About the Program
The Department of Health Promotion Sciences offers a program leading to either a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree. Faculty expertise in health promotion sciences includes anthropology, family studies, gerontology, health education, health promotion, psychology, research methods, sociology, social work, and other related disciplines. The department has identified minority health/health disparities as a major emphasis of research and instruction. The degree programs in the department prepare students for career opportunities with such organizations as federal, state, and local public health agencies; short- and long-term health care institutions; voluntary health agencies; universities, colleges, and public schools; state and local community mental health agencies; business and industry; and other health related agencies.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are enrolled in the prescribed courses and to pay tuition and fees at the time designated by the Bursar's Office. Details regarding tuition/fee charges and collection are available from the Bursar's Office.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all standard requirements of admission to OU Health Campus, applicants must also meet program-specific prerequisites. Admission on probationary status may be conferred for students who do not meet all of the admission requirements.
A professional and supportive faculty/student relationship is an important component of successful graduate programs. Faculty members are most likely to accept a student when the prospect of productive academic and professional advancement is high. Prospective students are encouraged to contact HPS faculty members to determine who could be an optimal mentor. The absence of a good fit can reduce enthusiasm for accepting a particular applicant regardless of application content.
Master of Science Degree Requirements
The Master of Science (MS) degree in HPS is oriented toward research in the specialty area within public health. Requirements for admission are the same as for all MS degree programs in the Graduate College and are described elsewhere in this bulletin.
Graduation requirements include a minimum of 36 semester hours and a thesis, with no more than four semester hours allowed for work related to the thesis (5980). At least three of the five core courses required of the M.P.H. degree must be included in the MS requirements. With written approval of both the student's departmental chair and the chair of the offering department, a more advanced course may be substituted for any of the core courses. All degree candidates are required to successfully defend their thesis.
A minimum of 38 hours is required for the MS degree in Health Promotion Sciences. The MS degree is appropriate for baccalaureate degree graduates seeking a pathway to a PhD in public health. Evidence of PhD potential is required of MS applicants.
Course Requirements
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Hours |
| 12 |
| 9 |
| 3 |
| 14 |
| Total Hours | 38 |
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Hours |
| BSE 5163 | Biostatistical Methods I | 3 |
| BSE 5113 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
| HPS 5213 | Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health | 3 |
| BSE 5033 | Foundations and Overview of Public Health | 3 |
| HPS 5453 | Theoretical Concepts of Health Promotion | 3 |
| HPS 5543 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
| HPS 5563 | Program Planning for Health Promotion | 3 |
| 3 |
| Health and Illness in Old Age. | |
| Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Health | |
| Health and the American Indian | |
| 1 | 14 |
| Total Hours | 38 |
Additional Degree Requirements for MS in Health Promotion Sciences
-
Oral Thesis Defense
-
Master’s Thesis
Comprehensive Examination/Culminating Experience for Master of Science degree: The examination is an oral exam that covers all fields of public health. The Dean of the Graduate College will authorize the examination for MS students.
