MPH Concentration in Humanitarian Assistance/Health and Human Rights
The MPH concentration in Humanitarian Assistance/Health and Human Rights focuses on protection, assistance, and advocacy for vulnerable populations worldwide. These include refugees, internally displaced persons, trafficked women and children and other populations marginalized by age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, or religious belief. The coursework will help students understand why populations become vulnerable and how to address the health needs of thes populations. Advocacy and protection of rights for populations and individuals will be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to select a focus in one of two tracks: Humanitarian Assistance (HA) or Health and Human Rights (HHR).
In the HA track, emphasis will be on gaining expertise in methods to assess needs and provide assistance to displaced populations and other vulnerable groups. A variety of methods will be used to teach students basic skills including:
- Identifying, protecting, and advocating for vulnerable groups
- Public health care for refugees and displaced persons
- Measuring health and demographic indicators in humanitarian emergencies
- Natural disaster preparedness, management, and mitigation
- Planning food, water, and sanitation programs for displaced populations
- Implementing and monitoring assistance programs
In the HHR track, emphasis will be on learning the history of the human rights movement post WWII, becoming familiar with the major human rights documents and international treaties. Seminars and course discussion will be used to teach students basic skills including:
- Basic human rights principles
- Documenting human rights violations and abuses
- Human rights laws, conventions, declarations and agreements
- Human rights impact assessment of public health policies and interventions
- Understanding the right to health in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups
Course of Study
Students are required to complete the following 4 courses: 221.613 Introduction to Humanitarian Emergencies 2 units 1st term 301.865/866 Seminar in Health and Human Rights I & II 2 units per term 1st & 2nd terms 221.639 Refugee Health Care 3 units 2nd term [Internet – 1st term] 551.856 Research Methods in Humanitarian Assistance/Health & Human Rights 2 units 3rd term In addition, HA and HHR concentrators must elect at least 7 units from the following courses: 221.627 Issues in Maternal Mortality Reduction in Developing Countries 4 units 2nd term [Internet - 2nd term] 221.629 Water and Sanitation Needs in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies 2 units 2nd term 306.650 Public Health and the Law 3 units 2nd term 221.614 International Political Science for Public Health Practitioners 1 unit 3rd term 221.633 Public Health Issues in Disasters 2 units 3rd term 221.634 Stress Management for Relief Workers 1 unit 3rd term 300.652 Politics of Health Policy 4 units 3rd term 301.645 Health Advocacy 3 units 3rd term 306.665 Research Ethics and Integrity: U.S. & International Issues 3 units 3rd term 551.608 Managing Non-Governmental Organizations in the Health Sector* 3 untis 3rd term 221.611 Food, Nutrition, and Livelihood in Humanitarian Emergencies 2 units 4th term 221.661 Project Development for Primary Health Care in Developing Countries 4 units 4th term 221.640 Children in Crisis Seminar 1 unit 4th term 221.641 Measurement Methods in Emergencies 2 units 4th term 301.645 Health Advocacy 3 units 4th term 340.639 Assessing Epidemiologic Impact of Human Rights Violations 2 units 4th term Students without international experience are advised to take the following course: 220.601 Introduction to International Health 4 units 1st term
[Internet-4th term]Capstone Experience
The MPH capstone experience in Humanitarian Assistance/Health and Human Rights is an opportunity for students to apply the skill and competencies acquired in the program. This required 2 unit activity is scheduled for the 4th term. Students will work individually or in small groups to develop specific projects or concepts. This will help integrate humanitarian assistance and human rights issues with various public health skills and competencies gained through the year. Faculty will provide guidance and assistance to students who will present their final work to the concentration. Capstone Experience in HA/HHR (2 units) - 4th term.
Faculty Concentration Directors
Robert S. Lawrence, MD, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Health Policy & Management, 410-614-4590
W. Courtland Robinson, PhD, Assistant Professor, International Health, 410-955-3892