MPH Core Competencies

The MPH Program at TSU provides students with a substantive education rooted in eight core competencies.   

Students seeking MPH degrees in either the Behavioral Science/Public Health Science or Cultural Competency will be exposed to information and experiences in core and elective courses, field placement and capstone project experiences that will lead to the acquisition of the following knowledge, skills and abilities in the following competency areas:   

I.              Analytic/Assessment - Core Competency Objectives

  1. Identifies the health status of populations and their related determinants of health and illness.
  2. Assess the health status of populations and their related determinants of health and illness.
  3. Uses variables that measure public health conditions.
  4. Generates variables that measure public health conditions.
  5. Uses methods and instruments for collecting valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative data.
  6. Identifies sources of public health data and information.
  7. References sources of public health data and information.
  8.  Recognizes the integrity and comparability of data.
  9.  Examines the integrity and comparability of data.
  10. Identifies gaps in data sources.
  11. Adheres to ethical principles in the collection, maintenance, use and dissemination of data and information.
  12. Describes the public health applications of quantitative and qualitative data.
  13. Interprets quantitative and qualitative data.
  14. Collects quantitative and qualitative community data.
  15. Makes community-specific inferences from qualitative and quantitative data.
  16. Uses information technology to collect, store, and retrieve data.
  17. Describes how data are used to address scientific, political, ethical, and social public health issues.

 II.            Policy Development/Program Planning - Core Competencies Objectives

  1. Gathers information relevant to specific public health policy issues.
  2. Analyzes information relevant to specific public health policy issues.
  3. Describes how policy options can influence public health programs.
  4. Analyzes policy options for public health programs.
  5. Explains the expected outcomes of policy options.
  6. Determines the feasibility and expected outcomes of policy options.
  7. Gathers information that will inform policy decisions.
  8. Describes the implications of policy options.
  9. Describes the public health laws and regulations governing public health programs.
  10. Participates in program planning processes.
  11. Incorporates policies and procedures into program plans and structures.

III.           Communication - Core Competency Objectives

  1. Identifies the health literacy of populations served.
  2. Assesses the health literacy of populations served.
  3. Communicates in writing and orally, in person, and through electronic means, with linguistic and cultural proficiency.
  4. Conveys public health information using a variety of approaches.
  5. Uses a variety of approaches to disseminate public health information.
  6. Presents demographic statistical, programmatic, and scientific information for use by professional and lay audiences.
  7. Applies communication and group dynamic strategies in interactions with individuals and groups.

 IV.          Cultural Competency - Core Competency Objectives

  1. Recognizes the role of cultural, social, and behavioral factors in the accessibility, availability, acceptability, and delivery of public health services.
  2. Responds to diverse needs that are the result of cultural differences.
  3. Describes the dynamic forces that contribute to cultural diversity.
  4. Explains the dynamic forces that contribute to cultural diversity.

  V.            Community Dimensions of Practice - Core Competency Objectives

  1. Recognizes community linkages and relationships among multiple factors (or determinants) affecting health.
  2. Assesses community linkages and relationships among multiple factors (or determinants) affecting health.
  3. Identifies stakeholders.
  4. Maintains partnerships with key stakeholders.
  5. Uses group processes to advance community involvement.
  6. Describe the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations in the delivery of community health services.
  7. Distinguishes the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations in the delivery of community health service.
  8. Identifies community assets and resources.
  9. Gathers input from the community to inform the development of public health policy and programs.
  10. Informs the public about policies, programs, and resources.
  11. Promotes public health policies, programs, and resources.

  VI.           Public Health Sciences - Core Competency Objectives

  1. Describe the scientific foundation of the field of public health.
  2. Discusses the foundation of the field of public health.
  3. Identifies prominent events in the history of public health
  4. Distinguishes the prominent events in the history of public health.
  5. Relates public health science skills to the Core Public Health functions and the Ten Essential Services of Public Health.
  6. Identifies the basic public health sciences (including but not limited to biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health services administration, and social and behavioral health sciences).
  7. Applies the basic public health sciences (including but not limited to biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health services administration, and social and behavioral health sciences).
  8. Describes the scientific evidence related to a public health issue, concern, or intervention.
  9. Conducts a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence related to a public health issue, concern, or intervention.
  10. Retrieves scientific evidence related to a public health issue, concern, or intervention.
  11. Retrieves scientific evidence form a variety of text and electronic sources.
  12. Discusses the limitations of research findings.
  13. Determines the limitations of research findings.
  14. Partners with other health professionals in building the scientific base of public health.

VII.         Financial Planning and Management - Core Competency Objectives

  1. Describes the local, state, and federal public health and health care systems.
  2. Interprets the interrelationships of state, and federal public health and health care systems for public health management.
  3. Describes the organizational structures, functions, and authorities of local, state, and federal public health agencies.
  4. Interprets the organizational structures, functions, and authorities of local, state, and federal public health agencies for public health management.

  VIII.        Leadership and Systems Thinking - Core Competency Objectives

  1. Participates with stakeholders in identifying key public health values and a shared public health vision as guiding principles for community action.
  2. Participates with stakeholders in identifying key values and a shared vision as guiding principles for community action.
  3. Identifies internal and external problems that may affect the delivery of Essential Public Health Services.
  4. Uses individual, team, organizational learning opportunities for personal and professional development.