Master of Arts in Public Health Biology at Johns Hopkins University

Program Overview

The MAPHB degree is a fully online, part-time degree program focused on biological tenets and research methods that are relevant to current issues in public health. It is an interdepartmental program involving Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Health and Engineering, and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, with required coursework provided through each. The program is designed to provide a solid, conceptual basis for an understanding of the rationale, tools and approaches that are essential for addressing problems in public health.    

The goal of the MA in Public Health Biology program is to prepare students from diverse backgrounds to apply biological principles to public health issues, conceptualize research questions, interpret results and apply these skills in the context of human health. The specific educational objectives are as follows:

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the MA in Public Health Biology program, students will be able to:

1. Describe the molecular, cellular, immunological, and physiological bases of selected human diseases and conditions;
2. Describe biological principles that underlie the development of disease and its prevention, control and management;
3. Critically evaluate data described in scientific papers and integrate data from multiple papers into coherent theories about the regulation of complex biological processes and diseases;
4. Apply statistical principles to the analysis of biological data and apply findings to the understanding and treatment of human disease;
5. Compose, explain and defend a 20-30 page scholarly thesis that demonstrates a deep understanding of how biological principles and methods are used to understand, treat and/or prevent a particular condition of importance in the public health arena;
6. Communicate effectively with the general public, professionals and other stakeholders on issues related to immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, environmental health sciences and public health.