Global and Comparative Public Health Concentration

Description of Program A concentration in global and comparative public health (GCPH) prepares students to be active participants in improving the health of their own and other communities worldwide. Students will gain an understanding of the determinants of the health of populations, the available options to improve the health of populations, and the evidence demonstrating the efficacy of these options.

Through the GCPH concentration, students will learn to:

1. Identify the determinants of health. These determinants will include but are not limited to biological, environmental, economic, political, institutional, and social factors
2. Describe the various public health interventions that may influence the health of populations and differentiate between them 
3. Explain how the health status of a given population is interdependent with the health of all populations globally 
4. Explain and give examples of how culture relates to health and apply this knowledge to conversations about health in different settings 
5. Explain how the indicators of health of a given population may be assessed 
6. Analyze the relationship between health and social justice 
7. Describe the factors (social and cultural) that affect the relevant behaviors of a population 
8. Devise the questions that may be asked to examine the health of a population
9. Apply evidence-based thinking to population health concerns

The GCPH concentration complements various majors, including biology; biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; pharmacy; health sciences; occupational therapy; athletic training; international relations; politics; law, politics and society; sociology; environmental science and policy; and Philosophy. Students who complete the program will be well prepared for graduate study and/or careers in fields related to public health.

Requirements for the Concentration:

A total of 21 credits are required. The required core and elective courses come from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.



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