SMSU adds master of public health degree

by Christine Ballew-Gonzales

SBJ Contributing Writer

Southwest Missouri State University's first students in the master of public health degree program are hitting the books this fall, according to Dr. Dalen Duitsman, program coordinator.

While there are only four students enrolled in the degree program, Duitsman said the new degree has generated a lot of interest.

"There has been a lot of attention to the program," he said.

The master of public health degree is an ideal choice for those who intend to work in government health departments or other government agencies, Duitsman said.

Any health-related undergraduate degree including but not limited to biology, nursing, chemistry, and community health makes a good fit with the master's program.

In addition, Duitsman said those with undergraduate degrees in any of the social sciences could also consider the master's degree in public health.

Those enrolled in SMSU's master's program can choose from five areas of concentration, including environmental health, family health, gerontology, health services administration and public policy, Duitsman said.

A nutrition area of concentration program will be offered in the future, and Duitsman said an epidemiology area of concentration may be added eventually.

The two-year program is built around core classes that deal with public health concerns, such as health services organization, issues in public health, epidemiology and management techniques and organizational behavior.

The master of public health program, which was approved this spring, helps round out the university's health-related degree offerings, Duitsman said, as well as furthering SMSU's public affairs focus.

"With the emphasis that the university has on public affairs, this fits in well," he said. "One of the pillars of our mandate is health."

SMSU is one of only two higher education institutions in Missouri that offers a master's program in public health, the other being St. Louis University. There are 64 such programs in the United States.

Duitsman said demand for master of public health degrees continues to rise nationally, and certain areas of concentration are particularly sought after.

"What we're seeing right now is the environmental and epidemiology areas are hot," he said.

As the population continues to age, the gerontology area of concentration could be in greater demand, as well. While the program is still in its first stage, Duitsman said initial reactions to it are encouraging.

"We're really pleased with the classes we're holding so far, and the feedback from students so far has been positive," he said.