Department of Public Health
The Department of Public Health offers the Master of Science in Health, Community and Policy, as well as three online graduate certificates: the Certificate in Applied Health Research, the Certificate in Community Nutrition, and the Certificate in Health.
Master of Science Degree in Health, Community and Policy
The Master of Science in Health, Community and Policy (MS-HCP) program capitalizes on the strengths of the Department of Public Health and the other departments within the College for Health, Community and Policy, creating a unique interdisciplinary experience for students. The MS-HCP will offer students a solid foundation of community health practices, an introduction to health policy, and the choice of specialization that enhances their expertise in Health Promotion; Health Data Analytics and Population Health; Policy; and Society, Community, and Health. The culminating experience for this degree will be either the completion of a capstone course integrating students from all specializations or a thesis.
Admission Criteria
- A completed UTSA Graduate Admissions application.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- A statement of purpose.
- A résumé.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must have a score of at least 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT or a score of 6.5 on the IELTS.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Health, Community and Policy (MS-HCP) program offers courses designed to impart interdisciplinary skills in health promotion, community health, public policy, and population data analytics rather than focusing on courses found in typical Public Health programs, such as health education and health science. The degree has four specializations: Health Promotion; Health Data Analytics and Population Health; Policy; and Society, Community, and Health. The four specializations are designed to equip students with specialized skills in interdisciplinary areas to enter emerging careers in community health, population health, and health policy-related fields.
The MS-HCP program requires the completion of 30 semester credit hours (SCH). The degree plan requires 12 SCH of required core courses, 9 SCH of specialization coursework, and 9 SCH of either a 3 SCH statistics course and 6 SCH thesis hours (thesis option) or a 3 SCH Capstone course and 6 SCH of free electives (non-thesis option).
Students have the option to complete a thesis or a non-thesis capstone project. The advisor will work with the student to determine which option would best fit the student’s interests and career goals.
Students who prefer significant research experience in health promotion, community health, public policy, and population data analytics may choose the thesis option to fulfill the degree requirement. Requirements for the thesis option are 3 SCH of Inferential Statistics and 6 SCH of Thesis hours. Students in the Health Data Analytics and Population Health specialization who also select the thesis option are required to complete HTH 5373 Inferential Statistics as part of their specialization and thesis courses and will be required to complete an additional 3 SCH of specialization coursework to meet the 30 SCH requirement.
Students opting to complete a non-thesis project will be required to complete 6 SCH of free electives and HTH 6103 Capstone Course . The Capstone Course will be a project-based course involving research and/or community work from students across the specializations. Completion of the Capstone Course will satisfy the comprehensive exam requirement of the UTSA Graduate School to complete the degree. The grade for the course is based on the student’s completion of Capstone hours, completed projects or work, evaluations from an advisor or supervisor, and other homework assignments.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Core Courses 1 | 12 | |
| Program Planning and Implementation in Community Health | ||
| Health Policy | ||
| Research Methods in Community and Public Health | ||
| Data Management and Descriptive Statistics | ||
| B. Specialization | 9 | |
| Select 9 credits of specialization course work from one area of specialization. One required course and 2 courses of the student's choice from the list below or other graduate courses with the approval of the Graduate Advisor of Record (GAR). | ||
Health Promotion | ||
| Program Evaluation in Community Health Settings (required) | ||
| Health Behavior Theory 1 | ||
| Community Nutrition | ||
| Nutrition through the Lifecycle | ||
| Public Policy and Nutrition | ||
or NDT 5313 | Public Health Nutrition and Policy | |
| Nutrition in Health and Disease | ||
| Obesity and Health | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Special Topics in Culturally Competent Practice | ||
| Nutritional Supplements and Functional Foods | ||
Health Data Analytics and Population Health 2 | ||
| Inferential Statistics (required) | ||
| Epidemiology | ||
| Advanced Statistics and Computer Applications | ||
| Mortality | ||
| Introduction to Population Data | ||
| GIS for Population Science | ||
| Applied Demography in Public Health | ||
| Social Demography and Community Trends | ||
Society, Community and Health | ||
| Community Health (required) | ||
| Sociology of Health and Health Care | ||
| Religion, Health and Mortality | ||
| Health and Health Disparities | ||
| The Social Psychology of Health and Illness | ||
| Youth and Emerging Adulthood | ||
Policy | ||
| Public Policy Process (required) | ||
| Introduction to Public Service Leadership and Management | ||
| Public Policy Analysis | ||
| Public Policy and Policymaking in San Antonio | ||
| Foundations of Nonprofits | ||
| Nonprofit Leadership and Management | ||
| Grant Development and Proposal Writing | ||
| Transformational Leadership in Social Work | ||
| C. Culmination Experience | 9 | |
| Select either the Thesis or Non-Thesis option. Either option will satisfy the comprehensive exam requirement of the UTSA Graduate School to complete the degree. | ||
Thesis Option | ||
| Inferential Statistics 2 | ||
Complete 6 credits of thesis coursework. | ||
| Master's Thesis | ||
| Master's Thesis | ||
Non-Thesis Option | ||
Select 6 credits of free electives from the courses listed in any specialization area. | ||
| Capstone Course 3 | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Students without a health background will be required to complete HTH 5063 as a leveling course.
- 2
Students who have selected both the Health Data Analytics Track and Thesis Option need to select a total of four specialization courses including HTH 5373 Inferential Statistics, since it is a required part of both the Health Data Analytics Track and Thesis Option.
- 3
The Capstone course will be a project-based course involving research and/or community work from students across the specializations.
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Research
- Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition
- Graduate Certificate in Health
Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Research
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Research is designed to meet the needs of students who want to develop skills related to community and applied public health research. These students include those with a general background in health education, health promotion, psychology, nutrition, or other related field. The certificate provides students with an understanding of the scope and skills associated with applied health research, especially community-based participatory research. The certificate is offered 100% online and provides the opportunity to gain critical skills in responsibilities and competencies related to both health educator certification and public health research.
The certificate coursework allows students to develop skills to identify potential data sources and determine appropriate study designs. In addition, the coursework will expose students to utilizing data collection methods that yield reliable and valid data, conducting descriptive and inferential analysis of data, interpreting epidemiological studies, and using epidemiological findings to inform community health research projects.
The following departmental requirements are applicable to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Research:
- Bachelor's degree in Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Psychology, Nutrition, or Dietetics. Closely related degrees will be considered based on completed coursework.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, though students with a 3.0 GPA in their last two years will be considered.
- To maintain enrollment in the certificate program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout tenure in the program.
- Two professional letters of recommendation with specified criteria to address.
- Statement of Purpose in pursuing the certificate.
Certificate Program Requirements
To meet the curricular requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Research, students must complete the following 12 semester credit hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or above:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| HTH 5083 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| HTH 5353 | Research Methods in Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 5363 | Data Management and Descriptive Statistics | 3 |
| HTH 5373 | Inferential Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Students seeking admission to the certificate program who are not enrolled in a graduate degree program will be required to apply to the Graduate School as special graduate students and indicate that they are seeking admission to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Research. All other requirements for admission as a special graduate student described in Student Policies, Admission Policies, are applicable.
All other requirements for certificate programs described in Certificate Program Regulations of this catalog apply to this program.
Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition
The 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition is designed to meet the needs of students who want to contribute to the emerging field of community and public health nutrition. The certificate provides students with an understanding of both the scope and skills associated with community nutrition education and promotion. Specifically, this certificate is offered to equip students to fill the growing need for community nutrition practitioners, especially in south Texas.
The Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition is offered 100% online and will provide critical knowledge regarding nutrition needs across lifespans. The certificate addresses the growing need for community and public health professionals with nutrition backgrounds. The certificate coursework provides students with a strong foundation in community nutrition content, evidence-based practices, and exposure to the professional roles associated with nutrition programs and policy in dietary behaviors.
The following departmental requirements are applicable to the Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition:
- Bachelor's degree in Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Psychology, Nutrition, or Dietetics. Closely related degrees will be considered based on completed coursework.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, though students with a 3.0 GPA in their last two years will be considered.
- To maintain enrollment in the certificate program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout tenure in the program.
- Two professional letters of recommendation with specified criteria to address.
- Statement of Purpose in pursuing the certificate.
Certificate Program Requirements
To meet the curricular requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition, students must complete the following 12 semester credit hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or above:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| HTH 5323 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| HTH 5333 | Nutrition through the Lifecycle | 3 |
| HTH 5343 | Public Policy and Nutrition | 3 |
| HTH 6053 | Nutrition in Health and Disease | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Students seeking admission to the certificate program who are not enrolled in a graduate degree program will be required to apply to the Graduate School as special graduate students and indicate that they are seeking admission to the Graduate Certificate Program in Community Nutrition. All other requirements for admission as a special graduate student described in Student Policies, Admission Policies, are applicable. All other requirements for certificate programs described in Certificate Program Regulations of this catalog apply to this program.
Graduate Certificate in Health
The 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Health is designed to meet the needs of students who want to contribute to the emerging field of community health. The certificate provides students with an understanding of both the scope and skills associated with community health across a variety of settings. The certificate is offered 100% online and will provide critical skills in responsibilities and competencies related to health educator certification and public health practice, and evaluation. It is designed to equip students interested in meeting the need for community health practitioners, especially in underserved areas like South Texas.
The Health certificate allows students to expeditiously engage in both community and public health collaborations to address the urgent health needs of South Texas and beyond. This training is critical to addressing the problem of increasing rates of chronic health-related diseases along the Texas-Mexico border. Students earning the certificate will be trained to contribute to health promotion projects and engage and mobilize communities in promoting health.
The following departmental requirements are applicable to the Graduate Certificate in Health:
- Bachelor's degree in Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Psychology, Nutrition, or Dietetics; closely related degrees considered based on completed coursework.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, though students with a 3.0 GPA in their last two years will be considered.
- To maintain enrollment in the certificate program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout tenure in the program.
- Two professional letters of recommendation with specified criteria to address.
- Statement of Purpose in pursuing the certificate.
Certificate Program Requirements
To meet the curricular requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Health, students must complete the following12 semester credit hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or above:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| HTH 5063 | Health Behavior Theory | 3 |
| HTH 5133 | Program Planning and Implementation in Community Health | 3 |
| HTH 5303 | Community Health | 3 |
| HTH 5383 | Program Evaluation in Community Health Settings | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Students seeking admission to the certificate program who are not enrolled in a graduate degree program will be required to apply to the Graduate School as special graduate students and indicate that they are seeking admission to the Graduate Certificate Program in Health. All other requirements for admission as a special graduate student described in the Student Policies, Admission Policies, are applicable.
All other requirements for certificate programs described in Certificate Program Regulations of this catalog apply to this program.
Health (HTH) Courses
HTH 5063. Health Behavior Theory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A study of the determinants of human behavior as they relate to current health issues. Health behavior models and underlying rationales for prevention and intervention strategies will be examined. For teachers and counselors, as well as kinesiology and health professionals. (Formerly KAH 5063. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 5063 and HTH 5063.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5083. Epidemiology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The overall goal of this course is to increase the health professional’s ability to analyze problems and make decisions based on applications of epidemiologic concepts and methods in a variety of settings, with a particular focus on applications from studies in health promotion. Social, psychological, and biological determinants of disease will be examined. Epidemiologic tools to be presented include use of vital statistics and rates, descriptive studies, observational studies, and experimental studies. (Formerly KAH 5083. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 5083 and HTH 5083.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5133. Program Planning and Implementation in Community Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is designed for students interested in planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion/education programs in school, community, healthcare, and worksite settings. Students enrolled in this course should have prior knowledge of health behavior theories and general foundations of health promotion. (Formerly KAH 5133. Same as PSY 7213. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: PSY 7213, KAH 5133, and HTH 5133.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5203. Health Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A transdisciplinary overview of health policy and its role in the public health and health care systems, specifically examining the agenda-setting and policymaking processes, and the power of government institutions (e.g., legislature, courts) in health and public health practice. Public health policy interventions, the sociopolitical environments in which policy decisions are made, the intersection of health policy and health equity; and population health consequences of such decisions will be also discussed. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5303. Community Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a study of community health problems, the function of public, private, and voluntary health agencies, and administration and supervision of health programs in the community, school, business, or industry setting. (Formerly KAH 5303. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 5303 and HTH 5303.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5323. Community Nutrition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Nutrition-related issues in public health, various community resources, agencies, and programs involved in health promotion and disease prevention. (Same as KAH 5323. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 5323 and HTH 5323.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5333. Nutrition through the Lifecycle. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course provides the basic nutritional knowledge required to discuss the nutritional needs during various stages of the lifecycle as influenced by physiological, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors. (Formerly KAH 5333. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 5333 and HTH 5333.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5343. Public Policy and Nutrition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course reviews the role of public health policy in managing nutrition related chronic health disease and health promotion. This course will discuss the social, economic and environmental policies impacting food access and healthy eating behaviors. (Formerly KAH 5343. Same as NDT 5313. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: NDT 5313, KAH 5343, and HTH 5343.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5353. Research Methods in Community and Public Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is an introduction to fundamentals of research methods in health education and promotion in community settings. Topics will include principles of research investigation, research design, sampling methods, and measurements. Issues and problems that are commonly encountered in community-based research will be discussed using real-world examples. (Formerly KAH 5123 and KAH 5353. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: KAH 5123, KAH 5353, and HTH 5353.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5363. Data Management and Descriptive Statistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will introduce students to the commonly used data management software in community and public health. The focus of this course will be to familiarize students with processes of data management such as data monitoring, data cleaning and descriptive analysis for the purpose of research and evaluation. Additionally, information will be provided regarding institutional, state, and federal protections regarding the use and storage of health-related data. (Formerly KAH 5093 and KAH 5363. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: KAH 5093, KAH 5363, and HTH 5363.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5373. Inferential Statistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will introduce students to the methods commonly used in inferential statistics. The course will provide skills related to sampling procedures, hypothesis testing, and interpreting and disseminating results. (Formerly KAH 5373. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 5373 and HTH 5373.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5383. Program Evaluation in Community Health Settings. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a study of health program evaluation methodology and application in community, school, business, or industry settings. This course is designed to provide graduate health students with an overview of the evaluation process including formative and summative evaluation methods and procedures. We will examine evaluation for intrapersonal, interpersonal and macro-level programs and we will discuss critical issues associated with rigorous evaluation. (Formerly KAH 5383. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 5383 and HTH 5383.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 5403. Advanced Statistics and Computer Applications. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will focus on advanced statistical methods, applications of these methods specifically for health and medical related data, and the implementation of these methods in relevant statistical software packages. Students will learn regression modeling procedures for linear and nonlinear data including linear, logistic, and Poisson/negative binomial regression, survival analysis, and model applications for data with complex survey design. Software applications will focus on the implementation of statistical procedures in SPSS and R. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 6053. Nutrition in Health and Disease. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a study of basic nutrients, nutritional needs at various stages of life, and therapeutic diets for selected disease states. (Formerly KAH 6053. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6053 and HTH 6053.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 6063. Obesity and Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The spread of obesity has touched virtually every aspect of daily life at every corner of the world and led to unforeseen health and economic burdens at every population level. This seminar will address issues related to the obesity epidemic and explore effective prevention strategies for child, adult, and high-risk populations. (Formerly KAH 6063. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6063 and HTH 6063.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 6103. Capstone Course. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A project-based course that will involve either research or community work with students from across specialization areas. This course aids students in synthesizing their classroom content into real-world application and developing skills to work across disciplines. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 6951. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. This course includes independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. This course is for students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. (Formerly KAH 6951. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6951 and HTH 6951.) Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. This course includes independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. This course is for students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. (Formerly KAH 6953. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6953 and HTH 6953.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 6961. Comprehensive Exam. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Approval of the appropriate Graduate Program Committee to take the Comprehensive Examination. This is an independent study course for the purpose of taking the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated as many times as approved by the Graduate Program Committee. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). (Formerly KAH 6961. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6961 and HTH 6961.) Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 6973. Special Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. (Formerly KAH 6973. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6973 and HTH 6973.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 6981. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. (Formerly KAH 6981. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6981 and HTH 6981.) Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. (Formerly KAH 6983. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 6983 and HTH 6983.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 7893. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Graduate Advisor of Record. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, this course consists of independent and original research skill building, preparation and writing of the dissertation proposal. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours may be applied toward the Doctoral degree. (Formerly KAH 7893. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 7893 and HTH 7893.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 7991. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy and consent of student’s faculty advisor. Preparation, writing, and successful defense of Doctoral dissertation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 24 hours may be applied toward the Doctoral degree. (Formerly KAH 7991. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 7991 and HTH 7991.) Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 7993. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy and consent of student’s faculty advisor. Preparation, writing, and successful defense of Doctoral dissertation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 24 hours may be applied toward the Doctoral degree. (Formerly KAH 7993. Credit cannot be earned for both KAH 7993 and HTH 7993.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.