School of Public Health and Health Services. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health

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1 Program Director Katherine Hunting, PhD, MPH Professor and Vice-Chair for Educational Activities Department of Environmental and Occupational Health 100 M Street NW, Suite 0 Washington, DC 007 Tel: Fax: eohklh@gwumc.edu Mission School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Master of Public Health and Graduate Certificate Environmental Health Science and Policy Note: All curriculum revisions will be updated immediately on the website The Mission of the Environmental Health Science and Policy MPH program is to educate individuals who are committed to public health protection to apply critical analytic skills to the development, implementation and evaluation of practices and policies aimed at preventing or minimizing the adverse impact of environmental and occupational hazards on human health. Goals Our graduates will possess a multidisciplinary knowledge base and skill set that will provide them a framework for addressing environmental and occupational health (EOH) issues. They will understand three distinct scientific foundations of environmental health in order to: Assess and control environmental and occupational exposures; Understand the effects of these exposures on human health; and Interpret epidemiologic and other research findings related to environmental risks. Furthermore, graduates will be prepared to build on this science base in order to: Analyze policy implications and participate in policy development, implementation and evaluation; and Assess and manage environmental and occupational risks. Course Requirements All GW School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS) MPH students who select the Environmental Health Science and Policy program enroll in Core Courses (16 credits), Program-Specific Courses (0 credits), and Electives (5 credits). The total 45 credit degree program also includes a Practicum ( credits) and a Culminating Experience ( credits) where students apply their didactic education in a real world setting. Program-Specific Competencies Upon Completion of the MPH Program in Environmental Health Science and Policy, students should possess the following functional competencies. Assess environmental and occupational exposures. Students will be able to assess human exposures to environmental and occupational hazards for the purposes of evaluating human health hazards, conducting epidemiological research, and preventing and controlling hazards. Relevant courses: 611, 616, 617, 611. Prevent and control environmental and occupational hazards. Students will be able to recommend appropriate interventions such as engineering controls, behavior change, or material substitution for reducing human exposures to environmental and occupational hazards. Relevant courses: 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 610. Updated October 011

2 Identify the adverse effects of chemical, biological, and physical exposures on human health. Students will be able to describe the structure and function of human organ systems and identify environmental and occupational agents that disrupt these systems to cause disease and injury. Students will be able to identify the main mechanisms by which environmental and occupational agents gain access to and adversely affect human health, as well as factors which affect susceptibility to such adverse effects. Relevant courses: 61, 614, 615, 617. Interpret epidemiologic and other research findings related to environmental risks, and assist in designing and conducting research. Students will be able to critically assess existing epidemiologic research, to assist in designing and carrying out appropriate studies for investigating EOH problems, to conceptualize data analysis to address study goals, and to utilize appropriate approaches to manage and analyze data. Relevant courses: 611, 61, 618, 611. Synthesize relevant information in order to analyze EOH policy implications and participate in policy development. Students will be able to apply various risk assessment approaches. They will be able to synthesize relevant information, including values, for the purposes of assessing risk and evaluating policy strategies to reduce and prevent environmental and occupational disease and injury. Relevant courses: 61, 61, 614, 615, 618, 610. Synthesize relevant information in order to assess and manage environmental and occupational risks. Students will be able to apply various risk management and risk communication frameworks. They will be able to synthesize relevant information, including values, for the purposes of assessing risk and evaluating management strategies to reduce and prevent environmental and occupational disease and injury. Relevant courses: 61, 614, 616, 617, 610. Engage in public health communication and risk communication activities. Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in professional and community settings on public health issues and on environmental and occupational health hazards. Relevant courses: 611, 61, 61, 614, 615, 619. Identify ethical issues in environmental health policy and practice. Students will be able to discuss how scientific principles and societal values such as equity and environmental justice influence decision-making about environmental and occupational health problems in research, public health practice, policy, and management contexts. Relevant courses: 611, 61, 61, 614, 615, 618, 619, 610. Sample Culminating Experiences Completed from 009 to 011 Particulate Air Pollution and Mortality in the Elderly, Understanding Asthma: A Needs Assessment for District of Columbia Residents Age 18-4 Effect of Temperature Spikes of 10-degrees F or More on Death Attributable to Cardiovascular Disease in Three United States Cities Wheel Truing: A Metal Particulate Exposure Assessment among Railroad Workers The Relationship of Occupational-Related Factors and the Development of Memory Diseases: An Analysis of the Health and Retirement Study Adolescent Occupational Poison Exposures Reported to US Poison Centers from 00 to 007 Fish Consumption: Methylmercury Risks and Omega- Fatty Acid Benefits: Population-Specific Consumption Analysis and Recommendations for Sensitive Populations Groups in the Puget Sound Region Impact of Combined Sewer Overflows on Rock Creek Water Quality and its Implications for Public Health Vitamin D Deficiency in Qatar Interfacing Public Health Preparedness with Water and Wastewater Infrastructure and Services in Arlington Co, VA Environmental Drivers for Ross River Virus in Tasmania, Australia Indoor Radon Exposure in Licking County, Ohio California Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Work-related Procedures and Cost Shifting Is Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Humans Associated with the Number of Livestock and Poultry Farms in Tennessee and Louisiana counties? A Review of 007 Data Expanding the Conceptualization of Parental Locus of Control: An Investigation of Childhood Injury Prevention in Washington, DC Injury Rates at Massey Energy Coal Mines Compared to Injury Rates at Coal Mines Operated by Four Other U.S. Mining Companies State Health Agency Workforce Shortages and Implications for Public Health: A Case Study of Restaurant Inspections in Louisiana Work-Related Injuries: A Look at Performance of Duty Illnesses/Injuries for Firefighters and EMS Workers Bedbug, Mice, and Rat Complaints and Pesticide Use among Washington DC Residents by Ward Additional Certificate Information is available via the SPHHS website: onmentalhealthscienceandpolicy Updated October 011

3 Please see the curriculum sheets that follow. School of Public Health and Health Services Master of Public Health Environmental Health Science and Policy Program-at-a-Glance Begin Planning Your Culminating Project after Completing the First Half of Your Program Required Core Courses Required Core Course Credits Semester Offered Grade 6001 Biological Concepts for Public Health Fall, Spring, Summer I 600 Biostatistical Applications for Public Health Fall, Spring, Summer 10 wk 600 Principles and Practice of Epidemiology Fall, Spring, Summer 10 wk 6004 Environmental & Occupational Health in a Sustainable World Fall, Spring, Summer I 6005 Policy Approaches to Public Health Fall, Spring, Summer 10 wk 6007 Social and Behavioral Approaches to Public Health Fall, Spring, Summer Management Approaches to Public Health Fall, Spring, Summer 10-wk Total Core Credits 16 Required Program-Specific Courses Required Program Specific Course Credits Semester Offered Grade 611 Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology Fall 61 Protecting Public Health and the Environment: Policies, Spring Politics, and Programs 61 Toxicology: Applications for Public Health Policy Spring 614 Problem Solving in Environmental and Occupational Health Summer 10 wk 616 Assessment and Control of Environmental Hazards Fall 619 Problem Formulation in Environmental and Occupational 1 Fall Health 611 Applied Data Analysis in EOH Spring EOH Program-Specific Electives Select credits from this list 615 Introduction to Children s Health and the Environment Fall 617 Public Health Microbiology and Biodefense Spring 618 Global Environmental and Occupational Health Fall 610 Sustainable Energy and the Environment Spring Electives Any SPHHS Graduate Course(s) 5 Fall, Spring, Summer Practicum See Advisor Culminating Experience See Advisor Course Distribution Credits Public Health Core 16 Program -Specific 0 Electives 5 Practicum Culminating Experience Total 45 Updated October 011

4 Environmental Health Science and Policy Advising Tips NOTE: Always see your advisor for course scheduling and sequencing strategies, but remember that proper course selection, fulfilling requirements, and on-time graduation are your responsibilities. The Master of Public Health (MPH) curriculum consists of four types of courses: Required Core Courses ( 6001, 600, 600, 6004, 6005, 6007, and 6008) Required Program-Specific Courses, including EOH selective credits General Electives Required Practicum and Culminating Experience The MPH core courses are designed to provide students with a broad public health context as well as a critical foundation for subsequent coursework. Early completion of these core courses ensures that students will have the base of knowledge to successfully complete the program specific courses and to get as much as possible out of them. As such, entering students are expected to enroll in MPH core courses in accordance with the following guidelines: We expect MPH students to complete the MPH core courses in their first year of graduate study (fall/spring/summer). This does not include 6008 (Management Approaches to Public Health), which should be taken in the second half of the program of study, and which requires every other core course as a prerequisite. Further, we expect MPH students to complete the following MPH courses in the first two semesters of study: o 6001 Biological Concepts for Public Health o 600 Biostatistics OR 600 Epidemiology o 6005 Policy Approaches to Public Health Part-time students (who generally take 5 to 7 credits per semester) will typically concentrate on taking core courses in their first year, and then take program-specific courses in their second and third years. In order to help assure that all students complete core courses in the first year of study, SPHHS will offer all core courses during all three semesters (fall, spring, and summer). This will allow students who wish to complete their MPH degree within two years to do so, and will allow every student to make steady progress toward completing the MPH degree. We recognize that there may be exceptional circumstances that make it difficult for a student to complete core courses in the first year as outlined above. Any such student should discuss this situation with his or her academic advisor. If the advisor and student agree that an exception is needed, the student should complete a Graduate Petition Form explaining the circumstances, obtain the academic advisor s signature, and submit the Petition to the SPHHS Office of Student Records, Ross Hall. The Associate Dean for Student and Faculty Development must approve such a petition before a student is permitted to defer any core courses to the second year. Table 1 (full time students) and Table (part time students) present sample course schedules that Environmental Health Science & Policy MPH students are required to take during their tenure at the SPHHS. It is noteworthy that fully 45 credits are required, including core courses (16 credits), program specific courses, including EOH selective credits (0 credits), general elective credits (5 credits), and the practicum ( credits) and culminating experience ( credits). Updated October 011

5 School of Public Health and Health Services Master of Public Health and Graduate Certificate Program Environmental Health Science and Policy Note: All curriculum revisions will be updated immediately on the website Graduation Requirements MPH 1. Graduate Credit Requirement. 45 graduate credits are required.. Course Requirements. Successful completion of the Core Courses and the Program- Specific Courses are required.. Grade Point Requirement. A.0 (B average) overall grade point average is required. 4. Time Limit Requirement. The degree must be completed within four years. 5. Transfer Credit Policy. Up to 1 graduate credits that have not been applied to a previous graduate degree may be transferred to the MPH. Up to 18 credits may be transferred to the MPH from the SPHHS Graduate Certificate. Credits must have been earned from an accredited institution in the last years with a grade point of.0 or better. Graduation Requirements Graduate Certificate 1. Graduate Credit Requirement for students enrolled in a stand alone Graduate Certificate. 18 credits are required.. Graduate Credit Requirement for students enrolled concurrently in a SPHHS Degree Program. 1 credits are required.. The Program Director/Advisor must pre-approve all course selections and course sequencing by developing a program of study prior to the student s initial registration. Graduate Certificate students meet with their advisor each semester before registration. All changes in this program of study must be pre-approved by the Program Director/Advisor. 4. Course Requirements. Since most graduate certificate students are currently enrolled in an MPH program or have previously earned a graduate degree, most course credits will be selected from the program-specific course list. Under no circumstances may a certificate student enroll in fewer than 9 credits of programspecific courses. 5. Grade Point Requirement. A.0 (B average) overall grade point average or better is required. 6. Time Limit Requirement. The certificate must be completed within years. 7. Transfer Credit Policy. The Program Director/Advisor may approve up to 4 graduate credits that have not been applied to a previous graduate degree to be transferred to the graduate certificate. (Exceptions: GW master s students and alumni may transfer up to 6 credits of the master s degree to the Graduate Certificate.) The course(s) must be relevant to the graduate certificate. Credits must have been earned from an accredited institution in the last years with a grade point of.0 or better. (01) (0) 6001 Biological Concepts for Public Health 600 Biostatistical Applications for Public Health Core Courses 16 Credits Provides an overview of current knowledge about biological mechanisms of major diseases causing death and disability in the US and globally; understanding and interpreting the reciprocal relationships of genetic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health and disease in an ecologic context; analyzing, discussing, and communicating biologic principles of disease from a public health perspective. Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer Application of biostatistical principles to critical analysis of retrospective studies, prospective studies, and controlled clinical trials, as well as studies in the health services literature. Selection, basic calculations, and interpretation of statistical methods for detection of significant associations and differences. Summer, Fall, Updated October 011

6 (0) (04) (05) (07) (08) (1) () () (4) 600 Principles and Practice of Epidemiology 6004 Environmental and Occupational Health in a Sustainable World 6005 Policy Approaches to Public Health 6007 Social and Behavioral Approaches to Public Health 6008 Management Approaches to Public Health 611 Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology 61 Protecting Public Health and the Environment: Policies, Politics, and Programs 61 Toxicology: Applications for Public Health Policy 614 Problem Solving in Environmental and Occupational Health Spring General principles, methods, and applications of epidemiology. Outbreak investigations, measures of disease frequency, standardization of disease rates, study design, measures of association, hypothesis testing, bias, effect modification, causal inference, disease screening, and surveillance. Case studies apply these concepts to a variety of infectious, acute, and chronic health conditions affecting the population. Summer, Fall, Spring Examines the connection between population health and exposures to chemical, physical, and biological agents in the environment. Through the use of problem-solving frameworks, students will become familiar with data sources, methodologies and policy approaches being used to address the public health impacts of environmental and occupational health hazards, including the consequences of climate change, natural resource degradation, and industrial chemicals. The course will integrate key concepts of environmental health with principles of sustainability to illustrate how public policies and practices on the local, national and global level affect population health. Summer, Fall, Spring Introductory multidisciplinary course focusing on the interplay of all aspects of global public health on health policy problems. Students will learn how health policy is made, how health care and public health services are delivered, and how to define and analyze key health policy problems drawing on the perspectives and skills of the public health disciplines. Summer, Fall, Spring Emphasizes social and behavioral science theories, models, and concepts that can be applied to public health problems and interventions. Describes the role of social and community factors, including race/ethnicity and culture, in both the onset and solution of public health problems and describe the inter-relationship between the social/behavioral sciences. Summer, Fall, Spring An advanced multidisciplinary course examining global public health and health delivery issues through the use of a case study approach. Prerequisites: 6001, 600, 600, 6004, 6005, and Summer, Fall, Spring Program Specific Courses 0 Credits Epidemiologic methods for the study of environmental and occupational health problems. Epidemiologic exposure assessment methods and methods relevant to cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and cluster investigation studies. Sources of and evaluation of biases and confounding, as well as survey and questionnaire design. Prerequisites: 600, 600, Fall Reviews the history, structure and workings of the system through which we attempt to protect public health and the environment, with a particular focus on US regulatory agencies. Prerequisites: 6004, Spring. Introduction to principles of toxicology with emphasis on concepts most relevant in risk assessment, management, and communication; and public health policy. Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry. Spring This culminating course uses problem-based learning methods to examine a variety of real-world EOH issues in depth. Cases stimulate students to integrate their cumulative knowledge across all required courses and demonstrate their professional competencies. Students to conduct activities characteristic of EOH practice: evaluating a variety of technical, public, and media, reports; integrating and interpreting environmental, exposure, and health information effectively; designing analytic and communication strategies; presenting in writing and orally relevant materials to address EOH issues; and, making appropriate policy and/or program decisions and recommendations. Prerequisites: 611, 61, 616. Summer Updated October 011

7 (6) (9) (1) (5) (7) (8) (0) 616 Assessment and Control of Environmental Hazards 619 Problem Formulation in Environmental and Occupational Health 611 Applied Data Analysis in EOH 615 Introduction to Children's Health and the Environment 617 Public Health Microbiology and Biodefense 618 Global Environmental and Occupational Health 610 Sustainable Energy and the Environment Introduces the anticipation, recognition, assessment, and control of hazards in the workplace and the ambient environment. It emphasizes an understanding of the characteristic features of specific hazards, which may be chemical, biological, or physical/ergonomic. Fall 1 Focuses on formulation of EOH problems and the types and sources of information needed to identify and address EOH issues. Students will become skillful in accessing, utilizing, and evaluating information sources. The pedagogic basis for this course is problem-based learning. Pre- or co-requisite: Fall. Apply biostatistical concepts & methods to analysis of EOH data. Students manage datasets, conduct data analyses using Stata, present data graphically, & interpret data for relevance to EOH research, policy & practice. Skills developed and practiced will help students synthesize data, consider findings in terms of risk management options, and communicate findings for intended audiences. Prerequisites: 600, 600, 6004, 619. Spring. Choose credits from this list Describes the impact of environmental toxicants on children s health and reviews some of the major policy issues in the field of children s environmental health. Prerequisites: Fall Provides students with a basic understanding of microbes and the environment with a particular emphasis on bioterrorism. Students will be able to: describe microbiological agents in the environment; describe the public health triad; outline public health measures addressing the threats of these environmental microbes; and, evaluate policy and regulations available to address these threats. Prerequisites: Spring Examines environmental and occupational health issues at various stages in the development process. Emphasis will be placed on principles of development economics and associated environmental health issues. Prerequisites: Fall Public Health professions play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy strategies in the context of environment & human health impacts. Sustainability of various energy strategies including energy conservation, green building principles and renewable energy. Mitigation & adaption policies for climate change. Emphasizes the life cycle framework which focuses on natural resource depletion, water & energy consumption as well as air, water & solid waste pollutant emissions. Prerequisite: Spring Electives 5 credits 5 With advisor s guidance, choose 5 credits from among any SPHHS courses. (14) (15) Practicum and Culminating Experience 4 credits Practicum 1- Provides the opportunity for MPH students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through their programs of study. A planned, supervised and evaluated practice experience that is relevant to the student's program is an essential component of a public health professional degree program. These opportunities can take place in a variety of agencies or organizations. Each program customizes Practicum requirements to meet students needs. (Credit/No Credit) Summer, Fall, Spring Culminating Experience - A culminating experience requires students to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. It is through this course that faculty evaluates the extent to which the student has mastered the body of knowledge and can demonstrate proficiency in the required competencies. Each program customizes Culminating Experience requirements to meet students needs. Summer, Fall, Spring Updated October 011

8 MPH in Environmental Health Science and Policy (45 cr) Sample Schedule for -Year Completion (Fall start) - All course times are tentative Semester Cr Course # Course Name Time Fall 1 st year 9 credits Spring 1 st year 9 credits Summer 1 st year credits + * Fall nd year 6 credits + * Spring nd year 7 credits + * Summer nd year 5 credits Updated October Electives Principles and Practice of Epidemiology Biostatistical Applications for Public Health Environ & Occup Health in a Sustainable World Problem Formulation in EOH Policy Approaches to Public Health Biological Concepts for Public Health Social & Behavioral Approaches to Public Health Toxicology: Applications for Public Health Policy & -- begin to plan Practicum -- Electives Practicum + Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology Assessment and Control of Env Hazards -- begin to plan Culminating Project -- Protecting Public Health and the Environment: Policies, Politics, and Programs Applied Data Analysis in EOH Management Approaches to PH -- work on Culminating Project -- Problem Solving in EOH Culminating Project + Complete by end of August. MPH!!!!! Yay!!! Tues 6:10 9:00 pm or Fri :10 6:00 pm Weds 6:10 9:00 pm Tues 4:10 6:00 pm Mon 5:10 6:00 pm Thurs 6:10 8:00 pm Thurs 4:10 6:00 pm Tues 4:10 6:00 pm or Weds 6:10 8:00 pm Mon :10 6:00 pm Mon 6:10 9:00 pm Weds 6:10 9:00 pm Tues 6:10 9:00 pm Thurs 6:10 9:00 pm Weds 6:10 8:00 pm * Additionally, you must complete: credits of EOH Selectives Select one of these four courses any time after your first semester: 615 Introduction to Children s Health and the Environment Fall, Weds 4:10 6:00 pm 617 Public Health Microbiology and Biodefense Spring, Tues 4:10 6:00 pm 618 Global Environmental and Occupational Health Fall, Tues 4:10 6:00 pm 610 Sustainable Energy and the Environment Spring, Weds 4:10 6:00 pm Tues/Thurs :45 6:00 pm 10 week summer session 5 credits of Electives With guidance from your advisor, complete 5 credits of electives in any combination (any time, but preferably middle summer, nd fall, or nd spring). + Both the Practicum and the Culminating Experience require substantial lead time to plan. Make sure that you complete Practicum training and start planning your Practicum the semester before you wish to conduct it. Start planning your Culminating Experience approximately 10 months before you plan to complete it. & Prior coursework in chemistry and organic chemistry (1 semester, no lab) is a pre-requisite for 61. If you do not have such coursework, you must take our FREE online science/chemistry tutorial course, offered in the summer (July/August). Full time students should take it before their first year, and part time students may wait until the summer between years 1 and.

9 MPH in Environmental Health Science and Policy (45 cr) Sample Schedule for -Year Completion (Fall start) - All course times are tentative Semester Cr Course # Course Name Time Fall 1 st year 6 credits Spring 1 st year 7 credits Summer 1 st year cr* Fall nd year 6 credits Spring nd year 5 credits* Summer nd year credits* Fall rd year credits* Spring rd year credits* Summer rd year 5 credits* Principles & Practice of Epidemiology Environ & Occup Health in a Sustainable World Information Sources in EOH Biostatistical Applications for Public Health Policy Approaches to Public Health Biological Concepts for Public Health Tues 6:10 9:00 pm or Fri :10 6:00 pm Tues 4:10 6:00 pm Mon 5:10 6:00 pm Weds 6:10 9:15 pm Thurs 6:10 8:00 pm Thurs 4:10 6:00 pm 6007 Social & Behavioral Approaches to Public Health Mon/Weds 6:10 8:0 pm (6 week summer session) Assessment and Control of Envir Hazards Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology 61 Toxicology: Applications for Public Health Policy & 611 Applied Data Analysis in EOH 6008 Management Approaches to Public Health -- begin to plan Practicum Practicum -- begin to plan Culminating Project Protecting Public Health and the Environment: Policies, Politics, and Programs -- work on Culminating Project Problem Solving in EOH 6015 Culminating Project + Complete by end of August. MPH!!!!! Yay!!!!! Weds 6:10 9:00 pm Mon 6:10 9:00 pm Mon :10 6:00 pm Thurs 6:10 8:00 pm Tues/Thurs :45 6:00 pm (10 week summer session) Tues 6:10 9:00 pm Tues/Thurs :45 6:00 pm *Additionally, you must complete: credits of EOH Selectives Select one of these four courses any time after your second semester: 615 Introduction to Children s Health and the Environment Fall, Weds 4:10 6:00 pm 617 Public Health Microbiology and Biodefense Spring, Tues 4:10 6:00 pm 618 Global Environmental and Occupational Health Fall, Tues 4:10 6:00 pm 610 Sustainable Energy and the Environment Spring, Weds 4:10 6:00 pm 5 credits of Electives With guidance from your advisor, complete 5 credits of electives in any combination, any time after your first two semesters. + Both the Practicum and the Culminating Experience require substantial lead time to plan. Make sure that you complete Practicum training and start planning your Practicum the semester before you wish to conduct it. Start planning your Culminating Experience approximately 10 months before you plan to complete it. & Prior coursework in chemistry and organic chemistry (1 semester, no lab) is a pre-requisite for 61. If you do not have such coursework, you must take our FREE online science/chemistry tutorial course, offered in the summer (July/August). Full time students should take it before their first year, and part time students may wait until the summer between years 1 and. Updated October 011