On-Campus Courses

Assessing the Epidemiologic Impact of Human Rights Violations

Through a case studies approach, students examine epidemiologic methods to investigate and understand the interactions of epidemics, public health and human rights, including qualitative assessments and interview approaches, population-level measures, indirect measures for use in conflict areas, and new tools of molecular epidemiology.

Students gain an appreciation of the mechanisms by which policies and abrogation of rights can worsen epidemics, the benefits of using a rights-based approach to public health problems, and current epidemiologic tools to study these complex interactions.

Concentration in Humanitarian Assistance/Health and Human Rights

The Humanitarian Assistance/Health and Human Rights concentration within the MPH degree program 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. 

Advocacy and protection of rights for populations and individuals will be stressed. Students may select a focus in one of two tracks:  Humanitarian Assistance (HA) or Health and Human Rights (HHR).

Seminar in Health and Human Rights

This seminar is an important component of the Concentrations in Humanitarian Assistance/Health and Human Rights, and is also available to students studying outside of these concetrations. 

Topics include: international instruments defining human rights and their application; the interdependency of health and human rights; detailed examination of recent human rights abuses at the individual and population level;  human rights violations as they particularly impact health and health care; and the many roles for health professionals in the documentation and amelioration of human rights violations.

 Public Health, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity

In recent years, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender(LGBT) health issues have become important public health concerns. This course will focus on key issues in LGBT health, including the health consequences of homophobia and heterosexism, racial and ethnic minorities and LGBT health, globalization, healthcare systems and services.

Specific health topics to be addressed include mental health, substance use, violence, sexually transmitted infections, and access to health care. During this course, students will develop a greater understanding of health disparities among LGBT populations.