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Program Mission
The mission of the Public Health Program at PSMHS is to provide
educational, research and population-based health services of the
highest quality. Our dynamic curriculum takes an innovative approach to
preparing ethical and competent public health practitioners and
researchers who will excel in promoting and protecting health in the
local and global communities.
Program Description
The MPH Program is established in response to the needs of our
society. It provides a multidisciplinary program through education,
research and community service to develop the skills of a public health
professional necessary for the protection of health and prevention of
disease of the individuals and communities. Students will be well
prepared to improve the challenges of our health care such as improving
the access of people suffering contagious diseases and work to reduce
environmental hazards such as violence, drug use and abuse, accidents,
etc.
PSMHS will consider candidates for the MPH Program from different walks
of life such as school teachers, news reporters, researchers, lawyers,
physicians, health professionals, and others.
The Public Health Professionals will be able to work for the government,
for private institutions, and/or for local or international companies
which provide services to the community. These professionals face the
challenge of protecting the public health of the present population and
of future generations.
To accomplish this, PSMHS has developed a 55-credits curriculum that
will expose students to the basic concepts in public health, research
and fieldwork experiences. Three tracks are offered: Epidemiology,
Environmental and General, with the MPH first year being common to all
tracks.
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Epidemiology - The
study of the relationships between the various factors that
determine the frequency and distribution of diseases in human (and
other animal population), the risks to contract them, the human
susceptibility and how to prevent new incidences.
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Environmental -
Relates to the air we breathe, water we drink, and other complex
environmental factors. These risks may cause sicknesses such as
asthma, cancer, food poisoning, etc. It studies the impact the
environment has on our health.
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General Public Health
- Is the science that studies how to protect and improve the health
in communities through education and by promoting healthy life
styles. It is in charge of developing public policies, educational
programs and services as to avoid those public threats.
The two-year 55 credit program is offered in trimesters with the
following credit requirements:
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General |
Epidemiology |
Environmental Health |
| Required |
40 |
45 |
45 |
| Selective |
5-6 |
2-3 |
2-3 |
| Elective |
5-8 |
3-6 |
3-6 |
| Practicum |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Culminating Experience |
0-2 |
0-2 |
0-2 |
Classes in Public Health are offered in the evenings starting at 5:00 pm
(Mondays to Thursdays)
Cost per credit is $218.00 (USD) for residents and $274.00 for
non-residents. Other annual fees apply.
Registration, orientation period and commencement of classes take place
during second half of July.
Admission Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree from a
college level institution accredited by the PR Council of Education
or by a US Department of Education
recognized accrediting organization including the following courses:
Course
Credits
General Sciences
6
Social Sciences
6
Behavioral Sciences
3
College Mathematics
3
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Minimum GPA of 2.50,
however our classes average is 3.2 (on a four-point scale)
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EXADEP, GRE or MCAT
examinations (no more than five years old)
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Submit the following
documents:
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Official transcript
from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
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Official GRE, EXADEP or
MCAT scores (if the candidate does not hold a health
professional degree).
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Three letters of
recommendation written by professors or individuals familiar
with the applicant’s professional work and skills using the
format provided with the application form.
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Certificate of No Penal
Record
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Application processing
fee of US$100.00 (non-refundable)
Selection Criteria
The Admissions Committee selects the best candidates. The Committee
looks for accepting students of integrity and maturity that show concern
for others and leadership potential. In evaluating the applicants,
emphasis is placed upon the following:
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Potential to work with
individuals, analytical skills and understanding of ethical
standards of the profession.
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Past experience in research
projects or potential for the development of research skills.
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Academic achievement (GRE,
EXADEP, MCAT scores)
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Motivation and emotional
stability
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Letters of recommendation
(see previous description)
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Interview
Upon acceptance, all students
are required to submit the following:
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Written confirmation of
acceptance and a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to secure the
seat in the entering class.
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Physical Exam (using a form
provided by the Admissions Office)
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Evidence of up to date
immunization record (must include Varicella, Td Adult, MMR and three
doses of Hepatitis B).
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Other documents will be
notified as pertinent.
How to Apply
Deadline to submit a complete application is May 30.
The Application for Admission to the Master in Public Health Program can
also be obtained personally at the Admissions Office.
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