Nobilite: Health Science Career

About the Program

The Ohio University MPH, with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences, prepares students to examine the behavioral, social, and cultural factors that impact health behavior and health outcomes. Since OU is uniquely situated in the heart of rural Appalachia, students will complete coursework related to social, behavioral, environmental, and cultural determinants of rural health as well as courses focused on the assessment, design, implementation and evaluation of health interventions in a rural setting. Through classroom instruction, research and/or field experience, students will work closely with OU faculty and public health leaders in rural Appalachian Ohio who are actively engaged in rural health research and practice. Students who complete an MPH are well positioned for careers in a variety of settings, including: local or state health departments, community-based organizations, governmental organizations (CDC), and global health.

Admission Requirements

Deadlines

• Only Fall Admission is possible for the MPH degree
• Deadline of April 30, 2016
• Preference will be given to assistantship applications submitted by February 15, 2016; however, applications will be reviewed until April 30, 2016. Applicants who complete the application by the February 15, 2016 deadline will be given priority.

Applicants must:

• Earned bachelor’s degree at the start of the MPH program
• GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (undergraduate)
• GPA of 3.5 of higher on a 4.0 scale (graduate)
• Submit 3 professional letters of recommendation
• Submit a personal statement (1000 word limit) (academic background, professional background, why they want to pursue an MPH at OU, and what they plan to do in the future)
• Send official transcripts
• CV or resume
• GRE optional (if taken, scores sent to Ohio University)

International admissions:

• GRE official scores sent to Ohio University
• TOEFL (minimum of 550 for paper-based test or 79 on web-based)
  • Waived if student already graduated from or is a current student at a US university

SAMPLE ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

Fall Semester 1

• HLTH 6720: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
• PSY 5110, 5111 or 6111: Based on previous statistics experience (3-4 credits)
• HLTH 6000: Assessment and Program Planning in Rural Public Health (3 credits)

Spring Semester 1

• HLTH 6730: Epidemiology in Public Health (3 credits)
• HLTH 6760: Environmental Health (3 credits)
• HLTH 6140: Rural Health Disparities (3 credits)

Fall Semester 2

• HLTH 6050: Intervention Design in Rural Public Health (3 credits)
• HLTH 6770: Grant Writing in Public Health Practice (3 credits)
• HLTH 6920: Practicum/Field Experience

Spring Semester 2

• HLTH 6010: Program Evaluation (3 credits)
• HLTH 6911: Capstone Project (3 credits)

Additional 8-9 hours of electives

 

Total Program Hours: 42

A bachelor's degree in health sciences is open to current and aspiring healthcare professionals. Students learn technical and administrative skills necessary for working in the healthcare industry. Graduates who majored in health sciences have many career options from which to choose.

Potential areas of employment for graduates include marketing, management, and education. Some of the career options may include medical laboratory technician, physical therapist, and diagnostic medical technologist. However, these programs may also prepare a student for graduate school in one of the health professions. These individuals may go on to pursue professional training in medicine, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine.

Graduates who specialized in a related health sciences emphasis may become employed as dental hygienists, respiratory care therapists, sonographers, or radiographers. It's important to note that all of these careers have licensure requirements.

Many applicants have previously earned an associate's degree in a related healthcare field, such as radiology technology, dental hygiene, and emergency medical services. A school's health sciences department is usually associated with a clinic, hospital, or community health center. Depending on their emphasis, students may be required to complete a supervised internship at one of these facilities. Many disciplines such as social sciences, natural sciences, math, and sports studies make up the course curriculum. Specific topics include human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

With a bachelor's degree in health science you are prepared to work in a range of careers within the health field.