ONLINE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

GLOBAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND HUMANITARIAN RELIEF

The field of disaster management and humanitarian relief plays an important role in global health, especially in the areas of armed conflict and natural disasters. With the increase in weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear and biological threats from terrorist groups and radical states, the need for formal training and education has increased. Local and international organizations, governments and United Nation agencies are in need of highly trained professionals to manage and direct programs to reduce the global public health threats that continue to plague us. Where and when the next tsunami or earthquake will strike, or how the next terrorist group will respond is unknown. But the logic behind professionally mitigating and preparing for one of these incidences places us in a stronger position to respond.

Students come from all walks of life with various degrees. There is a mix of military personnel deployed globally, Public Health Service Corps officers, governmental employees including those currently working in the disaster and humanitarian fields, and younger students who have the desire but with little knowledge of the profession.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

The primary objective of the MPH in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Relief is to provide an individual with a foundation in public health and the tools to enter the profession of a disaster and humanitarian aid worker at the supervisory level. Upon completing the eight concentration courses the student will have covered most topics related to the disaster cycle with a specific emphasis on the recovery phase within the context of a Humanitarian Complex Emergency. The culminating Capstone course, the Special Project and the Field Experience will assess the student's knowledge base and self-assess their capacity to complete written documents and hands-on experience as a specialist in the public health expertise of disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

Click Here to view the Course Curriculum

Can I start with a Graduate Certificate?
If you want to first consider one of the certificates you can access the flyers below by going to Disaster Management or Humanitarian Assistance. Visit the University of South Florida website at www.gradcerts.usf.edu or contact Dr. Wayne Westhoff (wwesthof@health.usf.edu or 1-813-974-6621).

OPPORTUNITIES

Employment varies for graduates. Those who are in the military, PHS Corps or are governmental employees generally remain in the current employment but with a strengthened resume to move to a better suited position. Others just starting out will have the formal education but will then need to begin at an entry level supervisory position to gain experience. Currently we have alumni with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the military and PHS Corps, Federal, State and local governments, health care settings, and both National and International Non-governmental Organizations (e.g. Carter Center In Sudan, World Vision in Africa).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Click here to view admission requirements. (Under Prerequisites)

Click here to apply through SOPHAS.

If you are an out of state or international student, you may qualify for a reduced tuition rate as part of the Global Disaster Management self-funded program. Please click here for more information.

Who do I contact for more information?
Program queries:
Wayne W. Westhoff, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.W., C.H.E.S., I.D.H.A.
College of Public Health, Department of Global Health
13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612
e-mail: wwesthof@health.usf.edu
Telephone:+1 (813) 974-6621

Admission queries:
Jessica Grossman, MBA
College of Public Health, Department of Global Health
13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612
Phone:+1 (813) 974-1587
Fax: +1 (813) 974-8506
E-mail: jgrossma@health.usf.edu