Academic/Curriculum

International Health (IH) Track
Kwaku Danso, PhD, MPA - Track Coordinator

Goal & Course Offerings

The International Health Track prepares graduates to work in policy and program positions with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Global issues have increased social inequalities that impact adversely on the health status of poor and underserved populations in developed and developing countries. The IHT offers a holistic learning environment through a comprehensive curriculum that provides students with opportunities to synthesize skills and knowledge.

Required courses for all IH Track Students.

MPH 520. Inter-Cultural Communication & Health (3 credit hours)
This course will examine the concept of cross cultural awareness through understanding the difference of healthcare behaviors and beliefs, effective cross cultural communication, and conflict resolution with various cultures.

MPH 522. Chronic & Re-emerging Diseases (3 credit hours)
This course explores the relationship between habit behavior, causal and non-causal risk factors and disease in developing countries. It also covers epidemics and the impact of epidemics on health care delivery in developing countries. Health care delivery is examined in the context of community priorities and health promotion issues.

MPH 523. Women’s Health & Development (3 credit hours)
This course examines women’s health from a human rights holistic framework that addresses gender, class and race inequalities. Some of the issues covered are Maternal and Child Health and Reproductive Health, including Family Planning, Violence, and Nutrition. The health needs of special populations, such as immigrant and refugee women are discussed

MPH 524. Managing the Health Sector in Developing Countries (3 credit hours)
This course introduces students to the management of the health sector in developing countries. It provides an understanding of the social and political economy and theories of management, organizational behavior and development at the local and national levels. It also introduces students to the systems approach in the study of centralization versus decentralization, policy formulation versus implementation and service delivery.