MPH in Public Health Genetics
Overview
The MPH degree program trains students in the fundamentals of public health genetics within the context of law, ethics, and policy. The degree requirements include course work in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services, environmental health, law, ethics, and sociocultural aspects of public health genetics; a practice experience (practicum); and completion of a research-based Master's thesis. The program is designed to be completed in approximately two years. The learning objectives for the MPH program include a general set of objectives for all MPH programs in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Washington, and learning objectives specific for the public health genetics track.
Prospective students are expected to have an excellent academic record with a bachelor's degree and a background in human genetics or molecular biology. For information about admissions and financial aid, see For Prospective Students.
Curriculum
The MPH degree requires a minimum of 63 credits. Note, however, that most students take more than this total because they take electives, independent study, and/or thesis credits beyond the required minimum.
Students may choose the Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory (S/NS) grading option for approved elective courses, but not for required courses.
Required coursework. 52 credits must be earned by completing:
- 17 credits of graded MPH core courses
- 17 credits of graded PHG core courses
- 6 credits of PHG Seminar (PHG 580)
- 3 credits of Master's Practicum (PHG 595)
- 9 credits (minimum) of Master's Thesis (PHG 700)
For a list of the specific courses required, see Required Courses for the MPH.
Elective courses. The remaining 11 credits may combine:
- Approved elective courses
- Independent study (PHG 600)
- Master's Thesis (PHG 700) above the 9-credit requirement
Strongly recommended electives. The following courses are not required for the MPH, but students are strongly advised to include them:
- Human Genomics: Science, Ethics, and Society (PHG 551) or Advanced Human Genetics (GENOME 565)
- Health Policy Development (HSERV 552)
For a complete list of available electives, see MPH Elective Courses.
Course Prerequisites
Course prerequisites are described in the Required Courses list. Incoming students should have a fundamental knowledge of human genetics or molecular biology. Those who do not are required to complete the equivalent of GENOME 371 and GENOME 372 either before entering the program or during their first year of study in the MPH program.
Schedule of Coursework for MPH Students
A typical course of study leading to the MPH in Public Health Genetics takes two years (six quarters), although many students complete their thesis during a seventh quarter (usually Summer Quarter after the second year). Actual student schedules can vary, however, depending on a number of personal and academic factors.
Program Application Materials
The following materials are available for you to download: