Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences

Mission Statement

The mission of the program is to train future public health professionals to manage or participate in health promotion/disease prevention programs and/or shape food and nutrition policies that improve the health of populations.
 

Program Description

This program provides students with the skills to improve the nutritional health of individuals, households, and communities by addressing the social and environmental causes of nutrition problems. Students work with faculty members in the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences and in other departments who have interests and expertise in nutrition. Close ties to community agencies in New Orleans  enhance the training of students by providing opportunities for practical field work. This program is also a member of the Association of Graduate Programs in Public Health Nutrition (AGPPHN).

Program Competencies

It is expected that students will acquire the core public health competencies through successful completion of the school core courses. The expected terminal knowledge and skills provided by the program and expected of the student in Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences will vary by student because of the self-direction inherent in this program.  It is expected, however, with guidance from an advisor, that students will be well-versed in planning and evaluating community programs (GCHB 6110 and GCHB 6120), have the knowledge and skills required for community-based work, and obtain hands-on experience in community-based work by completing a community-based practicum.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be able to:

• Incorporate knowledge of the Public Health core areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health systems management, and the biological, social, and cultural aspects of health and disease in addressing and solving problems. (EPID 6030; BIOS 6030; GEHS 6030; GHSD 6030; TRMD 6010; GCHB 6030)
• Apply the concepts and principles of public health practice to the development of programs and policies in nutrition.
  (GCHB Courses: 6100, 6610, 6770)
• Identify the major types of nutrition problems in both developed and developing country contexts and the factors that cause them. (GCHB 6750)
• Apply various methods for the nutritional status assessment of populations, including anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, and ecological methods. (GCHB 6750)
• Organize nutrition assessment data using computer software, interpret the results of analysis of these data, and communicate findings from this analysis in written form. (GCHB 6750)
• Apply the concepts and principles of public health practice to the development of programs in nutrition. (GCHB 6100)
• Develop innovative approaches to solving nutrition problems, plan and evaluate nutrition programs in the U.S. and overseas, and serve as consultants. (GCHB Courses: 6120, 6220, 6610)
• Monitor and evaluate food systems from the perspectives of both management and nutrition. (GCHB Courses: 6610, 6770)
• Describe the major stages of the policy cycle, including the manner in which public policies affecting the food supply and nutritional status of the U.S. population are formulated and implemented. (GCHB 6770)
• Explain current U.S. policy efforts in the areas of dietary guidance, food labeling, food safety, food assistance, food access, food production, and food marketing. (GCHB 6770)
• Analyse, interpret, and present  data for the purpose of decision-making at different administrative levels in low- and middle-income countries (GCHB 7090)

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the school, the applicant's career goals must be consonant with the educational objectives of the program, namely public health work centered in community programs. Students wishing to pursue a concentration in Nutrition must have previously taken an Introductory Course in Nutrition from an accredited institution, or take the course concurrently with enrollment in the program.

Program Requirements

To meet the graduation requirements, the student will complete no less than 45 academic credits. The program requires the satisfactory completion of the school's core courses and the courses required by the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences.

SPHTM Core Requirements (18 credits)

GCBH Department Requirements (6 credits)

Nutrition Specialty Requirements (at least 10 credits)

Nutrition Electives (at least 5 credits from any of the following, or others as approved by Advisor):

Sample Schedule

Click here to see a Sample Schedule

Practicum

A 300-hour advanced field experience (practicum) that allows students to develop competencies in advanced practice skills, under the direction of a qualified preceptor in the practice setting, is required. This practicum should focus on developing advanced leadership skills in public health disciplines. The advisor works with each student to develop measurable learning objectives prior to their practicum experience. Self assessment and reflection as well as assessment of teams, peers and supervisors are important skills in future public health leaders.  Examples of experiences include:

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
• Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Program, New Orleans
• Banjarmasin Integrated Health Service Post, Indonesia

Culminating Experience

Students in the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences can choose one of two options for their culminating experience:

1. Comprehensive Examination

The Comprehensive Examination consists of two parts: Part A – a school-wide examination based on core competencies, as well as cross-cutting competencies, established by the American Schools of Public Health; and Part B – a departmental-specific examination based on principles and concepts of Community Health Sciences, as covered in the required departmental core courses.

2. Public Health Analysis

The Public Health Analysis is an in-depth written report that considers a topic of relevance to public health practice. It involves a thorough review of the literature, discussion, and recommendations for public health policy and practice. The content and format of the report are described in school and departmental guideline documents.

Information on both options can be found from the link listed below as SPH Academic Policies and Guidelines.

Please visit the links below for details:

PHA Sample 1
PHA Sample 2
School of Public Health Policies, Guidelines, and Forms for Students

For more information, contact us at 504-988-5391 or chs@tulane.edu