• Description of Program
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

Public health organizations have recently turned their attention to physical inactivity, a modifiable behavior, as it has been recognized as a major risk factor for chronic diseases. The Master of Public Health concentration in Physical Activity trains professionals to effectively quantify physical activity, monitor populations, and design interventions focused on improving health through the promotion of physical activity. You will learn how to assess physical activity behavior, to apply behavioral theories when designing physical activity interventions, use epidemiology techniques to describe the relationship between physical activity and health and to develop public health policies aimed at impacting physical activity behavior. You will have the opportunity to work with faculty with interdisciplinary interests such as health games, worksite wellness, recreation, and disabilities.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 44 graduate credit hours is required for this program.  A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C is required in each course. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor. Prerequisite courses may be prescribed for students lacking sufficient background for graduate study in public health.

MPH Master of Public Health Degree Requirements (44-47 credits)

MPH Degree Core (20 credits)

Public Health Foundations Requirement (0 credits)
All MPH students should complete the Public Health Foundations online course prior to registering for their first semester courses. Complete details and registration information for this course can be found at the following Website: https://iu.instructure.com/enroll/MNG3L6.

Integrated Public Health Core (12 credits)
Complete each of the following courses.

• SPH-X 601 Assessment and Public Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-X 650 Evidence-Based Approaches to Public Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-X 660 Population Health Determinants (3 cr.)
• SPH-X 685 Public Health Policy and Politics (3 cr.)

Professional Development and Practical Experiences (8 credits)
Complete each of the following courses.

• SPH-K 664 Seminar in Physical Education: Professional Development Seminar 1 (1 cr.)
• SPH-K 664 Seminar in Physical Education: Professional Development Seminar 2 (1 cr.)
• SPH-K 696 Field Experience in Physical Activity (3 cr.)
• SPH-K 698 MPH Culminating Experience in Physical Activity (3 cr.)

Physical Activity Concentration (24-27 credits)

Required Concentration Courses (12 credits)
Complete each of the following courses.

• SPH-K 553 Physical Activity and Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-K 556 Physical Activity Assessment in Public Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-K 557 Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
• SPH-K 565 Physical Activity Behavioral Interventions (3 cr.)

Additional MPH Major or Graduate Certificate (12-15 credits)

Complete all courses in one of the seven following choices. (12-15 credits)

MPH Major in Social, Behavioral, and Community Health (12 credits)
Successful completion of the following four courses earns the student a second major in Social, Behavioral, and Community Health.

• SPH-B 589 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-B 602 Intervention Design (3 cr.)
• SPH-H 562 Health Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
• SPH-H 662 Acquiring and Managing External Funds (3 cr.)

MPH Major in Public Health Administration (12 credits)
Successful completion of the following four courses earns the student a second major in Public Health Administration.

• SPH-H 661 Legal Issues in Public Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-H 662 Acquiring and Managing External Funds (3 cr.)
• SPH-P 680 Public Health Economics (3 cr.)
• SPH-X 561 Finance and Budgeting (3 cr.)

Online Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health (12 credits)
Successful completion of the following requirements earns the student an online graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health.

Complete the two following courses.

• SPH-B 675 Practicum in Public Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-H 524 –or-- EDUC-P 513 Multidisciplinary Perspectives in Gerontology (3 cr.)

Complete two courses from the following.

• EDUC-D 505 Adult Learning through the Lifespan (3 cr.)
• EDUC-D 506 Adult Education Planning and Development (3 cr.)
• EDUC-P 517 Adult Development and Aging (3 cr.)
• EDUC-P 518 Social Aspects of Aging and Aging Families (3 cr.)
• SPH-B 535 Contemporary Issues in Aging and Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-B 615 Health Longevity, and Integrative Therapies for the Later Years (3 cr.)

Online Graduate Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health (15 credits)
Successful completion of the following five courses earns the student an online graduate Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health.

• SPH-B 589 Theories and Conceptual Frameworks in Public Health (3 cr.)
• SPH-B 630 Sexual and Reproductive Health Surveillance (3 cr.)
• SPH-B 632 Sexual Health: Contemporary Discoveries and Controversies (3 cr.)
• SPH-B 634 Sexual Health Research and Evaluation (3 cr.)
• SPH-H 633 Advanced Instructional Methods in Sexual and Reproductive Health (3 cr.)

Online Graduate Certificate in Safety Management (12 credits)
Successful completion of the following four courses earns the student an online graduate Certificate in Safety Management.

• SPH-S 502 Instructional Strategies for Safety Education (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 513 Safety Management in Business and Industry (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 610 Occupational Risk Management (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 632 Safety & Health Program Design (3 cr.)

Special Opportunities

Faculty will identify opportunities to work within the academic and broader community to allow for skill building, networking, research, and practical experience. Degree programs in public health balance theoretical knowledge with professional experience through internships and opportunities to work with faculty on research, teaching, and service projects. The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program is accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH).

Careers

Public interest in a healthy lifestyle is increasing the demand for public health professionals. Below is a list indicating a few of the settings in which you could work:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Local, state, and federal government
• Nonprofit organizations
• Businesses and corporations
• County and state health departments
• Universities
• Health foundations and health-based grant projects.

Individuals who earn a public health degree with a concentration in physical activity will be well suited to play an integral role in multidisciplinary team centered on health promotion and disease prevention. A public healthy degree in physical activity can lead to career positions such as the following:

• Community Health Promotion Specialist
• Community Physical Activity Specialist
• Physical Activity Epidemiologist
• Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Manager
• Physical Activity Policy Analyst
• Public Health Advisor