Degree Programs

MS in Community and Behavioral Health

MS Subtrack in Health Communication

MPH Subtrack in Community and Behavioral Health

MPH Subtrack in Health Communication

MPH Focus Area in Maternal, Child, and Family Health

MPH Focus Area in Nutrition and Exercise
PhD in Community and Behavioral Health
PhD Subtrack in Addiction Studies

PhD Subtrack in Health Communication

PhD Subtrack in Occupational Injury Prevention Research

MS Subtrack in Health Communication

Degree Description and Learner Objectives

The MS subtrack in Health Communication will provide concentrated learning opportunities for graduate students who desire greater knowledge and skill in critically designing, evaluating, and implementing effective communication strategies and messages using mediated and interpersonal channels to effectively address the health needs of diverse audiences. Clinician-patient interaction, family communication, group and organizational communication, and mass media and web-based campaigns will be addressed.

Graduates of the program are prepared for positions in a variety of public health, for-profit and non-profit settings including local, state, and federal government agencies, community health organizations, and community-based primary care.

Graduates of the M.S. degree program will be able to do the following:

1. Know and understand basic concepts and theories of social and behavioral science related to public health.
2. Understand appropriate social and behavioral science research design and methodology, and analytical strategies in relationship to public health.
3. Effectively communicate research findings to the scientific community.
4. Evaluate and interpret both qualitative and quantitative scientific literature.
5. Understand how to affect individual, organizational, and systems change.
6. Design, implement and evaluate evidence-based public health interventions.
7. Participate in an original research project that makes a contribution to the body of knowledge of public health.

Prerequisites

A baccalaureate degree is required. Prior coursework in the social sciences is desirable.

Supervision of an MS program

It is necessary for all MS students to be matched with appropriate department faculty who are available to advise their program of study and chair their thesis committee.   Prospective students should begin this matching process by speaking with the Graduate Program Coordinator, Arlys Thompson, arlys-thompson@uiowa.edu or 319-384-5382, about which faculty members are currently available for the advisement and thesis chair roles.  The Graduate Program Coordinator will suggest personal contact with likely advisors as needed.  Acceptance into the MS program will be in part dependent on the identification and agreement of an appropriate and available advisor and thesis chair. 

M.S. Curriculum

During their first semester, students will work with their academic adviser to develop a Plan of Study that will satisfy both the students' individual goals, and the requirements listed below. In addition to the courses below, students are required to attend departmental seminars.

College of Public Health Core

9 s.h. required

Behavioral and Social Sciences

6 s.h. required Students may choose from the following courses to satisfy the area requirement.

Research Methods

6 s.h. required Students may chose from the following courses to satisfy the area requirement

Health Communication Core

12 s.h. required

Thesis/Dissertation Hours

6 s.h. required  

MS Thesis

A thesis will be required for students completing the MS subtrack in Health Communication. This thesis will follow the same procedures and guidelines as the thesis for students in the general MS program.

“The Health Communication program is part of the Coalition for Health Communication. For more information, please visit the CHC website at coalitionforhealthcommunication.net”

For additional information on Health Communication, please contact Shelly Campo.

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