DrPH
in Epidemiology
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the Doctor of Public Health in Epidemiology (DrPH) is to educate professionals with knowledge, skills and abilities in the development of epidemiological methodology applied to health needs including the identification of risk factors, clinical research, programs assessment, prevention, protection and treatment of diseases. These professionals will contribute to the enhancement of the public health through analyses and reformulation of laws that impact health on the local, state and federal levels.
More about
The DrPH is awarded after the successful completion of an interdisciplinary 63-credits curriculum. Students take a comprehensive test at the end of the 2nd year after their completing their class work. An original research of a significant contribution to the scientific knowledge or epidemiological application in a particular health field must be completed during the final years of the Program.
Public Health Program: Core Values of The Public Health Program.
The following core values enlighten the institutional environment and guide us in the fulfillment of our mission and goals:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Diversity
- Service
- Evidence-based public health
- Population perspective
- Community empowerment
- Balance in competing priorities
Integrity
We value honest, ethical, and transparent practices and determine to have integrity in everything that we do.
Respect
We value the protection of the individual and collective rights, and promote the respect for social and cultural differences that distinguish human beings, as fundamental aspects of those rights and respect them as essential to achieving “Health for all”.
Diversity
We value diverse perspectives and the unique contributions that result from diversity, and promote caring, support, confidence, compassion, camaraderie and a “can do” attitude.
Service
We highly value the use of our health expertise and academic abilities, capabilities and resources in service to our students and the whole community.
Evidence Based
We value evidence as a sound basis for the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective programs and policies in public health. This evidence base is accomplished through the application of the principles of scientific reasoning, including systematic use of data and information systems, behavioral science theory and program planning models to build effective public health programs and policies.
Population Perspective
We value integrating a population perspective into all our research, service and teaching; the collective or “public good” is takes priority over the individual good.
Community Empowerment
We value community empowerment, which enables communities to increase control over their lives in their understanding of health and ability to protect their health and seek appropriate care.
Balance
In Public Health there are many competing “goods”. We value the careful assessment of these competing goods and strive to balance the alternatives to derive the most good for the most people.
Goal 1: Provide research experiences based in public health ethical standards that address the personal and social determinants of health with the purpose of developing and building healthy communities.
- The program faculty will lead environmental, behavioral, prevention or population-based research projects funded by grants.
- The products of research conducted in the PHP will be disseminated widely in professionals’ journals, professional conferences and/or workshops.
- The faculty projects will provide research opportunities for students.
Goal 2: To create an academic environment in which students are supported as they attain the knowledge, skills and competencies of the public health profession.
- The PHP will maintain high admissions standards for students recruited to study MPH and DrPH.
- The PHP will maintain a high quality of instruction in all didactic courses taught by the faculty.
- The PHP will provide a variety of instructional modalities consistent with the approaches in public health.
- The education received by the students in the PHP will be essentially relevant to opportunities for either continue their education in health-related fields or gain employment in their selected field of interest.
- The PHP will provide leadership skills for students in order to implement and sustain change in community’s health.
- The PHP will provide appropriate instructional technology support.
Goal 3: Encourage and promote public health education within the framework of ethical, social, justice, and professional standards.
- The PHP will broaden student’s awareness of their responsibility to participate in the community.
- The PHP will prepare public health professionals with the capacity to work with a diverse community and develop an inclusive environment to reduce health disparities.
Goal 4: Engage with communities, government and private sectors to reduce social inequities through health promotion and diseases prevention programs.
- The PHP will engage in service to communities, public and private agencies that support public health research, teaching and practice.
- The PHP will engage in community service and education initiatives for advancing public health knowledge.
Goal 5: To propose and defend a balance budget to provide support to PHP instruction.
- Objective: The PHP will recruit and retain a critical mass of qualified faculty and investigators.
In evaluating the applicants, emphasis is placed upon integrity, character, academic achievements, motivation, emotional stability, GRE score, evidence of health care-related experience, interview reports, letters of recommendation and other information provided by the applicant.
The applicant must:
- Present evidence of the successful completion of a master’s degree in an institution accredited by the PR Council of Education or by a US recognized accrediting organization.
- Have completed three credits of College Mathematics and the following courses prior to admission:
| Course Title | Credits |
| Fundamentals of Public Health | 3 |
| Introduction to Environmental Health | 3 |
| Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| Inferential Biostatistics | 3 |
| Psychosocial Aspects of Public Health | 3 |
| Public Health Managements | 3 |
| Bioethics | 3 |
| Total | 24* |
*If the student is missing any of these credits, it can be taken in our Institution or another one.
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Have taken the GRE examination (General Test) with a minimum score of 500 (290 new score), no more than five years earlier
- Attend a personal interview
- Submit the following documents:
- Official transcript from all universities attended (undergraduate and graduate).
- Three letters of recommendation
- Two of the letters of recommendation should provide input from people in responsible position who can comment on your academic, employment or volunteer performance, character and interest. For undergraduate, this often means professors, academic advisors or employer.
- The third letter must be of someone who is able to assess your advocacy experience. All of them should be written using the format accompanying the application form.
- GRE official score www.ets.org/gre – no more than 5 years earlier
- Certificate of No Penal Record (Criminal Background Check)
- Application fee non-refundable $85.00 (USD) non-refundable
- Essay and Curriculum Vitae
Upon acceptance, all students are required to submit the following:
- Written confirmation of acceptance and a deposit of $100.00 to secure your seat in the entering class.
- Physical Exam (form provided by Admissions Office)
- Evidence of up to date immunization record (must include Varicella, Td Adult, MMR and three doses of Hepatitis B).
- Other documents will be notified as pertinent
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Application for Admission to the DrPH in Epidemiology can be downloaded or obtained personally at our Admissions Office.
Deadline to submit a complete application – May 30
COURSE REQUIREMENT
Students must complete all courses within the established time frame. The Program requires a minimum of credits according to the DrPH’s curriculum.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT
- A student must complete each academic year with a minimum grade point average of 3.00. Any student failing to meet 3.00 point GPA standard of performance or failing any course will be placed on probation and referred to the Student Promotion Committee.
- A minimum of B must be obtained on any require course
- A minimum of C must be obtained on any selective or elective course
COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT
Comprehensive Examination must be taken upon completion of the second academic year. If the student fails to approve the examination, the student, must enroll in the next quarter in independent study courses which must be approved in its entirety in that quarter. Any student failing to meet this standard performance will be referred to the Student Promotion Committee.
DOCTORAL DISSERTATION REQUIREMENT
A Doctoral Dissertation according to the established guidelines with a research proposal defense and Oral Dissertation Defense is required to obtain the Degree of Doctor in Public Health with specialty in epidemiology.
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR REQUIREMENT
Students must conduct themselves in accordance with the norms for professional conduct set forth by Ponce Health Sciences University.
GRADING SYSTEM
All courses and grades obtained will appear on the student’s academic record, including elective courses taken at other institutions.
All departments establish evaluation criteria for the successful completion of courses taught by the department. These criteria are made available to the students at the beginning of the course. It indicates the number of examinations, quizzes, laboratory exercises, grading procedures and practical tests with their weight. The grading system for graduate students is as follows:
| Letter | Grade |
| A | 90-100 |
| B | 80-89 |
| C | 70-79 |
| F | Below 70 |
| E | Extended |
| I | Incomplete |
| IP | In Progress |
| P | Pass |
| NP | Not Pass |
| W | Withdrawal |
| AW | Administrative Withdrawal |
For more details of PHSU tuition and fees please refer to: Cost of Attendance
Ponce Health Sciences University is pleased that you have selected our institution to continue with your academic and professional goals. The Office of Student Financial provides you with the information and tools to assist you in reaching educational goals. Please take your time to navigate through the various links we have provided and feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office if you need more information: psmfinstu@psm.edu
Financial Aid Application Process Links
Important Links (External):
- Financial Aid Education Portal (https://fa.financialavenue.org/fa/login/index.php) (Inceptia): PSHU access code: bw4g33 to setup your account. We recommend taking one of the following courses: COLLEGE AND MONEY or PSYCHOLOGY OF MONEY. PSHU will receive a report of those students accessing this site. This information will help students to be smart borrowers.
- Get your FSA ID (https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm) – this is your electronic signature for federal documents.
- Fill-out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) Online (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
- View Your Loans History (if applicable to determine available funds) (http://www.nslds.ed.gov/)
- Manage your Federal Student Loans (Entrance & Exit Counseling, Master’s Promissory Note, etc.) (http://www.studentloans.gov/)
Important Links for PHSU application forms and manual
PHSU Financial Aid Application – click to download the form
– Request for Aid and Loans
– Student Authorization
Click here to download your
– Student Financial Aid Manual
Federal Financial Aid Programs
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan: students who meet the requirements established by the US Department of Education may receive a Direct Loan, according to the academic program: graduate and professional students are eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year. As an institution that previously participated in the HEAL Programs our MD, Doctorate and PhD in Clinical Psychology, as well as certain Master Degree Programs might be eligible for additional amount of loan. The amount is established annually by Federal Regulations. The Financial Aid Office provides orientation about the application process for student loans, the student’s qualifying requirements and the specifics regarding interest rate, orientation fess, repayment process, etc. The student must submit an agreement form known as a Master Promissory Note, and complete electronic entrance counseling, both on-line: www.studentloans.gov.
- Direct Loan-Plus Graduate Loan: This is a federal fixed-interest loan for graduate and professional students, beyond the DL Unsubsidized award, to cover any additional cost of attendance. The interest rate and origination fee, which is annually fixed by the Federal Government, begins to accrue from the date of the first disbursement. The loan qualifying process requires a credit check verification, on-line entrance counseling and an on-line submission of a Master Promissory Note: www.studentloans.gov
- Private Loans (Alternative Loans). These are credit-based loans that may be used to supplement other types of financial aid programs. The loan amounts vary according to amount requested and approved for the student. The interest rate is variable, accrued while in school and usually based on the current “Prime Rate” plus a lender’s predetermined interest rate. Repayment may be up to 20 years. These Private Alternative Loans provide funds to complete the remaining need after the student is awarded other financial aid. Due to the high interest rate that these loans represent, the student should consider these loans as a last resource to their financial need. PHSU does not recommend any specific lender, the evaluation and selection is a student’s individualized decision.
- Historical Private Lender List
PHSU does not deny or otherwise impede the student’s choice of an alternative lender or cause unnecessary delay in loan certification of these loans. The following is a list of the three private loans that have been most commonly selected by our students during last two previous academic years, however, we reiterate that the student may select any other lender they esteem will meet their financial need.
- Discover: www.discover.com/student-loans
- Sallie Mae: www.salliemae.com
- Wells Fargo: www.wellsfargo.com/student/graduate-loans/med-school
Other Financial Aid Options:
Military Scholarship Programs: Students interested in a military career may consider apply for one of the scholarships programs for healthcare professions offered by the US Army, the US Air Force, Navy or the National Guard. The students must contact the desired program:
- US Army: 1-800-USA-ARMY www.goarmy.com
- US Air Force: 1-800-423-USAF www.airforce.com
- US Navy: 1-800-USA-NAVY www.navy.com
- US National Guard: 1-800-GO-GUARD www.nationalguard.com
National Health Services Corps Scholarship Program: available for students in the primary health care specialties and committed to serving part or their entire career in federally designated health professional shortage area. Learn more about this program at: nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov
Financial Aid Application Process
Direct Loan Application Process
Students interested in applying for a Direct Loan must comply with the federal requirements and following requirements:
- Have financial need.
- Be an US Citizen or an Eligible Non-Citizen.
- Have a valid social security number.
- Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student working toward a degree.
- Meet satisfactory academic progress standards.
- Register (or have registered) with the Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25.
- Certify that are not in default on a federal student loan and that do not owe money on a Federal student grant.
- Student cannot exceed the aggregate loan limit established by the Department of Education.
- Comply with the Entrance Interview/Counseling.
- Provide all the documents and information required by the Financial Aid.
Students must fill the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the corresponding academic year, in order to be evaluated to determine eligibility for federal and state funds. It must be submitted on line at www.fafsa.gov no later than last working day of April. The PHSU school code is G24824. Students need a pin number, which can be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov.
Once the student submits the FAFSA, the Department of Education will send an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) to the school, which will be used for evaluation and analysis.
VERIFICATION
Students with a FAFSA application selected for verification by the Department of Education will be required to submit the following documents:
- Complete a Verification Worksheet (provided by the Financial Aid Office)
- Copy of the Tax Return (IRS or PR tax return form) or
- W-2 form(s) (if apply)
- Evidence of wages, salaries, tips, etc., reported on the FAFSA
- Others
If the student (student’s parent or spouse) is not required to file income tax return, he/she will be required to complete and sign a Certification of Income, provided by the Financial Aid Office, among other documentation. Note: No loan will be process until the verification process is completed.
NEED ANALYSIS
As part of the evaluation, the Financial Aid Office will take in consideration the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount that the student should contribute towards his/her cost of education, and it is determined by the Federal Government. The need analysis consists of the following basic calculation: Cost of Attendance minus EFC equals Financial Need. As part of the analysis, it will be considered any other expected financial aid (external funds such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran Administration, military scholarships, and any other grant or scholarship). Note: A student cannot receive financial assistance in excess of the determined Financial Need.
Awarding and Notification
The next step is the awarding of financial aid amounts by PHSU and preparing the award notification for the student. Once the awarding process is completed, a Notification of Award is sent to each student.
Return Policy and Requirement for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid (see PHSU catalog refund policy section)
Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses
If convicted of any offense involving the possession of a controlled substance, a student’s eligibility for Title IV Financial Student Aid Program will be denied for:
- One year after the first conviction
- Two years after the second conviction
- Indefinitely after the third conviction
Eligibility may be restored if the student partakes of an approved Federal Government Rehabilitation Program.
Please refer to the Student Financial Aid Manual for specific information regarding all the dynamics of financial aid as it applies to new and continuing students.
Financial Aid Contact Information:
Financial Aid Personnel:
Mrs. Myrian Gaud Maitín, MBA
Financial Aid Manager
mgaud@psm.edu
Mrs. Nicole Vázquez Colon, MSS
Financial Aid Officer
nivazquez@psm.edu
Ms. Mariannette Cruz Rentas, BS
Administrative Assistant
macruz@psm.edu
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8:00-11:30 am – 1:00-4:30 pm
Friday: Administrative Work (By appointment only)
Financial Aid Office Contact Information
Phone Number: (787) 840-2575 ext. 2134, 2135 or 2136
E-mail: psmfinstu@psm.edu
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7004, Ponce. Puerto Rico 00731
Physical Address: 388 Zona Ind. Reparada 2 Ponce PR 00716-2347
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate universities attended
- Letter of Recommendation Format – Written by individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional work and skills
- Certificate of No Penal Record (Criminal Background check)
- USD $85.00 Application Processing Fee (check or money order payable to Ponce Health Sciences University)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Deadline to submit a complete application – May 30
