Physical Activity and Public Health, M.P.H.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of a) fundamental principles and practices in health promotion, education, and behavior; b) organization, principles, and practices in health administration; c) principles and practices in epidemiology, and tools for translating epidemiological findings into public health action; d) public health statistical applications; and e) environmental health from the perspective of the earth as a complex, dynamic system.
• Students will become adept at critically reviewing epidemiological and clinical trial literature pertaining to the multiple health effects of varying doses and types of physical activity.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of physiological responses to acute and chronic exposures to exercise and physical activity.
• Students will be able to correctly explain accepted recommendations and guidelines for physical activity for persons of diverse demographics (e.g., age, gender, fitness, functional capacity).
• Students will make use of public health data and scientific information in developing and prioritizing community-based interventions to address physical activity.
• Students will gain an understanding of how to implement a sound approach to physical activity planning and evaluation.
• The student will learn how to strategically implement evidence-based intervention strategies at the informational, behavioral, social, environmental and policy levels.
• Students will be exposed to an organizational structure that facilitates program growth and sustainability (e.g., staffing, professional development, resources, and successful internal and external collaborations).
• Each student completing the Master of Public Health in Physical Activity and Public Health will obtain experience in a public health, community, school, or worksite setting, and will demonstrate basic understanding of the philosophy of public health practice as applied to programs to increase/promote physical activity in a particular population, or to provide surveillance of physical activity.