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The MPH is a professional and academic degree with thesis, designed for clinicians and non-clinicians. The program emphasizes the use of scientific and biblical evidence in health programming. The MPH is offered with the following three emphases: Health Ministry, Health Promotion, and Nutrition.
The fields in which graduates in public health are most often needed include community health, epidemiology, biostatistics and information, environmental health, and global health. Examples of potential employers include, but are not limited to the following:
The program prepares the graduate in core competencies which reflect the integration of the mission of AIIAS with the competencies expected regionally and internationally as listed by the Council on Education for Public Health (www.ceph.org) with data on areas of responsibility collected by the Council on Linkages Between Academic and Public Health Practice (www.cphno.org). Assessment of MPH core competencies in designed to include areas of responsibility as tested for by leading international certifications such as
and designed to prepare for employment eligibility as a public health leader and/or health ministries leader in centers holding faith in the God of Abraham such as the global health network of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The MPH graduate is responsible and encouraged to determine their eligibility for certification and employment in their area of interest. Preparation for specialized boards may depend on the background of the MPH graduate along with additional exam preparation, such as wellness coaching, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine (https://iblm.co/).
As of 2022, AIIAS MPH program alumni with three years of full-time experience in public health are eligible to sit for the CPH® exam that is proctored by Prometric™ (https://www.prometric.com/). Determination of eligibility for the CHES ® exam is subject to transcript evaluation upon application to the NCHEC.
The MPH Program foundation competencies to which an MPH student is prepared and assessed for follow the listing by CEPH* (2021 criteria):
The Department of Public Health is advised by an external and independent global Public Health Advisory Committee comprised of stakeholders (including university health education leaders and potential employers) representing major regions of the world. The current chair of the advisory committee, Anna Nelson, DrPH, CHES, is an MPH/DrPH Program Director at Loma Linda University, USA, and leads the committee representing the international stakeholders of AIIAS. This advisory committee meets annually to advise the MPH program in relation to the Mision, Vision, and Outcome expectations.
Clinicians and non-clinicians are welcomed to our program. How can our MPH be a fit for you?
The present era in history is dominated by science and the products of scientific research and technology. Even in the orient, where much of the culture is grounded in ancient traditions and fashioned by mystery and magic, life is now being refashioned by science. Any leader not capable of thinking scientifically will be at a distinct disadvantage in dealing with the pervasive facts and issues of the 21st century. Christian leaders who can think scientifically will have a decided advantage in presenting the Christian faith in the prevailing scientific culture.
To facilitate a clear grasp of what science is and what it is not, of how theology and science encounter and reinforce each other, and of how the health sciences in particular may be utilized in practical ways to mend and enrich human lives and advance the message of Christ, the Great Physician, is the primary mission of the emphasis in Health Ministry curriculum.
In addition to the professional competencies listed in the beginning of the Public Health section, the graduate with an emphasis in Health Ministry will possess the following competencies:
These prerequisites are undergraduate credits with a minimum grade of B. Other documents that demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge in the above subjects may be accepted, including evidence of the successful completion of online study modules, from recognized institutions/organizations. It is possible to be accepted into the program provisionally without these prerequisites, but the student will be required to complete all missing prerequisites and co-requisite requirements before 50% of the coursework has been completed. Prerequisites are valid only if taken within the last 10 years.
Health promotion is creating and implementing personal, social, physical, and environmental interventions that enable individuals and communities, not only to prevent disease and to have access to health care, but also to improve their quality of life, and increase quantity of life.
Health promoters and educators are in high demand in the 21st century. The heavy burden of lifestyle-related diseases or chronic diseases can be overcome only if health care providers work together with health educators and promoters as agents of change. The MPH with an emphasis in health promotion is committed to preparing those agents of change.
In addition to the professional competencies listed at the beginning of the Public Health section, the graduate with an emphasis in Health Promotion will have the following competencies:
These prerequisites are undergraduate credits with a minimum grade of B. Other documents that demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge in the above subjects may be accepted, including evidence of the successful completion of online study modules, from recognized institutions/organizations. It is possible to be accepted into the program provisionally without these prerequisites, but the student will be required to complete all missing prerequisites and co-requisite requirements before 50% of the coursework has been completed. Prerequisites are valid only if taken within the last 10 years.
The MPH with emphasis in Nutrition is designed to prepare graduate health professionals to have a thorough understanding of nutrition in relationship to normal body functions and its role in the prevention of disease.
In addition to the professional competencies listed in the beginning of the Public Health section of the Bulletin, the graduate with an emphasis in Nutrition will have the following competencies:
These prerequisites are undergraduate credits with a minimum grade of B. Other documents that demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge in the above subjects may be accepted, including evidence of the successful completion of online study modules, from recognized institutions/organizations. It is possible to be accepted into the program provisionally without these prerequisites, but the student will be required to complete all missing prerequisites and co-requisite requirements before 50% of the coursework has been completed. Prerequisites are valid only if taken within the last 10 years.
Single emphasis:
Double emphases:
Double emphasis requires that the Field Learning Internship experience encompasses both fields, or that the thesis fit both emphases.
To earn the MPH degree with emphasis in Nutrition, the student must satisfy the following requirements:
Elective class PHEL 690/691 Wellness Coaching I & II (3 semester hours (an alternative elective with PH prefix may be approved by the academic advisor in the event of an unavailable listed elective) + PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 691 Field Learning Internship (3 units) + Comprehensive Examination.
PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 698 Thesis including an oral defense (6 semester hours) + Comprehensive Examination + PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 691 Field Learning Internship (3 units) + publication or acceptance for publication of at least one article in a refereed journal.
Complete the following ten courses:
This course focuses on practical aspects of achieving wellness through health ministries. It examines the
philosophy and values of evidence-based public health within the framework of the Adventist health message
that integrates the Scriptures and writings of Ellen G. White. It also seeks to foster practical health education
programs that assist in leading people to Christ. Further, it exposes risks associated with unhealthy lifestyles as
well as suggests positive behavior change strategies designed to bring healthful living through the power of
Christ, utilizing the Adventist health message in support of the gospel ministry
The History of public health is presented followed by the introduction of theories and principles of Health
Promotion, and exposition of methods and procedures for planning community health intervention programs.
A special attention is given to the writing of goals and objectives, understanding of program types, application
of the laws of learning, and of the behavioral component in the Health Promotion process.
A study of the process of planning health promotion programs. Builds on the principles laid down in PHFN 600.
The course emphasizes methods of implementing and evaluating programs, such as community organization
and involvement, program design, social marketing, management, health communication, and process, impact
and outcome evaluation. Prerequisite: PHFN 600 Health Promotion Theory and Practice.
A study of environmental factors and how they interact with agent and host factors in the causation, prevention,
and control of disease in human populations and appropriate technologies for intervention. Focus is on water
supply, sanitation; industrial and solid waste management, vector control and atmospheric pollution control.
The course also includes a review of the types and public health consequences of natural and manmade
disasters, principles of emergency planning, including evacuation procedures, management of disaster
casualties, control of disease outbreaks and meeting the physical and psychological needs of disaster victims.
Steps in disaster response and recovery and coordination of emergency relief operations are also reviewed.
This course is a study of the general principles involved in understanding the frequency, distribution, and
etiology of acute and chronic diseases, and the method for disease surveillance and control. Emphasis is on the
epidemiology of lifestyle-related diseases.
An introduction to the fundamental methods of collecting, organizing, and presenting data for community
assessment and health interventions. Includes the study of central tendency and variation, sampling, t tests, chi-
squared tests, simple and multiple regression, confidence intervals, correlations, and making statistical
inferences for analyzing health data.
A study of the principles of nutritional science and their application to the health of the public throughout the life cycle. Also examines local and international policies and programs of intervention for the prevention and control of nutrition-related diseases. Field experience.
This course explores public health policy and advocacy for health equity in diverse populations. Policy is studied
from process to implementation with stakeholder collaboration. Outcomes are analyzed for advocacy methods
for improving health equity including public, private, and faith-based approaches. The evaluation of policy and
advocacy processes and outcomes will be evidence-based and applied to case examples.
Introduction to the art of academic discourse to prepare graduate students for writing theoretical and research papers, thesis, and dissertation. Topics include proper use of sources, academic honesty, structure and language use, critical analysis and synthesis, organization, style and formatting, and the concept that writing is a process that is best learned through continual practice. Use of a reference management system (e.g. Zotero, Mendeley, Citavi, EndNote) will be introduced.
A survey of quantitative and qualitative research designs for conducting basic and applied research. The emphasis will be on the research process including, formulating and stating the problem, developing conceptual frameworks, planning and desgning the research, conducting the literature review, instrumentation, data collection procedures, basic data analysis, and researcher ethical and legal responsibilities. Students may be required to submit a mini research proposal. Prerequisite: RESM 520 Academic Writing.
Complete three of the following courses:
The course combines biblical principles with modern approaches to interpersonal relationships. It studies
procedures and problems in pastoral care. Emphasis is given to developing the communication skills
necessary for smooth resolution of conflicts. Students will participate in counseling sessions to apply the
principles learned in class.
The course explores the foundational teaching and primary metaphors of leadership including theories, models,
and concepts viewed in the context of God’s call on the covenant community in the redemptive history. Part of
the course covers ethical philosophies, construction of framework for ethical decision, and application of ethical
principles in one’s personal life and work place.
This course examines the etiology and development of major lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases,
cancer, obesity, nutritional disorders, and selected infectious diseases. Emphasis is on identifying risk factors
and examining of successful risk- reduction programs. Field experience.
Complete the following four courses:
Preventive and therapeutic concepts of maternal and child health including reproductive physiology, prenatal
and neonatal care, and child growth and development. Concepts of planned parenthood are studied, along with
a review of the role of contraceptive technologies together with their moral, social, cultural, political, and ethical
implications. Maternal and child health issues are also studied in terms of their social and environmental causes,
and their impacts on life prospects and on the social and economic welfare and development of the family,
community and nation. Successful maternal and child health programs are discussed.
This course examines the etiology and development of major lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases,
cancer, obesity, nutritional disorders, and selected infectious diseases. Emphasis is on identifying risk factors
and examining of successful risk- reduction programs. Field experience.
An overview of current issues in global health, including the impact of globalization on health, poverty, culture,
conflict and the problem of refugees, food security and nutrition, environment and climate change, population
growth and urbanization, HIV/AIDS, chronic diseases, infectious diseases and the special concerns of maternal
and child health based on the available data and student self-experience.
The course explores the foundational teaching and primary metaphors of leadership including theories, models,
and concepts viewed in the context of God’s call on the covenant community in the redemptive history. Part of
the course covers ethical philosophies, construction of framework for ethical decision, and application of ethical
principles in one’s personal life and work place.
Complete the following five courses:
This course introduces the student to the dietary, anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical methodologies to
assess nutritional status at the individual and community levels. Includes principles and practice of nutrition
counseling. With laboratory. Field experience.
A study of the digestion, absorption, function, metabolism, and control of metabolism of carbohydrates and
lipids. This course develops a thorough understanding of the nutrition of carbohydrates and lipids and their
applications to selected nutrition-related diseases that have public health impact, such as cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, and cancer. Prerequisite: PHEL567 Nutritional Metabolism.
A study of the nutrition, metabolism, and function of proteins, vitamins, and minerals and their applications to
understanding the relationship between nutrition and health and disease. Prerequisite: PHEL 567 Nutritional
Metabolism or at least 3 units of Biochemistry.
The course explores the foundational teaching and primary metaphors of leadership including theories, models,
and concepts viewed in the context of God’s call on the covenant community in the redemptive history. Part of
the course covers ethical philosophies, construction of framework for ethical decision, and application of ethical
principles in one’s personal life and work place.
Complete one of the following options:
PHEL 690/691 Wellness Coaching I & II (3 semester hours (an alternative elective with PH prefix may be approved by the academic adivisor in the event of an unavailable listed elective)) + PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 691 Field Learning Internship (3 units) + Comprehensive Examination.
PHEL 690 Wellness Coaching I
This course covers the fundamentals of the coaching structure and process from coach preparation to coaching termination including the legal and ethical implications. It explores the various components of the coaching process with attention given to developing the coach/client relationship, use of empathetic communication skills, and goal setting by the client. This is the first of three courses designed to meet the published standards (2023) of National Board for Health and Wellness coaching.
PHEL 691 Wellness Coaching II
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the application of transtheoretical model and Motivational Interviewing skills. It helps the participants develop a client centered plan, utilizing the right tools to achieve goals that they themselves set, based on their understanding of lifestyle concerns. This is the second of three courses designed to meet the published standards (2023) of the National Board for Health and Wellness coaching.
PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 698 Thesis (6 units) + Comprehensive Examination + PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 691 Field Learning Internship (3 units). The thesis will follow the Graduate School criteria, plus additional guidelines from the Department.
Program Structure | Credits |
|---|---|
Public Health Core | 27 |
Emphasis in: | |
Health Ministry | 12 |
Health Promotion | 12 |
Nutrition | 13 |
Culminating Phase | 6 |
TOTAL | 45-46 |
Public Health Core | |
Complete the following nine courses: | |
CHMN 630 Health Ministries | 3 |
PHFN 600 Health Promotion Theory and Practice | 3 |
PHFN 605 Planning and Evaluating Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
PHFN 610 Principles of Environmental Health and Disaster Management | 4 |
PHFN 615 Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
PHFN 620 Biostatistics | 3 |
PHFN 660 Policy and Advocacy Development for Public Health | 3 |
RESM 520 Academic Writing | 2 |
RESM 610 Research Methods | 3 |
Emphasis in Health Ministry | 12 |
Complete the following three courses: | |
CHMN 612 Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 |
LEAD 610 Biblical Foundations of Leadership and Ethics | 3 |
PHHM 655 Lifestyle Diseases and Risk Reduction Programs | 3 |
Complete one of the following courses: | |
CHPH 617 Principles of Christian Ethics | 3 |
MSSN 540 World Religions | 3 |
PHHM 684 Issues in Science and Religion | 3 |
Emphasis in Health Promotion | 12 |
Complete the following four courses: | |
PHHP 640 Public Health Nutrition | 3 |
PHFN 625 Maternal-Child Health and Family Planning | 3 |
PHHP 655 Lifestyle Diseases and Risk Reduction Programs | 3 |
PHHP 660 Current Global Health Issues | 3 |
Emphasis in Nutrition | 13 |
Complete the following five courses: | |
PHNU 600 Nutritional Status Assessment | 3 |
PHNU 610 Advanced Nutrition I: Carbohydrates and Lipids | 3 |
PHNU 611 Advanced Nutrition II: Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals | 3 |
PHNU 640 Public Health Nutrition | 3 |
LEAD 610 Biblical Foundations of Leadership and Ethics | 1 |
Culminating Phase | 6 |
Complete one of the following options: | |
Non-Thesis Option | |
Elective class beginning with a PH prefix | 3 |
PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 691 Field Learning Internship | 3 |
Comprehensive Examination | * |
Thesis Option | |
PHHM/PHHP/PHNU 698 Thesis. The thesis will follow the Graduate School criteria, plus additional guidelines from the Department. | 6 |
Complete the following eight courses:
This course teaches graduate students the process of analyzing data and discovering new information to support management decision-making. The main areas covered in the course include descriptive analytics, diagnostic analytics, predictive analytics and prescriptive analytics. Specific topics include descriptive data mining (descriptive statistics, statistical inference, data visualization, creation of dashboards), diagnostic analytics (root-cause analysis, data explorations, intuitive visuals, isolating all cofounding information), predictive data mining (linear regression, time series and forecasting), and prescriptive data mining (optimization models, simulation and decision analysis).
Principles, problems and issues in organizing a new venture in small business. Topics covered include creating entrepreneurial spirit, generating business ideas, writing business plans, analyzing feasibility, financing startups, organizing small scale businesses, and operating a new enterprise.
Students learn to establish, operate, and control integrated, computer-based information systems to support management decision-making. Topics discussed include structuring of information systems, hardware and software systems, quality assurance, information gathering, storage, retrieval, and control.
Basic concepts of accounting and reporting, analysis, and interpretation of financial statement (working capital
and liquidity), variance analysis of income statements and expenditure, principles of time value of money, and
budgeting, an introduction to costing principles, and issues in strengthening the financial condition of an
institution or a business. (Not applicable to the MBA degree).
The course explores the foundational teaching and primary metaphors of leadership including theories, models, and concepts viewed in the context of God’s call on the covenant community in the redemptive history. Part of the course covers ethical philosophies, construction of framework for ethical decision, and application of ethical principles in one’s personal life and work place.
Application of behavioral science concepts within a Christian ethics framework. The emphasis is on the behavioral and communication aspects of individuals and groups for better organization performance. Topics of interest include perception, values, attitude, motivation, group behavior, communication, leadership, power, politics, conflict, organizational culture, and organizational change. The course links the behavioral understanding of individuals and groups in developing effective communication strategy.
A course designed to enable the student to develop and implement marketing strategies. Both the local and global marketplace are considered in analyzing marketing opportunities; selecting target markets; designing marketing programs; and organizing, implementing, and controlling marketing efforts.
Necessary skills for academic writing, including proper use of sources and avoiding plagiarism, organization, the basics of APA style, punctuation, and gender inclusive language. Academic writing ability and knowledge of research procedure is developed through class activities and feedback.
This course provides the students with theory and practice in strategic management by the use of lectures and case analysis. It helps build in students critical business skills of planning and managing strategic activities. Topics include determining mission, purpose and philosophy of companies, developing a company profile, conducting a resource analysis, assessing the external environment, identifying various strategic options, making strategic analysis and choice, setting long-term objectives, developing long-term annual objectives and grand strategies, implementing strategic decisions, reviewing, and finally, controlling them. Note: This is the capstone course for the MBA program and can only be taken after substantial completion of all other requirements, usually in the last semester, just prior to graduation. It is integrative in nature, requiring the student to put to use the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program of study.
Complete three of the following courses:
Complete three of the following courses:
A study of the process of ethical decision-making illustrated in the application of biblical principles to
contemporary personal, social, and professional issues of special significance to Adventists.
A study of the development and beliefs of major world religions. Special consideration is given to their
contemporary forms and settings, with the aim of facilitating an understanding of the religious experience of
potential recipients of the gospel. (Identical to MSSN 540/640 World Religions).
A study of the relationship of scientific information and theories to biblical revelation. This course includes
discussion of theories of origins, geological time, uniformitarianism and catastrophism, organic evolution and
organization of the fossil records, fixity and change, the biblical flood, the extinction of species, and the
relevance of the doctrine of creation. (Identical to PHHM 684 Issues in Science and Religion).
A study of the process of ethical decision-making illustrated in the application of biblical principles to
contemporary personal, social, and professional issues of special significance to Adventists.
A study of the development and beliefs of major world religions. Special consideration is given to their
contemporary forms and settings, with the aim of facilitating an understanding of the religious experience of
potential recipients of the gospel. (Identical to MSSN 540/640 World Religions).
A study of the relationship of scientific information and theories to biblical revelation. This course includes
discussion of theories of origins, geological time, uniformitarianism and catastrophism, organic evolution and
organization of the fossil records, fixity and change, the biblical flood, the extinction of species, and the
relevance of the doctrine of creation. (Identical to PHHM 684 Issues in Science and Religion).
Tuition, required fees, books. Not including prerequisites.
This includes housing, utility, food & miscellaneous, refundable deposit. For a couple with 2 children in a 2-bedroom unit.
This includes housing, utility, food & miscellaneous, refundable deposit.
Monday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm;
Friday 8 am to 12 nn
