPH Leadership and Public Health, MPH [email protected] [email protected]
Beth Carlton, PhD Elizabeth Greenwell, Sc.D Program Director Concentration Director Environmental and Occupational Health, DrPH Maternal & Child Health, MPH [email protected] [email protected]
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Department Chairs Debashis Ghosh, PhD Alison Bauer, PhD Chair, Applied Biostatistics Interim Chair, Environmental & Occupational Health [email protected] [email protected]
Jenn Leiferman, PhD Jill Norris, PhD, MPH Chair, Community & Behavioral Health Chair, Epidemiology [email protected] [email protected]
Glen Mays, PhD Chair, Health Systems, Management and Policy [email protected]
Office of Academic and Student Affairs Danielle (Dani) Brittain, PhD Katie Guthmiller, MPH Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Recruitment & Enrollment Specialist [email protected] [email protected]
Janet Walters Chloe Bennion, MPH Student Affairs Specialist Student Affairs and Academic Operations Director [email protected] [email protected]
Katherine Brumfield, MA Brenda Witt Career Services Senior Specialist Academic Affairs Specialist [email protected] [email protected]
General Inquiries: Kayla Gray [email protected] Student Lifecycle Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Colorado State University Tracy Nelson, PhD, MPH Kendra Bigsby, MPH Director Assistant Director [email protected] [email protected] Lily Doniger Christina Pasana Administrative Assistant Academic Support Coordinator [email protected] [email protected]
University of Northern Colorado Teresa Sharp, PhD Esta Lukemire Director Assistant to Director [email protected] [email protected]
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Office of Academic and Student Affairs Danielle (Dani) Brittain, PhD Katie Guthmiller, MPH Associate Dean for Academic and Recruitment & Enrollment Specialist Student Affairs [email protected] [email protected] Janet Walters Chloe Bennion, MPH Student Affairs Specialist Student Affairs and Academic Operations Director [email protected] [email protected]
Katherine Brumfield, MA Brenda Witt Career Services Senior Specialist Academic Affairs Specialist [email protected] [email protected]
General Inquiries: Kayla Gray [email protected] Student Lifecycle Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Colorado State University Tracy Nelson, PhD, MPH Kendra Bigsby, MPH Director Assistant Director [email protected] [email protected]
Lily Doniger Christina Pasana Administrative Assistant Academic Support Coordinator [email protected] [email protected]
University of Northern Colorado Teresa Sharp, PhD Esta Lukemire Director Assistant to Director [email protected] [email protected]
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ColoradoSPH Student Activities/Events
Student Council The ColoradoSPH Student Council is our primary student leadership organization. Student Council is involved in planning events and promoting public health in their local communities. Each campus has their own student council, and all three work together on various volunteer and learning opportunities as well as school events. Council members are devoted to serving as representatives of the school, developing relationships with community organizations, and involving students at all three campuses in public health activities. Take charge of your ColoradoSPH experience!
The Student Council leadership from each campus make up the Tri-Campus Student Leadership Council, which meets each month to maintain the collaborative nature of our school.
For information regarding Student Council, visit: Student Organizations & Programs | Colorado School of Public Health (cuanschutz.edu) Contact: Neeloofar Soleimanpour | [email protected]
Case Competition The ColoradoSPH hosts the annual Rocky Mountain Public Health Case Competition where interdisciplinary student teams will collaborate to develop a solution to a chosen public health issue. As a student, you have the opportunity to get involved in the planning of the event or as a participant. Due, Case Competition will likely take place . More details will be announced as the event is closer. This annual event typically takes place in November.
For information regarding last year’s conference visit: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/news-and-events/events/public-health-case-competition
Contact: Chloe Bennion | [email protected]
Emerging Leaders A one-day conference for students planned by students. As a participant, you will learn and collaborate among your peers about the chosen theme of the conference. Students can also join the planning team to gain experience planning a conference.
Contact: Katherine Brumfield | [email protected]
National Public Health Week Get involved on your home campus to help plan for this national event for the ColoradoSPH community. All students will be able to attend events during this week (typically the first week of April) on all three campuses and experience the strengths each has to offer.
For information regarding National Public Health Week visit: http://www.nphw.org/
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook ColoradoSPH Student Volunteer Response Initiative
Description: The ColoradoSPH Student Volunteer initiative (CSVI) is a student-run organization that connects currently enrolled ColoradoSPH students with information about local volunteer programs and job opportunities via a weekly email. CSVI aims to provide students with leadership public health positions that range from COVID-19 response positions to equity-improvement projects. During the pandemic, the goal of CSVI is to connect students with the opportunities that make a difference and provide meaningful public health experience, all while reducing the burden faced by our public health partners.
How to join: CSVI is a newer organization built off of a COVID-19 response student-run program. CSVI is now looking for student leaders to help build prosperous partnerships between ColoradoSPH and external organizations. If interested in becoming a student leader in CSVI, or even just interested in joining, please email [email protected] for more information.
Involvement in Public Health Organizations
Public health students are encouraged to become involved in state, regional, national, and international organizations by becoming student members, submitting proposals for presentations, and other professional activities. The following is a list of organizations students may consider:
American Public Health Association (APHA) http://www.apha.org/
Colorado Environmental Health Association (CEHA) http://www.cehaweb.com/
Colorado Public Health Association (CPHA) http://www.coloradopublichealth.org/
Colorado Society of Public Health Educators (SOPHE) http://www.sophe.org/
CU Anschutz Medical Campus: Student Services/Programs Colorado School of Public Health https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/
Student Resources Academic calendar, schedule of classes, handbooks, forms, & more: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/for-current-students
Information Technology Bldg. 500, 3rd Floor 303.724.4732 Email: [email protected] https://www.ucdenver.edu/offices/office-of- information-technology/get-help
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook UCD Access https://passport.ucdenver.edu/login.php
Online Course Access The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus uses a robust online learning system, Canvas. Online course materials can be accessed at: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/CUOnline/OnlineCourses/Pages/CourseLogin.aspx A student guide to using Canvas can be found at: http://guides.instructure.com/m/4212
Registrar Forms https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar/student-resources/forms#tuition
Registrar’s Office Education 2 North, 3rd Floor Phone: 303-724-8059 Email: [email protected] https://www.cuanschutz.edu/registrar
Financial Aid Office Ed 2 North, 3rd Floor Phone: 303-724-8039 Email: [email protected] https://www.cuanschutz.edu/student-finances/financial-aid
Bursar’s Office Ed 2 North, 3rd Floor Phone: 303-724-8032 Email: [email protected] https://www.cuanschutz.edu/student-finances/billing-payments
Bookstore The CU Anschutz Bookstore has been operating under more restricted hours with the Covid-19 pandemic. You can always visit the bookstore online. Listed below is the regular, non-pandemic hours and the link to the bookstore online.
Hours: Monday – Thursday (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM) | Friday (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Phone: 303-724-2665 (4-BOOK) Location: First floor of Ed 2 South. https://cuanschutz.bncollege.com/shop/cu-anschutz/home
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Support and Resources CU Anschutz has designated lactation rooms on campus, listed on the Anschutz facilities website. UCHealth also hosts breastfeeding support groups, on campus and throughout the state, where you can meet other moms, ask questions, and address concerns with a lactation consultant. For more information, visit their page here: https://www.uchealth.org/services/womens-care/pregnancy- childbirth-newborn- care/breastfeeding-support/ For more information on all CU lactation support and resources, visit this page: https://www.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity/support-resources/pregnancy-lactation-2
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Campus Safety The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. When extreme winter weather conditions develop, the university’s normal business operations can be affected. Students, faculty, and staff can check local broadcast news media (television and radio) for announcements about closures or schedule adjustments. The university also provides emergency-related information, as appropriate, on a toll-free phone line 1-877-INFO-070 (or 1- 877-463- 6070); online at https://www1.ucdenver.edu/police/alerts; and via the Rave emergency notification tool. Students can register for this free text and voice messaging service by clicking the “Get Rave” button on the right side of the aforementioned page.
University Police 12454 E. 19th Place, Bldg. U-09 Phone: 303-724-2000 (main office) | 303.724.4444 (non-emergency) Email: [email protected] (non-emergency) https://www.cuanschutz.edu/police
Accommodations for Disability: Virtual and In-Class University of Colorado Anschutz is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities to students with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical). To ensure access to this class, and program, please contact the Office of Disability, Access, and Inclusion ([email protected]) for disability services to engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations in the classroom and clinical settings.
Accommodations are not provided retroactively Students are encouraged to register with Disability Resources and Services as soon as they begin their program. The Colorado School of Public Health encourages students to access all resources available through Disability Resources and Services for consistent support and access to their programs. More information can be found online at: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/office-of-disability-access-and-inclusion
Office of Case Management The Office of Case Management is here to support students who are experiencing difficulties related to mental health, safety concerns, interpersonal conflict, adjusting to college, family emergencies, feelings of isolation, or anything else which may impact their ability to be successful. Case managers collaborate and consult with students, parents, faculty, staff, and other campus resources to best address the needs of each student. Services offered include, but are not limited to, providing intervention and advocacy, on-campus resources and referrals, assistance with medical withdrawals, and navigating the university system, and follow-up services and support. Students can connect with the case manager for ColoradoSPH students, Kelly Tyman, by emailing her directly at [email protected] . They may also submit general inquiries to [email protected]. For more information or to submit a report, visit: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofColoradoDenver&layout_id=26
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Library The Anschutz Medical Campus Health Sciences Library is located at 12950 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80045 directly north of the Fitzsimons Building (previously Building 500). There are extensive online resources available to all students through the library. On-campus library access for students who need it is available via badge access 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The library remains closed to the public and others do not have a CU Anschutz badge. For more information on the Library, visit:
https://library.cuanschutz.edu/about/hours
Electronic Security ID Badge Office Students are required to have an electronic security photo ID badge for the safety and protection of all faculty, staff, and students on campus. Additionally, this badge allows you access into buildings after hours, computer labs, library, and parking should a student decide they need a parking pass.
Upon matriculation, the Student Affairs staff issues badge applications for all incoming ColoradoSPH students. In fall 2021, new students will need to submit information for their badges (e.g. a passport- style photo) to the Office of Student Affairs for processing. New students should follow the badging instructions in the Inside ColoradoSPH Canvas course, and may contact Janet Walters at [email protected] with additional questions. The Student Affairs staff will notify students when they are able to pick up a badge.
If a badge expires and needs to be renewed, students should contact the ColoradoSPH Office of Student Affairs.
Those who already have an ID for the Anschutz campus due to a pre-existing role as faculty or staff on campus do not need to be issued a new student ID.
Students with a home campus of CSU or UNC should contact their respective campus staff to inquire about badge procedures.
Gender Inclusion Resources Primary and Preferred Name Changes: Students who wish to use a different name than their legal name while on campus may change their legal name, or register a preferred name, which appears on unofficial transcripts, class, and grade rosters, in Canvas, and some other places as legally allowed. For more information, visit: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider266/forms/cuanschutznamerecordupdate-rev05- 18.pdf?sfvrsn=98d3a5b9_2
All-gender restrooms on campus: Maps of all-gender bathrooms on the Anschutz and Denver campuses can be found on the Office of Equity website, visit: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity/support-resources/all-gender-resources
CU Anschutz Campus Opportunities The ColoradoSPH offers students opportunities to attend various public health presentations and events. Schedules can be found on our website at: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/news-and-events/events
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Grand Rounds Grand Rounds are held throughout the week every month and feature presentations by faculty, preventive medicine residents, and health professionals from the community. A seminar schedule will be posted on the school’s website. Students are highly encouraged to attend. For more information, visit: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/medicine/calendar/grand-rounds
Lockers Locker usage on campus is facilitated by Educational Support Services. More information regarding locker usage can be found on their website at:
Parking and Transportation General parking questions: 303-724-2555 After hours: 303-724-4444 https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/facilities-management/transportation-parking-maps
CU Anschutz Student Services The Office of Campus Student Services' mission is to enhance student life within the University of Colorado Denver at the Anschutz Medical Campus by providing excellence in specific non- academic and academic student services.
Ed 2 North Building, 3rd Floor, Room 3200 Phone: 303-724-2866 Monday- Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM https://www.cuanschutz.edu/student
Veteran Student Services The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a “Military Friendly” university, committed to providing service men and women with a high-quality education catered to your distinct needs. The OVSS represents Active Duty, Reservist, National Guard, Veteran and VA Dependent students.
Hours: Wed & Thu: 8 AM - 1 PM , 2 PM – 5 PM Location: Ed 2 North, 3rd Floor, Room P28-3207 Phone: 303-724-9649 https://www.ucdenver.edu/veterans
Ombuds Office The Ombuds Office is a resource available to all members of the University community to provide informal conflict resolution. The Ombuds Office provides a forum for prompt, impartial, and confidential discussion for individuals to review options for informal resolutions of differences. The primary goal of the Ombuds person is to ensure that employees and students receive fair and equitable treatment. The Ombuds Office provides confidential and independent services to the university community. For more information, visit: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/ombudsoffice
Ombuds Contact Information: Location: Building 500, Room 7005C Phone: 303-724-2950
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Melissa Connell | Director CU Anschutz Ombuds Office Email: [email protected]
Lisa Neale | Associate Director CU Anschutz Ombuds Office University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Ombuds Office Email: [email protected]
Student Health Insurance Office All degree-seeking students enrolled in one or more credit hours must enroll in the School's Student Health Insurance Plan unless they can prove enrollment in another comparable insurance by submitting a selection/waiver form by the deadline date. For more information, visit: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/student/health-wellness/student-health-insurance Location: Ed 2 North, Room 3208 Phone: 303-837-2127 | Email: [email protected]
Student Mental Health Services The Student Mental Health Service provides comprehensive and confidential mental health services for all enrolled Anschutz Medical Campus students. Psychiatric issues treated include: depression, anxiety/stress, bipolar disorder, drug and alcohol dependence, eating disorders, marital difficulties, family crises, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Treatment modalities include: individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, and/or medication.
The central number for the Mental Health Service is 303-724-4716. For after-hours, please call Colorado Crisis Services at 1 (844) 493-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255. You may also go to a local crisis center for evaluation, which can be found on the Colorado Crisis Services website. More information is available at https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/psychiatry/programs/student-resident-mental-health
Behavioral health services are also offered at the Campus Health Center, located within the Anschutz Health and Wellness center. Services provided include: acute stress management; triage, assessment and treatment of disorders such as bipolar disorder, drug, alcohol, or eating disorders, and post- traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma; individual, couple, family, and group counseling; medication prescription, monitoring, and support; testing for attention and concentration issues; outside referrals.
Providers available: 8 AM to 8 PM (Mon., Tues, & Wed.) and 8 AM to 5 PM (Thurs., Fri.) To schedule an appointment call 303-724-4716 or email [email protected]
The Phoenix Center at Anschutz provides free, confidential support services, prevention education, and resource referrals for relationship violence, sexual violence, and stalking. You can call their 24/7 hotline for free and confidential options, emotional support, and resources at (303) 556- CALL (2255). To make an appointment, call (303)724-9120. You can find more information at www.ThePCA.org.
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Colorado School of Public Health 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Writing Center The Writing Center provides one-on-one and small-group assistance to undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students from the Anschutz Medical Campus. In the Center, trained graduate and post- graduate consultants offer help with writing of all kinds, including research essays, proposals, dissertations, capstone projects, C.V.s, manuscript drafts, grants, personal statements, residency applications and more.
Location: Health Sciences Library, Room 1204 Phone: 303-724-4143 Schedule an appointment: https://ucdenver.mywconline.com/index.php For more information, visit: https://clas.ucdenver.edu/writing-center/
International Admissions International Admissions welcomes and assists over 700 international students and accompanying family members representing over 60 countries enrolled in more than 100 degree programs. On this highly diverse campus, students will have many opportunities to engage in exciting curricular, multicultural events, and share perspective in the classroom and beyond. To schedule an appointment with an advisor, students should call 303.315.2382, email [email protected] or visit: https://www.ucdenver.edu/offices/international-affairs
Revised July 2021 57 COMPETENCIES PAGE MPH Foundational Competencies MPH Foundational (MPH) Competencies 2 MPH CU Anschutz Concentration Competencies MPH Concentration in Applied Biostatistics (BIOS) 4 MPH Concentration in Community & Behavioral Health (CBHS) 5 MPH Concentration in Environmental & Occupational Health (EOH) 6 MPH Concentration in Epidemiology (EPI) 7 MPH Concentration in Health Systems Management Policy (HMP) 8 MPH Concentration in Global Health Plus (GHL) 9 MPH Concentration in Leadership and Public Health (LPH) 10 MPH Concentration in Maternal & Child Health (MCH) 11 MPH Concentration in Population Mental Health and Wellbeing (PMHW) 12 MPH UNC Concentration Competencies MPH Concentration in Community Health Education (CHE) 13 MPH Concentration in Healthy Aging Plus (HA) 14 MPH CSU Concentration Competencies MPH Concentration in Animals, People & Environment (APE) 15 MPH Concentration in Epidemiology (EPI) 16 MPH Concentration in Global Health & Health Disparities (GHD) 17 MPH Concentration in Health Communication (HCM) 18 MPH Concentration in Physical Activity & Healthy Lifestyles (PAHL) 19 MPH Concentration in Public Health Nutrition (PHNU) 20 DrPH Core (DrPH) Competencies DrPH Core (DrPH) Competencies 21 DrPH Focus Area Competencies DrPH Focus Area in Community & Behavioral Health (CBHS) 23 DrPH Focus Area in Environmental & Occupational Health (EOH) 24 DrPH Focus Area in Epidemiology (EPI) 25 MS Competencies MS Biostatistics (BIOS) 26 MS Epidemiology (EPI) 27 MS Health Services Research (HSR) 28 PhD Competencies PhD Biostatistics (BIOS) 29 PhD Epidemiology (EPI) 30 PhD Health Services Research (HSR) 31
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58 Competencies for all MPH Graduates of the ColoradoSPH Identifier CEPH Foundational Competencies Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in MPH 1 public health practice Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a MPH 2 given public health context Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, MPH 3 computer-based programming and software, as appropriate. MPH 4 Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice. Public Health and Health Care Systems Compare the organization, structure, and function of health care, public MPH 5 health and regulatory systems across national and international settings. Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism MPH 6 undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels. Planning and Management to Promote Health Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ MPH 7 health Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or MPH 8 implementation of public health policies or programs. MPH 9 Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention MPH 10 Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management MPH 11 Select methods to evaluate public health programs Policy in Public Health Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles MPH 12 of ethics and evidence Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and MPH 13 partnerships for influencing public health outcomes Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will MPH 14 improve health in diverse populations MPH 15 Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity Leadership Apply principles of leadership, governance and management, which include MPH 16 creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision making Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or MPH 17 community challenges Communication MPH 18 Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and MPH 19 through oral presentation Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public MPH 20 health content
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59 Interprofessional Practice MPH 21 Perform effectively on interprofessional teams Systems Thinking MPH 22 Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue
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Identifier MPH Applied Biostatistics Concentration (BIOS) Competencies Translate a study’s scientific question or aims into testable statistical MPH-BIOS 1 hypotheses and propose and apply appropriate statistical methods to test those hypotheses. Fit and interpret models for continuous outcome data (normal linear model), MPH-BIOS 2 categorical outcome data (logistic regression), and time-to-event data (Cox regression). Apply concepts of multiple regression, including confounding, statistical MPH-BIOS 3 interactions, model selection, model fit, and regression diagnostics, in fitting and evaluating statistical models. Apply scientific and statistical principles of sampling, bias, confounding, and MPH-BIOS 4 sample size estimation to design or interpret basic public health or biomedical studies. Use computer software for data management (data entry, access, and data MPH-BIOS 5 manipulations), as well as for summarizing, analyzing and displaying research results Use the principles of hypothesis testing and estimation of population parameters to draw inferences from quantitative data and communicate orally MPH-BIOS 6 and in writing those inferences and their statistical and scientific interpretation to non-statistical scientists.
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61 MPH Community and Behavioral Health Concentration (CBHS) Identifier Competencies Describe, select and apply appropriate theories, models, frameworks and MPH-CBHS 1 evidence- based strategies for the development of health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management programs. Describe and apply systematic approaches and methods to assess the MPH-CBHS 2 health-related needs of communities and populations, taking into account individual, interpersonal, community and societal factors. Utilize quantitative or qualitative data to identify disparities in health and MPH-CBHS 3 inform the design and adaptation of culturally appropriate programs to promote health equity. Use systematic approaches to conceive, design, implement and evaluate MPH-CBHS 4 health promotion and disease prevention programs/activities. Describe appropriate research designs and evaluation criteria to assess the MPH-CBHS 5 effectiveness of public health programs. Critically assess and select appropriate quantitative and qualitative MPH-CBHS 6 measurement methods for evaluating program reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and sustainability. Effectively engage and collaborate with communities and stakeholders, in an MPH-CBHS 7 equitable and ethical manner, including developing a work plan,
communicating effectively and disseminating results. MPH-CBHS 8 Analyze quantitative or qualitative data, using a social science perspective, to understand factors associated with health or health behavior. Interpret and report the results of quantitative or qualitative studies, taking a MPH-CBHS 9 social science perspective on health.
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MPH Environmental and Occupational Health Concentration (EHOH) Identifier Competencies Apply appropriate monitoring methods to environmental and occupational MPH-EHOH 1 health problems. Describe the dynamics of ecosystems and how they affect the movement MPH-EHOH 2 of toxic agents in the environment and mediate related risks for human disease as well the quality of air, water, and soil.
Analyze important current environmental health problems and variations in MPH-EHOH 3 health risks across the global landscape.
Define the principles of sustainability and apply these principles in the MPH-EHOH 4 development of solutions to environmental and occupational health problems. Apply basic skills in geographic information systems (GIS) technology in MPH-EHOH 5 the evaluation of environmental health problems. Apply theoretical frameworks or empirical evidence to recommend MPH-EHOH 6 environmental and policy interventions to improve the health, safety, and well-being of workers. Identify the uses of biomarkers in evaluating exposures, health effects or MPH-EHOH 7 susceptibility to environmental and occupational disease. Explain the scientific characteristics, such as exposure or mode of action, MPH-EHOH 8 of major biological, chemical, or physical hazards that result in human health risk. Examine the policy framework that shapes environmental health at the MPH-EHOH 9 federal, state and local levels and the historic and current decision-making processes that have shaped this framework.
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Identifier MPH Epidemiology Concentration (EPID) Competencies Compare and prioritize public health issues within and across populations, MPH-EPID 1 using epidemiologic methods including measures of prevalence, incidence, morbidity, mortality, demographic characteristics and risk factors. Critically review and evaluate public health and other scientific literature to MPH-EPID 2 identify threats to internal validity, strengths and weaknesses of individual studies, and assess for overall strength of evidence. Synthesize evidence in a research area to identify gaps in evidence and to MPH-EPID 3 demonstrate relevance of current knowledge to the practice of public health. MPH-EPID 4 Translate investigator ideas into answerable research questions. Design studies to address public health topics, taking into account the MPH-EPID 5 strengths, limitations, and feasibility of study designs for addressing specific topics, as well as the practical aspects of their uses. Describe best practices for design of data collection forms and protocols, MPH-EPID 6 instrument reliability and validity, data monitoring and quality assurance, and data archiving for analysis and use of data by other investigators. Use computer software for data entry, database management, and MPH-EPID 7 summarizing, analyzing and displaying data. Apply and interpret the concepts of effect modification, confounding, and bias MPH-EPID 8 in research design and analysis approaches.
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64 MPH Health Systems Management and Policy Concentration (HSMP) Identifier Competencies Health Systems and Health Economics Analyze the organization, financing and delivery of public and private MPH-HSMP 1 health services in the U.S. and assess the effects of markets and political processes on these systems. Apply commonly used methods for evaluating health economic policy, MPH-HSMP 2 including the use of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis Evaluate differences between models used for financing and delivering MPH-HSMP 3 health care across countries. Management and Leadership Explain key elements of human resource management: defining roles and MPH-HSMP 4 responsibilities; recruiting, motivating and retaining staffing; and assessing and applying measures for performance improvement. Apply common quality and performance improvement tools in public health MPH-HSMP 5 and healthcare settings. Apply principles of budgeting and financial decision analysis in public MPH-HSMP 6 health and healthcare settings. Examine attributes of strategic leadership, including the use of vision, MPH-HSMP 7 mission, values, goals and objectives. Policy Differentiate key public health laws, regulations, and policies affecting MPH-HSMP 8 health programs and the delivery of health services Investigate commonly used frameworks for systematically and critically MPH-HSMP 9 evaluating the policy development and implementation process at the federal, state, and local levels and outside the U.S. Develop a plan for engaging stakeholders and building coalitions in the MPH-HSMP 10 development or implementation of health policy. Examine how ethical considerations (such as social justice and human MPH-HSMP 11 rights) influence health policy. Analyze how organization and delivery of health care in the U.S. relates to MPH HSMP 12 health equity.
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Identifier MPH Global Health Plus Concentration (GLH) Competencies Describe contemporary and historic global health issues, programs, best MPH-GLH 1 practices, and players. Critically analyze the political, economic, and ethical issues relevant to MPH-GLH 2 methods and contemporary issues in global health. Recommend data collection methods in a global context, taking into MPH-GLH 3 account unique resource and cultural aspects of the geographic setting. Apply concepts of global burden of disease, especially disability-adjusted MPH-GLH 4 life years, across national and international settings to address health challenges. Describe the geographic differences and connections between regions MPH-GLH 5 around the world and how they affect health.
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MPH Leadership and Public Health Practice Concentration (LPHP) Identifier Competencies Interpret and develop an implementation plan for public health laws, MPH-LPHP 1 regulations and policies Articulate a personal development plan, including an achievable mission, MPH-LPHP 2 set of core values and vision and use these to guide personal and professional action. Identify issues, internal and external to an organization, that may impact MPH-LPHP 3 delivery of essential public health services. Facilitate collaborative decision-making by listening to others in an MPH-LPHP 4 unbiased manner, respecting points of view of others and promoting the expression of diverse opinions and perspectives. Develop mechanisms to monitor and evaluate programs for their MPH-LPHP 5 effectiveness and quality. Apply the principles of program planning, development, implementation, MPH-LPHP 6 budgeting, management and evaluation to organizational or community initiatives. Create a feasible and theoretically-grounded issue action plan to solve or MPH-LPHP 7 alleviate a public health concern defined by community stakeholders.
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67 Identifier MPH Maternal and Child Health Concentration (MCH) Competencies Describe maternal and child health problems in terms of time, magnitude, MPH-MCH 1 scope, location, co-occurrence and co-morbidity. Assess demographic, health, familial, socio-cultural, environmental, and MPH-MCH 2 community factors and apply to the design of maternal and child health programs and services. Select and interpret existing data sources including vital statistics, MPH-MCH 3 censuses, surveys and/or service utilization records to make meaningful inferences about the health of maternal and child health populations. Interpret and appropriately use data to identify problems and assets and to MPH-MCH 4 plan, implement, and evaluate maternal and child health programs. Select, use, and interpret maternal and child health performance measures MPH-MCH 5 to evaluate programs and service networks for their effectiveness and quality. Describe significant past and current national maternal and child health MPH-MCH 6 practices, programs, and relevant legislation and apply to the development and delivery of maternal and child health services. Apply lifecourse and other relevant theories to maternal and child health MPH-MCH 7 policy development and implementation.
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68 MPH Population Mental Health and Wellbeing Concentration (PMHW) Identifier Competencies Describe natural history, prevalence rates, risk and protective factors, MPH-PMHW 1 prevention/treatment strategies of major mental health and substance use disorders Identify and apply theoretical frameworks relevant to behavioral health MPH- PMHW 2 programs and policies Recommend strategies to enhance well-being and prevent mental health MPH- PMHW 3 and substance use disorders across personal and population levels. Analyze the relationship between policies and integrated healthcare MPH- PMHW 4 systems related to behavioral health. Describe methods for research and evaluation of behavioral health MPH- PMHW 5 programs. Analyze the social, cultural, interpersonal, and personal factors that MPH- PMHW 6 uniquely relate to mental health and substance use disorders at personal and population levels, and their public health implications.
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MPH Community Health Education Concentration (CHE) Identifier Competencies Identify, assess, analyze, interpret, and synthesize community health MPH-CHE 1 needs, assets, and resources (economic, social, cultural, demographic, political, environmental). Examine the accessibility, availability, and delivery of community health MPH-CHE 2 resources and services from a health equity perspective and relate this to the impact on individual and community health. Describe how cultural beliefs and practices both positively and negatively influence participation in community health initiatives, and use this MPH-CHE 3 information to design culturally-appropriate initiatives that will impact health. Synthesize knowledge from the fields of community health education and MPH-CHE 4 public health to make relevant connections to civic engagement and to one’s own participation in civic life. Use principles of authentic community engagement to work collaboratively MPH-CHE 5 within a community. Identify and apply social, behavioral, group, and communication theories, MPH-CHE 6 concepts and models to the design, implementation, and evaluation of community health initiatives. Apply evidence-based principles and scientific knowledge base to plan the MPH-CHE 7 development of community health initiatives appropriately adapted to fit community health needs. Identify and apply evidence-based principles and best practices to critical MPH-CHE 8 evaluation of community health initiatives. Apply knowledge and principles of cultural competence and humility, civic learning, community assessment and community engagement to develop MPH-CHE 9 communication plans (including interpersonal) for local community groups/stakeholders.
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Identifier MPH Healthy Aging Plus (HA) Competencies Discuss the unique developmental aspects of aging: cognitive, MPH-HA 1 psychological, social, and emotional. Identify gerontological theory, frameworks and methods appropriate for MPH-HA 2 investigation of health issues and aging. Develop a comprehensive health education program employing strategies MPH-HA 3 and best practices tailored to older adults. MPH-HA 4 Critically evaluate major US policies that impact health in older adults. Identify and critically assess the sufficiency of community-based resources MPH-HA 5 for aging populations, including social systems, community services, and access to appropriate health care services.
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MPH Animals People and Environment Concentration (APE) Identifier Competencies Assess the public health threat of emerging issues to animal and human MPH-APE 1 populations and identify intervention strategies. Analyze how social, political and cultural differences can impact public MPH-APE 2 perceptions about how human, environment and animal interactions affect public health, social well-being and environmental health. Identify ways in which agricultural and human incursion positively and MPH-APE 3 adversely impact environmental and ecological health, and develop methods of minimizing negative impacts Develop strategies for optimal communication and collaboration between MPH-APE 4 human, animal, and health professionals. Incorporate the principles of safe and secure food systems into public MPH-APE 5 health problem solving.
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72 Identifier MPH Epidemiology Concentration (EPID) Competencies - CSU Compare and prioritize public health issues within and across populations, MPH-EPID 1 using epidemiologic methods including measures of prevalence, incidence, morbidity, mortality, demographic characteristics and risk factors. Critically review and evaluate public health and other scientific literature to MPH-EPID 2 identify threats to internal validity, strengths and weaknesses of individual studies, and assess for overall strength of evidence. Synthesize evidence in a research area to identify gaps in evidence and to MPH-EPID 3 demonstrate relevance of current knowledge to the practice of public health. MPH-EPID 4 Translate investigator ideas into answerable research questions. Design studies to address public health topics, taking into account the MPH-EPID 5 strengths, limitations, and feasibility of study designs for addressing specific topics, as well as the practical aspects of their uses. Describe best practices for design of data collection forms and protocols, MPH-EPID 6 instrument reliability and validity, data monitoring and quality assurance, and data archiving for analysis and use of data by other investigators. Use computer software for data entry, database management, and MPH-EPID 7 summarizing, analyzing and displaying data. Apply and interpret the concepts of effect modification, confounding, and MPH-EPID 8 bias in research design and analysis approaches.
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MPH Global Health and Health Disparities Concentration (GHHD) Identifier Competencies Use a population pyramid to assess the role of demographic characteristics MPH-GHHD 1 in shaping patterns of morbidity, mortality, and health service needs of a specified community, country, or region. Describe the roles and relationships of the entities (such as NGOs, national MPH-GHHD 2 governmental agencies, and international organizations) influencing global health and health disparities. Propose strategies to engage marginalized and vulnerable populations in MPH-GHHD 3 making decisions that affect their health and well-being. Conduct a situation analysis across a range of cultural, economic, and MPH-GHHD 4 health contexts. Design context-specific health interventions based upon a situation MPH-GHHD 5 analysis.
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74 Identifier MPH Health Communication Concentration (HCOM) Competencies Apply theory and strategy-based communication principles across different MPH-HCOM 1 settings for public health practice. Design a communication-based public health intervention applying best MPH-HCOM 2 practices of message production and delivery for a target audience. Identify and analyze fundamental properties of the intended audience, including demographic, psychological, sociological and cultural elements, MPH-HCOM 3 for a communication-based intervention at all levels from interpersonal to mass. Assess the critical relationship between formative and evaluative research MPH-HCOM 4 in the ongoing delivery of a communication-based intervention. Develop a communication plan to reach relevant professional groups, the MPH-HCOM 5 public, and policy-makers.
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MPH Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles Concentration (PAHL) Identifier Competencies Use public health data to assess the healthy lifestyle needs of a population MPH-PAHL 1 and prioritize community-based interventions aimed at promoting physical activity or other healthy lifestyle behaviors. Utilize field-specific assessment tools to measure physical activity and MPH-PAHL 2 healthy lifestyle behaviors as well as their supports and barriers. Apply nationally-recognized, evidence-based physical activity promotion MPH-PAHL 3 approaches to the implementation and evaluation of community health promotion programs. Identify and analyze historic and current trends, guidelines, MPH-PAHL 4 recommendations, and research in the field of physical activity. Develop strategies to engage with external partners from a variety of MPH-PAHL 5 disciplines, including transportation and city planning, to promote physical activity or healthy lifestyles. Describe the effects of physical activity on primary, secondary and tertiary MPH-PAHL 6 prevention of various chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, cancer, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis or obesity. Incorporate a variety of approaches for physical activity or healthy lifestyle MPH-PAHL 7 promotion programs that anticipate and respect diverse values, beliefs, and cultures in the community.
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Identifier MPH Public Health Nutrition Concentration (PHNU) Competencies Appraise essential dietary macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) MPH-PHNU 1 for their optimal sources and contribution to cellular and organ function that sustain human health and well-being. Appraise essential dietary micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for their MPH-PHNU 2 optimal sources and contribution to cellular and organ function that sustain human health and well-being. Analyze the effects of different dietary patterns on the primary, secondary, MPH-PHNU 3 and tertiary prevention of various chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer and others. Analyze and interpret nutritional data using epidemiological principles to MPH-PHNU 4 assess chronic disease outcomes. Assess dietary intake using nutrition assessment tools and apply evidence- MPH-PHNU 5 based approaches to best measure dietary exposures and chronic disease outcomes in populations. Apply evidence-based public health planning strategies to design nutrition MPH-PHNU 6 programs. Apply evidence-based public health evaluation strategies to assess MPH-PHNU 7 effectiveness of nutrition programs.
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77 Identifier Core (CR) DrPH Competencies Data & Analysis Explain qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and policy analysis DrPH 1 research and evaluation methods to address health issues at multiple (individual, group, organization, community and population) levels Communication -The ability to assess and use communication strategies DrPH 2 across diverse audiences to inform and influence individual, organization, community, and policy decisions that enhance health. Explain the use and limitations of surveillance systems and national DrPH 3 surveys in assessing, monitoring and evaluating policies and programs and to address a population’s health Leadership, Management & Governance Propose strategies for health improvement and elimination of health DrPH 4 inequities by organizing stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, community leaders and other partners Communicate public health science to diverse stakeholders, including DrPH 5 individuals at all levels of health literacy, for purposes of influencing behavior and policies Integrate knowledge, approaches, methods, values and potential DrPH 6 contributions from multiple professions and systems in addressing public health problems DrPH 7 Create a strategic plan Facilitate shared decision making through negotiation and consensus- DrPH 8 building methods DrPH 9 Create organizational change strategies Propose strategies to promote inclusion and equity within public health DrPH 10 programs, policies and systems Assess one’s own strengths and weaknesses in leadership capacities, DrPH 11 including cultural proficiency DrPH 12 Propose human, fiscal and other resources to achieve a strategic goal
DrPH 13 Cultivate new resources and revenue streams to achieve a strategic goal
Policy & Programs
DrPH 14 Design a system-level intervention to address a public health issue Integrate knowledge of cultural values and practices in the design of public DrPH 15 health policies and programs Integrate scientific information, legal and regulatory approaches, ethical DrPH 16 frameworks and varied stakeholder interests in policy development and analysis DrPH 17 Propose interprofessional team approaches to improving public health
Education & Workforce Development
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78 DrPH 18 Assess an audience’s knowledge and learning needs Deliver training or educational experiences that promote learning in DrPH 19 academic, organizational or community settings DrPH 20 Use best practice modalities in pedagogical practices
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DrPH Community and Behavioral Health Focus Area (FA) Identifier Competencies Synthesize health behavior theories, models, frameworks and evidence- DrPH-CBHS 1 based integrative strategies at multiple levels of the socio-ecological model to develop theory-informed conceptual models. Apply advanced statistical methods used in social sciences, such as DrPH-CBHS 2 multilevel modeling or latent variable methods. DrPH-CBHS 3 Collect and analyze qualitative data to inform a public health issue. Design a research study that is responsive to community needs and DrPH-CBHS 4 answers a public health research question. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge in the candidate’s chosen substantive DrPH-CBHS 5 interest area in behavioral/social science related to public health. DrPH-CBHS 6 Develop a grant proposal to address a public health problem. Integrate principles of design for dissemination into the development of a DrPH-CBHS 7 public health intervention.
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DrPH Environmental & Occupational Health Focus Area (FA) Identifier Competencies Critically evaluate toxicological and epidemiological data, and use it to DrPH-EHOH 1 inform and participate in risk-based decision making processes. Describe local, regional and global impact of environmental hazards on DrPH-EHOH 2 human and ecological health, and design appropriate studies to evaluate risks associated with these hazards. Evaluate contemporary environmental and occupational health issues DrPH-EHOH 3 using geographic, epidemiologic, or other data collection methods as appropriate. Create a data collection and management plan for an environmental or DrPH-EHOH 4 occupational health research study. Identify and critically evaluate secondary data sources appropriate for DrPH-EHOH 5 answering applied research and program evaluation questions in environmental and occupational health. Develop grant proposals to conduct research to test well-conceived DrPH-EHOH 6 hypotheses and/or evaluation studies to assess impact.
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Identifier DrPH Epidemiology Focus Area (FA) Competencies Critically evaluate epidemiological study designs and describe the DrPH-EPID 1 advantages and limitations of each for addressing specific problems, and recommend design modifications to strengthen validity. Apply basic ethical and legal principles involved in the collection, DrPH-EPID 2 management, use and dissemination of epidemiologic data in research and public health practice. Select and apply appropriate research design and analysis methods when DrPH-EPID 3 using secondary data sources, such as surveillance, national surveys, and medical record data, to answer epidemiologic questions. Demonstrate mastery of a substantive area in epidemiology, including the DrPH-EPID 4 application of that knowledge in conducting research and implementing programs related to a specific epidemiologic question. Calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency and association to DrPH-EPID 5 draw appropriate inferences and evaluate causality. DrPH-EPID 6 Develop a grant proposal to address a public health problem.
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82 Identifier MS Biostatistics Competencies Carry out and explain calculations, derivations and proofs central to basic MS-BIOS 1 statistical theory, and explain their use and implications in applied statistical work. Apply statistical concepts of basic study designs including bias, MS-BIOS 2 confounding and efficiency, and identify strengths and weaknesses of experimental and observational designs. Carry out exploratory and descriptive analyses of complex data using MS-BIOS 3 standard statistical software and methods of data summary and visualization. Carry out valid and efficient modeling, estimation, model checking and MS-BIOS 4 inference using standard statistical methods and software. Demonstrate statistical programming proficiency, good coding style and MS-BIOS 5 use of reproducible research principles using leading statistical software. Demonstrate basic skills necessary for collaborating with non-biostatistical scientists, including mapping study aims to testable hypotheses, carrying MS-BIOS 6 out basic power and sample size estimation and evaluation, and identifying appropriate design, modeling and analysis methods to address study hypotheses. Communicate, orally and in writing, simple and complex statistical ideas, methods and results in non-technical terms appropriate for collaborator MS-BIOS 7 needs (e.g. preparation of analysis section of grant proposals and methods and results sections of manuscripts). Carry out a large independent research project involving innovative application of existing statistical methods or development of new methods, MS-BIOS 8 and report the methods and findings orally and in writing (e.g., a thesis or research paper).
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Identifier MS Epidemiology Competencies MS-EPID 1 Formulate sound scientific research questions. Synthesize a body of evidence from the scientific literature and identify MS-EPID 2 areas of need for future investigation. Select and apply appropriate study design, data collection and analysis MS-EPID 3 methods to address research or public health topics. Utilize secondary data sources to answer a given research or public health MS-EPID 4 question, considering limitations, study design and analytic solutions. Critically appraise research and public health studies for internal and MS-EPID 5 external validity, with consideration of how these issues influence interpretation of study findings. Anticipate types of biases that may occur in research and public health MS-EPID 6 studies and determine strategies to prevent or minimize these. Calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency and association MS-EPID 7 measures to draw appropriate inferences and evaluate causality. Describe and apply basic ethical and legal principles involved in the MS-EPID 8 collection, management, use and dissemination of epidemiologic data. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to non-statistical MS-EPID 9 scientists or public health practitioners. Interact effectively within a multidisciplinary team for the purpose of MS-EPID 10 addressing a research question.
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Identifier MS Health Services Research Competencies Identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing, MS-HSR 1 and delivery of health services and public health systems in the U.S. Identify, and measure, clinically meaningful and/or policy relevant MS-HSR 2 outcomes and apply evidence-based practice principles. Critically appraise existing literature and evaluate manuscripts published in MS-HSR 3 peer-reviewed journals Demonstrate breadth of health services research theoretical and MS-HSR 4 conceptual knowledge by applying alternative organizational and behavioral models from a range of relevant disciplines. Pose innovative and important health service research questions, informed MS-HSR 5 by systematic reviews of the literature, stakeholder needs, and relevant theoretical and conceptual models. Select the appropriate econometric/statistical specification and estimation technique, including using specification tests and theoretical justifications MS-HSR 6 for distributional assumptions, the choice of link function, and estimation approach for a variety of outcomes Choose and define the appropriate unit of analysis and approach to MS-HSR 7 computing standard errors for conducting hypothesis test. Understand and apply methods for causal inference and identify the MS-HSR 8 assumptions that may or may not hold for a causal interpretation. Write and know how to submit grant proposals to federal, state, and non- MS-HSR 9 governmental organizations. MS-HSR 10 Describe legal, ethical and regulatory issues related to clinical research. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate the findings and MS-HSR 11 implications of health service research findings to technical and lay audiences Design and conduct research studies using health services research MS-HSR 12 methods and produce research suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals. MS-HSR 13 Discuss the policy process for improving the health status of populations.
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Identifier PhD Biostatistics Competencies Carry out and explain calculations, derivations and proofs central to basic PHD-BIOS 1 statistical theory, and explain their use and implications in applied statistical work. Apply statistical concepts of basic study designs including bias, PHD-BIOS 2 confounding and efficiency, and identify strengths and weaknesses of experimental and observational designs. Carry out exploratory and descriptive analyses of complex data using PHD-BIOS 3 standard statistical software and methods of data summary and visualization. Carry out valid and efficient modeling, estimation, model checking and PHD-BIOS 4 inference using standard statistical methods and software. Demonstrate statistical programming proficiency, good coding style and PHD-BIOS 5 use of reproducible research principles using leading statistical software. Demonstrate basic skills necessary for collaborating with non-biostatistical scientists, including mapping study aims to testable hypotheses, carrying PHD-BIOS 6 out basic power and sample size estimation and evaluation, and identifying appropriate design, modeling and analysis methods to address study hypotheses. Communicate, orally and in writing, simple and complex statistical ideas, methods and results in non-technical terms appropriate for collaborator PHD-BIOS 7 needs (e.g. preparation of analysis section of grant proposals and methods and results sections of manuscripts). Carry out and explain calculations, derivations and proofs central to PHD-BIOS 8 advanced statistical theory, and explain their use and implications in applied statistical work. Carry out advanced statistical modeling using a range of statistical theory, PHD-BIOS 9 methods and computation. Demonstrate advanced collaborative biostatistical skills, including formulating testable study aims, identifying, designing and evaluating PHD-BIOS 10 statistical analyses appropriate for study aims, reading and synthesizing biostatistical literature relevant to study analyses, and suggesting new methods when existing approaches are inadequate. Carry out independent biostatistical research involving development and evaluation of novel statistical methods and their application to problems of PHD-BIOS 11 importance in health science research, and report the methods and findings orally and in writing (e.g., a dissertation and publishable papers).
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Identifier PhD Epidemiology Competencies Formulate sound scientific research questions and transform them into a PHD-EPID 1 research protocol and analysis plan. Critically review the scientific literature in order to appraise the methodologic quality of individual studies, qualitatively or quantitatively PHD-EPID 2 synthesize a body of evidence and identify areas of need for future investigation. Select and apply appropriate study design, data collection and analysis PHD-EPID 3 methods to address research or public health topics. Utilize a variety of data sources to address a given research or public PHD-EPID 4 health question; considering limitations, study design and analytic solutions. Interpret measures of disease burden associated with an exposure to PHD-EPID 5 determine the most impactful clinical or public health interventions. Critically appraise research and public health studies for internal and PHD-EPID 6 external validity, with consideration of how these issues influence interpretation of study findings. Anticipate types of biases that may occur in research and public health PHD-EPID 7 studies and determine strategies to prevent or minimize these. Calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency and association PHD-EPID 8 measures to draw appropriate inferences and evaluate causality. Develop statistical models appropriate to specific study designs, PHD-EPID 9 distinguishing between predictive, associative, and causality-based analytic approaches Carry out appropriate power or precision calculations to ensure that sample PHD-EPID 10 size is sufficient to achieve the scientific aims or address a specific research hypothesis. Understand and apply nuanced ethical and legal principles involved in the PHD-EPID 11 collection, management, use and dissemination of epidemiologic data. Communicate both orally and in writing to make persuasive arguments for PHD-EPID 12 non-statistical scientists, practitioners and community members. Demonstrate expertise to lead a multidisciplinary research team or PHD-EPID 13 collaboration.
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Identifier PhD Health Service Research Competencies Identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing, and PHD-HSR 1 delivery of health services and public health systems in the U.S. Identify and measure clinically meaningful and/or policy relevant outcomes PHD-HSR 2 and apply evidence-based practice principles. Critically appraise existing literature and evaluate manuscripts published in PHD-HSR 3 peer-reviewed journals Demonstrate breadth of health services research theoretical and conceptual PHD-HSR 4 knowledge by applying alternative organizational and behavioral models from a range of relevant disciplines. Pose innovative and important health service research questions, informed PHD-HSR 5 by systematic reviews of the literature, stakeholder needs, and relevant theoretical and conceptual models. Select the appropriate econometric/statistical specification and estimation technique, including using specification tests and theoretical justifications for PHD-HSR 6 distributional assumptions, the choice of link function, and estimation approach for a variety of outcomes Choose and define the appropriate unit of analysis and approach to PHD-HSR 7 computing standard errors for conducting hypothesis test. Understand and apply methods for causal inference and identify the PHD-HSR 8 assumptions that may or may not hold for a causal interpretation. Write and know how to submit grant proposals to federal, state, and non- PHD-HSR 9 governmental organizations. Describe and adhere to legal, ethical and regulatory issues related to PHD-HSR 10 clinical research. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate the findings and PHD-HSR 11 implications of health service research through multiple modalities to an interdisciplinary audience. Independently design, conduct, and defend research studies using health PHD-HSR 12 services research methods. Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, provide constructive reviews PHD-HSR 13 and feedback to colleagues, and demonstrate leadership in the appropriate application of health services research methods.
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