MS in Health Promotion Sciences

Join a dynamic community of future healthcare leaders, where evidence-based research meets impactful community engagement. Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, build close-knit relationships, and make a difference in public health.

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Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with the MS degree in Health Promotion Sciences at OU Hudson College of Public Health. Our graduates are making a difference in public health, armed with a deep understanding of the social and behavioral aspects of health.

Curriculum

This 38-credit hour program, designed for baccalaureate degree graduates seeking a pathway to a PhD in public health, offers a rich blend of disciplines including community engagement, anthropology, nutrition, gerontology, health education, health promotion, psychology, research methods, sociology, and more. Envision yourself delving into courses like Health and the American Indian, Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health, and Health and Illness in Old Age, applying this knowledge to address social determinants of health, promote health equity, and reduce health disparities.

Course Requirements

Four of the College's Core Courses	12 credit hours
Required Courses	9 credit hours
Selective Courses (Diversity Requirement)	3 credit hours
Elective Courses and Research for Master's Thesis	14 credit hours
TOTAL HOURS	38 CREDIT HOURS

Core Courses
BSE 5113	Principles of Epidemiology
BSE 5163	Biostatistics Methods I
HPS 5213	Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
BSE 5033	Foundations and Overview of Public Health

Required Courses
HPS 5453	Theoretical Concepts in Health Promotion
HAP 5543	Program Evaluation
HPS 5563	Program Planning for Health Promotion

Selective Courses
HPS 5383	Health and Illness in Old Age
HPS 5853	Health and the American Indian

Elective Courses and Research for Master's Thesis
2-3 courses from a variety of courses offered including a Research Skill Elective
HPS 5980	Research for Master's Thesis (3-6 credit hours)

Additional Degree Requirements

Oral Thesis Defense
Master's Thesis

Comprehensive Examination/Culminating Experience for Master of Science degree:

The examination is an oral exam that covers all fields of public health. The Dean of the Graduate College will authorize the examination for MS students.

STEM Designation

The Master of Science in Health Promotion Sciences program is NOT considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.

Explore the Hudson College Further

Academic Resources

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students are empowered with a diverse range of accredited degree programs, hands-on learning experiences, and state-of-the-art research opportunities, all guided by our multidisciplinary faculty.

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Research

The Hudson College of Public Health is enriched by its research partnerships with esteemed institutions and organizations, providing students with a robust, real-world learning experience that complements their academic journey.

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Field Work

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students apply their curriculum through immersive field experiences and practicums, fostering a hands-on, real-world understanding of public health challenges and solutions.

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Department of Health Promotion Sciences

The Department of Health Promotion Sciences provides a community-engaged and innovative program that prepares students to become leaders in health promotion and policy. Our department offers a diverse range of degrees, including the only MPH/MSW dual degree with the OU School of Social Work. Students benefit from our faculty’s real-world experience, our commitment to social justice and improving health outcomes, and our strong partnerships with key public health leaders and tribal communities.

About the Department