Description of MSPH
The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree is offered to those with terminal degrees (including MD, DO, DC, DDS, DVM or PhD) who seek training in population based research methods to support their clinical research activities. There are two concentrations in the MSPH, Epidemiology and Behavioral Science.
The MSPH in Epidemiology includes a core of coursework in Epidemiology and
Biostatistics, supplemented by a general course in the public health or health care system, and Ethical Issues in Public Health.
The MSPH in Behavioral Science includes core coursework in Behavioral Science Research
Methods and Biostatistics, supplemented by a general course in public health or the health care system, and Ethical Issues in Public Health.
Each curriculum culminates in a Research Project and an Oral Examination.
Description of CMH-596 Research Project for MSPH/Epidemiology or Behavioral
Science
The student works with his or her advisor and other mentors as appropriate and as approved by the advisor, to conduct original research using either archival or original data collection.
This research may be clinical or population-based, using research principles of epidemiology and/or behavioral science. The student is to prepare a manuscript of publishable quality (but there is no requirement that it be submitted for publication).
The research project is started only after the student has completed Advanced Epidemiology
Methods (EPI- 601) or Research Methods in Behavioral Science (BSH-601), so that the student has acquired the necessary research skills. Exceptions to this policy are rare and only with the prior approval of the faculty advisor.
While working on this project, the student enrolls in CMH-596-01, Research Project for
MSPH, for 0 credits; the student may register for this class in two semesters if necessary.
This course will be graded when the Oral Examination is completed and the manuscript is approved in final form. Grading is satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U).
The advisor’s approval of the research proposal is to be documented on the project description form attached to these guidelines (see page 3). Upon completion of the project, a copy of the manuscript is also submitted to the Coordinator. To document that the requirement is met, the Project Description Form and the research paper are kept on file
Guidelines for MSPH Research Project 2010-11 1

with the Practice Experience Coordinator: Completion and submittal of paperwork is the responsibility of the student.
Drafts of the research project are to be reviewed by the advisor in process. When a nearfinal draft is completed and approved by the advisor, the CMH-595 oral examination may be scheduled. A copy of the manuscript is to be provided to each member of the examination panel at least one week prior to the examination. Revisions may be made to the manuscript following the oral examination.
Description of CMH-595-02, Special Studies for Exam, for the MSPH
The oral examination is scheduled with an examination panel composed of three members of the faculty, one of which is the student’s advisor, and the other two of which are to be members of the faculty with knowledge of the student’s research area and/or methods.
The student prepares a professional 20-minute PowerPoint presentation of his/her paper that has the following components:

Introduction/Background and Research Question

Research Methods

Results

Discussion and Implications
The presentation will be followed by questions and discussion with the faculty examination panel to ascertain the student's grasp of key areas of public health, health care, research and statistical methods.
The student will be graded on the presentation as follows:

Pass/fail on the oral exam

Pass on the written manuscript as presented

Pass on the written manuscript with revisions
Ballots
The faculty advisor is to request ballots from the graduate school at least one week in advance. Signed and sealed ballets are returned to the master’s degree candidacy advisor in the Graduate School upon completion of the student presentation.
For further information and to submit paperwork contact:
Catherine Nolan, MPH, RN
Salus Center, Room 472
314-977-8220 nolanca@slu.edu
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(Epidemiology Concentration and
Behavioral Science Concentration)
1.
Student name
2.
Student’s prior professional degree
3.
Student’s employer
4.
Faculty Advisor’s name
5.
Mentor’s name (if different than Faculty Advisor)
6.
Mentor’s title
7.
Anticipated start date for Project (approximate)
8.
Anticipated finish date for Project (approximate)
9.
Anticipated graduation date
10.
Brief description of Research Project:
(please attach separate page if needed)
Student Signature
SPH Faculty Advisor Signature
Date
Date
Please submit completed form to MPH Practice Experience Coordinator –
Catherine Nolan at nolanca@slu.edu
or Salus Room 472.
Guidelines for MSPH Research Project 2010-11 3