Master of Public Health Degree program to be offered at BYU

A new graduate study course is now being offered through the BYU Department of Health Science —a two-year Master of Public Health Degree with an emphasis in global health production.

“It’s widely recognized that society needs more trained public health professionals to address the world’s complex array of health problems,” Dr. Brad Neiger, MPH program director, said.

The problems in the world today range from immediate life-threatening issues to possible future life-threatening issues.

“The science and art of preventing disease from a global perspective is in the forefront today. Public health issues cross borders and indiscriminately impact the health and well-being of people in both developing and developed countries. Threats may come in the form of infectious diseases such as HIV, antivirus, West Nile virus and tuberculosis. The U.S. population battles with chronic, lifestyle related illnesses caused by smoking, overeating and other risk factors, and now we must be concerned about bioterrorism, global warming, armed conflicts and terrorist attacks,” Neiger said.

The ultimate goal of the MPH program seems to be teaching students how to make a significant difference in the health world and helping with many major world issues that need solutions.

“[The program’s objective is to] prepare professionals to identify and assess the health needs of communities, to plan and implement practical solutions to health problems and to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions in underserved and culturally diverse communities. With this kind of training, our graduates will have the potential to make a significant, positive impact in our world,” Neiger said.

The program is also designed to benefit those who desire to fulfill positions in a variety of options.

“[The program can include people interested in] management positions in public health, volunteer health agencies, health care and human services in both domestic and international, rural and inner-city settings,” Neiger said.

They are encouraging students who have diverse skills and backgrounds. This diversity in participating students will aid the public with new ideas and ways of dealing with problems.

“We are seeking people with diverse experience and backgrounds such as health promotion, anthropology, biology, business management, social work, zoology, languages, microbiology, nursing, psychology, dietetics or economics,” Neiger said. “Public health needs creative, innovative people to address difficult, ever-changing health issues.”

Public health care continues to serve as a popular career choice. There is such a demand for health care that this field thrives even with the rest of the job market slowing down, according to a press release.

“Governments and private organizations are investing significant resources into health promotion, environmental hazard management, injury prevention, disaster response and recovery and accessibility to good health care. The health industry continues to thrive while other job markets have slowed, which makes public health a good career choice,” Neiger said.

The program is now taking applications for the 2003 academic year and must be completed by Feb. 1, 2003, through the BYU Office of Graduate Studies. For more information, please call the MPH Office at (801) 422-3082 or visit their Web site at mph.byu.edu.