Degrees

- Updated for academic year 2009-10. Please consult the IDM Student Handbook for the complete degree requirements and policies.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• Usually takes four to five years to complete (12-15 terms)
• Total number of credits: 72

*GSPH Core Course

For the suggested sequence of courses for the program, please see the IDM Student Handbook.

Electives

At least three courses from recommended list, available in IDM Student Handbook.

Examinations

Preliminary Exam: At the end of first two terms.
Comprehensive Exam: At the end of 2nd year.

Dissertation and Research

Must submit and successfully defend dissertation.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the PhD degree, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the molecular biology of hosts and pathogens and how pathogenesis of infectious diseases evolves from the interactions of organisms on a molecular level.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity and the role of immune functions in health and disease.
- Demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret data from a scientific publication in the field of molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
- Show an ability to think independently and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in a specific area of microbiology related to the student’s dissertation work.
- Write and defend the merits of a research proposal in a field of their research.
- Conduct independent laboratory-based research leading to a first author publication in a professional peer-reviewed journal.

Master of Science (MS)

• Usually takes two years to complete (6-7 terms) full-time; part-time four years to complete
• Total number of credits: 30

*GSPH Core Course

For the suggested sequence of courses for the program, please see the IDM Student Handbook.

Electives

One course from recommended list, available in IDM Student Handbook.

Examination(s)

Comprehensive Exam

Dissertation and Research

Must submit and successfully defend thesis.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the MS degree, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the molecular biology of hosts and pathogens and how pathogenesis of infectious diseases evolves from the interactions of organisms on a molecular level.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity and the role of immune functions in health and disease.
- Demonstrate an ability to analyze and interpret data from a scientific publication in the field of molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
- Show an ability to think independently and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in a specific area of microbiology related to the student’s thesis work.
- Conduct relatively independent laboratory-based research.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The MPH program has two concentrations:

• Bioscience of Infectious Diseases (BID)
  
• Community and Behavioral Intervention of Infectious Diseases (CBI)

Peace Corps Master's International Program with the MPH Community and Behavioral Intervention of Infectious Diseases (CBI) concentration

Master of Public Health - Concentration in Bioscience of Infectious Diseases

• Usually takes two years to complete (6-7 terms) full time; part-time four years to complete
• Total number of credits: 42

*GSPH Core Course

For the suggested sequence of courses for the program, please see the IDM Student Handbook.

Electives

One course is required to be completed. The recommended list is available in IDM Student Handbook.

Thesis and Research

Must submit MPH essay or thesis.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the MPH degree, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principals of epidemiology, including study design methods, interpretation of tabular and graphic data, risk factors and causality, and infectious disease epidemiology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principals of biostatistics, including parametric and nonparametric methods, data collection, data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.
- Apply the above basic tools of public health to an MPH thesis/essay to provide evidence for successful integration of these concepts applied to a major infectious disease program.

**Please note that this course requires that you complete this practica at a facility external to the University, and such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34clearance (if applicable), and perhaps a drug screening to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the practica. Additionally, in order to become licenses, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Master of Public Health - Concentration in Community and Behavioral Intervention of Infectious Diseases

• Usually takes two years to complete (6-7 terms) full-time; part-time four years to complete
• Total number of credits: 42

*GSPH Core Course

For the suggested sequence of courses for the program, please see the IDM Student Handbook.

Electives

A minimum of three (3) credits in elective courses must be completed. List of electives available in IDM Student Handbook.

Thesis and Research

Must submit MPH essay or thesis.

Learning Objectives

The program is designed to prepare public health professionals who can define, assess, and develop interventions related to individual, programmatic, and community oriented communicable disease public health programs, interventions, and research. These public health professionals aim to address critical public health issues in urban, rural, medically underserved areas, and internationally. The program will focus on preparing public health processionals to serve high risk populations and communities through community capacity building, leadership, facilitation, evaluation, and clinical roles. Settings include public health state and government agencies, community health, institutional settings, community based organizations, NGOs, hospitals, and specific agencies and programs dealing with infectious diseases. The program design utilizes a conceptual framework incorporates epidemiology, prevention, clinical treatment, psychosocial, and environment within the context of public health

Each student is expected to attain knowledge and skill in the following areas:
o Epidemiology of communicable diseases in the US and worldwide;
o Communicable disease laboratory diagnosis and monitoring;
o Characteristics of communicable diseases including signs, symptoms and treatments;
o Theoretical models for behavior change;
o Individual, social, and community disease control and treatment;
o International models for communicable disease control and treatment;
o Approaches and interventions for specific populations (women, minorities, incarcerated)
o Educational approaches and interventions;
o Psychosocial factors influencing individual and community behavior;
o Development and implementation of culturally appropriate programs;
o Policy development, analysis, and advocacy;
o Collection, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data;
o Evaluation of individual and community focused interventions.

**Please note that this course requires that you complete this practica at a facility external to the University, and such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34clearance (if applicable), and perhaps a drug screening to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the practica. Additionally, in order to become licenses, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness (LGBT) Certificate Program

• Total number of credits: 15

View LGBT Course Descriptions

Electives

A minimum of five credits in elective courses must be completed. Electives may include:

• BCHS 2520 Theories of Health Behavior and Health Education
• BCHS 2522 Public Health Program Planning
• BCHS 2525 Introduction to Applied Research
• BCHS 2558 Health Program Evaluation
• BCHS 2585 Historical and Sociological Perspectives in Public Health
• BCHS 3002 Health Survey Methods
• BIOST 2030 Social Inequalities in Health
• EPIDEM 2160 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• EPIDEM 2173 Culture and Diversity in Epidemiological Research
• EPIDEM 2400 Behavioral Factors in Disease
• EPIDEM 2710 Epidemiology of Women's Health
• HPM 2002 Law and the Public's Health
• HPM 2010 Organization Studies: Theory/ Applications in Health Care
• HPM 2135 Health Policy
• HPM 2142 Managing Health of Populations
• IDM 2008 Public Health Education Methods
• IDM 2032 Human Diversity and Public Health
• IDM 2034 Control and Prevention of HIV/AIDS, STDs
• IDM 2161 Methods Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  

Other courses relevant to student’s area of interest may be selected as elective credits. Student should discuss with Certificate program advisor for guidance and approval of elective course credits.

Please note that these courses may require pre-requisites and/or special permission to enroll. Please verify this information in the GSPH course catalog.

Thesis and Research

Completion of a written thesis or project related to LGBT health and wellness and oral presentation of the thesis or project for peers and members of the Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the certificate, the graduate will be able to:

• Identify principal health disparities among LGBT populations to justify proposed possible public health interventions to address disparities.
• Apply specific theory as guides in designing research or programmatic activities to address disparities that exist among LGBT populations.
• Demonstrate cultural competency for the provision of health care, preventive services, and research in LGBT populations, and among subpopulations of LGBT individuals (such as those further defined by race/ethnicity, age, social status, urban/rural dwelling, handicapped, etc.)
• Demonstrate understanding of health and wellness policies that affect LGBT populations, such as: demonstrate how provision of health and wellness services to LGBT populations results in overall lower health care costs in a larger community; demonstrate an understanding of efficacy and effectiveness data guide policy decisions; understand the process of effective change or influencing policy decision making, etc.
• Demonstrate knowledge of specific research methods, such as approaches to select appropriate samples for research questions involving LGBT individuals; measures and methods of data collecting tailored for LGBT populations and unique subpopulations; and an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of various means of data collection, such as: chart review, self-administered written questionnaires, interview administered questionnaires, computer assisted questionnaires, and online/web-based questionnaires, telephone interviewing.
• Apply ethical principles to LGBT health related research and intervention programs with a specific focus on recruitment and confidentiality of disparate sub-populations and responsibility to the community as regards sharing of data with community for future program planning.
• Be familiar with basic public health knowledge in areas other than their own specialty and know how to access resources and information in these content areas:
  • Surveillance and epidemiology
  • Communication
  • Psychosocial effects of discrimination
  • Information technology
  • Public health law
  • Individual and family support services

Master of Public Health - Concentration in Community and Behavioral Intervention of Infectious Diseases

Peace Corps Master’s International Track within the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (IDM) which combines public health courses and two years of service with the Peace Corps for a world class education and a life-changing experience. The Master’s International Track in IDM is available through the Concentration in Community and Behavioral Interventions of Infectious Diseases (CBI). Please view the IDM MPH-CBI curriculum above. Details about the Peace Corps Master’s International Track are available at www.publichealth.pitt.edu/pcmi. Applications to the program have closed for the fall of 2009. Application deadline and procedures for the fall of 2010 will be released over the summer.