Office of Programs and Academic Assessment (MC 103) 2630 University Hall 601 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607 February 1, 2014 TO: FROM: Ilene Harris, Chair Senate Committee on Educational Policy Dana Wright, Director for Academic Program Development I am submitting for the information of the Senate Committee on Educational Policy the attached Proposal to Establish an Online Version of the Master of Science in Public Health (Health Policy and Administration). The proposal was approved by the Health Policy and Administration Division in April 2012, the School of Public Health Committee on Educational Policy in May 2013, and the SPH Executive Committee in June 2013. In addition, the proposal was shared as an information item with the Graduate College Executive Committee on January 24, 2014. Please note that students completing the online MS in Public Health (Health Policy and Administration) will be required to complete a secondary concentration in Public Health Informatics. The Proposal to Establish a Concentration in Public Health Informatics within the Online MS in Public Health (Health Policy and Administration) has been submitted as a separate proposal (see PR-14.31), as it requires a different level of campus and external review and approval. Both proposals will be considered at the February 6, 2014 SCEP meeting. ATTACHMENT
Title: Sponsor: Executive Summary: Proposal to Establish an Online Version of the Master of Science in Public Health (Health Policy and Administration) School of Public Health Health Policy and Administration (HPA) Division The Master of Science in Public Health provides a general understanding of public health, along with research competence in a chosen area. MS students apply for admission into one of five primary areas (which have official designations as concentrations): Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Administration. In addition, students have the option of earning secondary concentrations. Graduates are prepared not only for pursuing the PhD, but also for intermediate to senior level positions in a wide array of health settings. Currently the MS is an onsite-only program. SPH proposes to establish an online version of the MS in Public Health in the area of Health Policy and Administration. The online MS in Public Health (Health Policy and Administration) will have the same degree requirements as the onsite MS. Note: Students completing the online MS in Public Health (Health Policy and Administration) will be required to complete a secondary concentration in Public Health Informatics. The proposal to establish a concentration in Public Health Informatics within the online MS in Public Health (HPA) has been submitted as a separate proposal, as it requires a different level of campus and external review and approval. The attached catalog statement includes both the online MS and proposed PHI concentration to avoid any confusion. Description: The Master of Science in Public Health provides a general understanding of public health, along with research competence in a chosen area. MS students apply for admission into one of five primary areas (which have official designations as concentrations): Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Administration. In addition, students have the option of earning secondary concentrations affiliated with their primary concentration. Graduates are prepared not only for pursuing the PhD, but also for intermediate- to seniorlevel positions in a wide array of health settings. Currently the MS is an onsite-only program. SPH proposes to establish an online version of the MS in Public Health in the area of Health Policy and Administration. The online MS in Public Health (Health Policy and Administration) will have the same degree requirements as the onsite MS. The School of Public Health has extensive experience in delivering online course content and degrees. It is worth noting that the School offers online versions of two other degrees (both of which are also offered onsite) the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and Master of Public Health (MPH). Justification: The online version of the MS degree is required in order to attract a national audience of informatics professionals who need additional training but are not 1
currently able to leave their jobs and re-locate themselves and their families to Chicago. Catalog Statement: See attached Minority Impact Statement: The ability to complete an online MS in Public Health and the flexibility it provides is anticipated to be an attractive option to students of all backgrounds. Budgetary and Staff Implications: It is anticipated that the degree will be self-supporting program given the revenue generated from e-tuition recovery. Library Resource Implications: None as resources currently in place for the onsite MS will be sufficient. Space Implications: Unit (e.g. department) approval date: College (educational policy committee, faculty) approval dates: None, this is an online degree and all classes, meetings, theses defenses and other activities will be conducted online. Approved by the Health Policy and Administration Division in April 2012. Approved by the School of Public Health Committee on Educational Policy in May 2013. Approved by the School of Public Health Executive Committee in June 2013. Contact Person: Edward Mensah dehasnem@uic.edu Associate Professor, Health Policy and Administration and Director, Public Health Informatics Program Proposed Effective Date/Term: Fall 2014 2
CATALOG COPY: CURRENT Public Health Sciences Admission Requirements PROPOSED Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy MPH/MA in Anthropology MPH/MS in Nursing Degree Requirements Master of Science MPH/MA in Anthropology MPH/MS in Nursing Doctor of Philosophy Mailing Address: School of Public Health (MC 923) 1603 West Taylor Street Chicago, IL 60612-4394 Campus Location: 1149 SPHPI Program Codes: 20FS1634MS (Biostatistics MS) 20FS1634PHD (Biostatistics PhD) 20FS1635MS (Community Health Sciences MS) 20FS1635PHD (Community Health Sciences PhD) 20FS1636MS (Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences MS) 20FS1636PHD (Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences PhD) 20FS1637MS (Epidemiology MS) 20FS1637PHD (Epidemiology PhD) 20FS1638MS (Health Policy and Administration MS) 20FS1638PHD (Health Policy and Program Codes: 20FS1634MS (Biostatistics MS) 20FS1634PHD (Biostatistics PhD) 20FS1635MS (Community Health Sciences MS) 20FS1635PHD (Community Health Sciences PhD) 20FS1636MS (Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences MS) 20FS1636PHD (Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences PhD) 20FS1637MS (Epidemiology MS) 20FS1637PHD (Epidemiology PhD) 20FS1638MS (Health Policy and Administration MS) 20FS1638MSU (Health Policy and 3
Administration PhD) Telephone: (312) 996-5381 E-mail: bjn@uic.edu Web Site: http://publichealth.uic.edu Dean of the School: Paul Brandt-Rauf Director of Graduate Studies: Babette Neuberger The School of Public Health offers work leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Public Health, Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science, Master of Healthcare Administration, participates with the College of Nursing in offering the MS in Nursing/MPH joint degree program, participates with the College of Medicine in offering the Medical Scientist Training Program, and also participates with the Department of Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in offering the MA in Anthropology/MPH in Global Health. Master s and doctoral students may apply into one of five primary concentrations. Secondary concentrations are also available as noted in parenthesis: Biostatistics; Community Health Sciences; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (including Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Substances Management, Occupational Safety, and Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology); Epidemiology (including Cancer Epidemiology, and Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology); and Health Policy and Administration. Other secondary concentrations include: Global Health offered by the School of Public Health and available to all master s students; and interdepartmental concentrations in Gender and Women s Studies, Survey Research Administration MS Online) To Be Created Once Proposal is Approved 20FS1638PHD (Health Policy and Administration PhD) 4
Methodology, Violence Studies, and Women s Health. The School of Public Health also offers programs leading to the Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health, and participates with other academic units in offering the MBA/MPH, MD/MPH, DVM/MPH, and MSW/MPH (effective for Spring 2013) joint degree programs; a coordinated JD/MPH with IIT Kent College of Law and a coordinated DC/MPH with National University of Health Sciences. These professional degree programs are not part of the Graduate College. In addition, master s students may apply to complete the degree online with a primary concentration in Health Policy and Administration and secondary concentration in Public Health Informatics only. Admission Requirements In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements: Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Baccalaureate Field A major in the biological, physical, or social sciences is preferred. Students applying to the primary concentration in Environmental and Occupational Health must have completed a full year of general chemistry, at least one semester of organic chemistry, and mathematics through differential and integral calculus; a course in human physiology is also required for those interested in a secondary concentration in Industrial Hygiene, 5
Hazardous Substances Management, or Occupational Safety. Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00. Tests Required GRE General. For GRE General Tests taken prior to August 1, 2011, the combined verbal and quantitative scores must be at least 1000. For GRE General Tests using the revised scoring system (i.e., those taken on or after August 1, 2011), the combined verbal and quantitative scores must be at least 300. Minimum English Competency Test Score o TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (ibt Internet-based), OR, o IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores. Letters of Recommendation Three required. Personal Statement Required; the statement should address the applicant s intended research, career goals, and reason for pursuing the MS or PhD degree in the chosen area. Other Requirements: Generally, applicants to the PhD program must have a master s degree. Applicants may submit their master s thesis as evidence of their ability to plan and complete significant health-related research. Degree Requirements In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements: 6
Master of Science Minimum Semester Hours Required 48; 50 51 for the Epidemiology concentration; 50 for the Cancer Epidemiology concentration; 53 for the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology concentration; 52 for the Industrial Hygiene concentration; 54 for the Occupational Safety concentration; and 58 for the Hazardous Substances Management concentration. Course Work At least 32 semester hours must be in courses other than IPHS 598, and at least 9 semester hours must be at the 500-level (requirements for the Biostatistics concentration are described below). No more than 4 hours of IPHS 596 may be applied to the degree. Required Courses: EPID 403 and BSTT 400. Remaining courses and their distribution depend on the student s area of concentration. MS students select from one of the following areas of concentration: Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology, Hazardous Substances Management, Health Policy and Administration, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, and Occupational Safety. Required Courses: EPID 403 and BSTT 400. Remaining courses and their distribution depend on the student s area(s) of concentration. MS students must select from one of the following areas of primary concentrations: Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology, Hazardous Substances Management, or Health Policy and Administration. Industrial Hygiene, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, and Occupational Safety. Online MS students must select the primary concentration in Health Policy and Administration. 7
Biostatistics Concentration Requirements: EPID 403; BSTT 506 or 507, 523, 524, 525, 535, 536, 537, 538, 550; STAT 401, 411; and a minimum of 8 semester hours of electives with at least one course selected from the SPH core courses not given in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division: CHSC 400, CHSC 401, EOHS 400 or HPA 400. Community Health Sciences Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Community Health Sciences must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take CHSC 400, CHSC 401, BSTT 401, CHSC 446, and CHSC 480. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree in addition to BSTT 401 and EOHS 405. Students must also complete the division core of 12 semester hours in EOHS courses, choosing at least one course in each of the following three areas: Exposure Assessment and Measurement, Health Assessment, and Intervention Strategies. Students should see their advisor for a list of courses in each area. Epidemiology Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Epidemiology must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take: EPID 404, 406, 591, 595; BSTT 401; and one course from BSTT 505, 506, or 8
507. Health Policy and Administration Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Health Policy and Administration must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, 25 hours of course work relevant to the disciplinary area of Health Policy and Administration are taken in consultation with the faculty advisor. Additional course requirements for those pursuing a secondary concentration: Cancer Epidemiology Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Cancer Epidemiology must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take: EPID 404, 406, 591, 595; BSTT 401, BSTT 505; EPID 515; 2 courses from: CHSC 514, HN 594 Nutritional Epidemiology, EPID 516, EPID 520, EPID 554, EPID 594 Special Topics: Social Epidemiology, or EPID 594 Special Topics: Surveillance Epidemiology. Global Health Concentration Requirements: Students earning an MS in Public Health degree in any of the primary concentrations may also enroll in the Concentration in Global Health. Students in the Global Health Concentration program must satisfy school-wide and divisional requirements in addition to the following: IPHS 409 Global Public Health Challenges (3 hours), IPHS 410 Global Public Health Solutions (3 hours), and an elective (3 hours). 9
Taking a cross-disciplinary approach to public health, the Global Health Concentration draws upon course work and other resources throughout UIC that will help GH students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the challenges, issues, and skills required to successfully address health problems globally. Selection of an elective should be made with the help of the student s academic advisor; and is subject to the offering department s approval. MS students in the GH Concentration must focus their research thesis (IPHS 598, 8 or 16 hours, as required by the student s divisional concentration) on a global health related topic either outside the U.S. or domestically through an appropriate alternative venue. In addition, as feasible, students in the concentration are strongly encouraged to select topics of global health relevance when completing all course assignments for their program. Competency in a foreign language is also highly recommended but not required for the program. With proper planning, courses may be used to satisfy both the Global Health Concentration and divisional requirements. Hazardous Substances Management Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Hazardous Substances Management must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take: BSTT 401; EOHS 405, EOHS 421, EOHS 425, EOHS 426, EOHS 427, EOHS 428, EOHS 432, EOHS 529, EOHS 551, EOHS 563, and two of the following: EOHS 408, EOHS 440, 10
EOHS 455, EOHS 556. Industrial Hygiene Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in the ASAC-ABET- Accredited Program in Industrial Hygiene within the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Division must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take: BSTT 401, EOHS 405, EOHS 421, EOHS 425, EOHS 426, EOHS 427, EOHS 428, EOHS 432, EOHS 529, EOHS 551, and EOHS 563. Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take the following courses for a total of 53 semester hours for the MS degree: BSTT 401; EPID 404, EPID 406, EOHS 421, EPID/EOHS 530, EPID/EOHS 535, EPID/EOHS 536, EOHS 551, EOHS 556, EPID/EOHS 571, EPID 410 or EPID 411; BSTT 505 (Epidemiology Students Only). Occupational Safety Concentration Requirements: MS students concentrating in Occupational Safety must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take: BSTT 401, EOHS 405, EOHS 421, EOHS 427, EOHS 428, EOHS 529, EOHS 551, EOHS 563, EOHS/EPID 571, IE/EOHS 441, IE 461/EOHS 460, and one of the following: EOHS 425, IE 446, TSM 421. 11
Comprehensive Examination Required only for Biostatistics students. Thesis, Project, or Course-Work- Only Options Thesis or course work only. No other options available. Thesis: Thesis required for all areas except Biostatistics. Thesis students must earn at least 8 hours in IPHS 598; students in the Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology, and Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology concentrations must earn at least 8 hours in IPHS 598. Students in MS Hazardous Substances Management Public Health Informatics Requirements: The Public Health Informatics concentration is only available to and required for students pursuing the online MS with a primary concentration in Health Policy Administration. MS students concentrating in Public Health Informatics must complete all of the SPH requirements for the MS degree. In addition, students must take the following Required Courses: HPA 465, HPA 481, BSTT 401. Selective Courses: a minimum of 16 hours from among the following HPA 436, HPA 480, HPA 483, HPA 485, HPA 486, HPA 488, HPA 563, HPA 564, HPA 565. Elective Courses: a minimum of 6 hours from among the following BHIS 509, BHIS 527, BHIS 528, HPA 400, HPA 444, HPA 445, HPA 455, HPA 486. Non-Credit Training: HIPAA Research Training and Investigator Training 101. Thesis: Thesis required for all areas except Biostatistics. Thesis students must earn at least 8 hours in IPHS 598; students in the Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology, and Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, and Public Health Informatics concentrations must earn at least 8 hours in IPHS 598. Students in MS Hazardous Substances Management 12
concentration must earn at least 12 hours in IPHS 598. Course Work Only: Only for Biostatistics students. Comprehensive examination required. concentration must earn at least 12 hours in IPHS 598. 13