The MHS program is a master’s degree program intended to broadly train professionals to make substantive contributions in the area of public health. This program has been deliberately structured to not only facilitate the education of the traditional students completing their undergraduate degrees who wish to further prepare themselves before entering the workforce, but also to facilitate the career success of professionals who are currently working in public health agencies, health care institutions, and in private practice. Students in the degree program receive an excellent background on important public health issues and acquire essential skills through the completion of core courses, as well as completion of classes in one of the four emphasis tracks:
Coursework and training in these emphasis tracks allow students to develop a strong, focused understanding and skill set in order to excel in addressing specific types of public health concerns. In addition to completing all required core and emphasis track coursework, students have the option of completing a master’s thesis, master’s project, or choosing additional elective credits.
The MHS program also provides students with the opportunity to participate in three interdisciplinary graduate certificate courses of study. The Addiction studies and Gerontological studies certificates are administered by the Department of Counselor Education, the MHS program, and the School of Social Work. The Health Services Leadership certificate is administered by the MHS program. The diverse nature of the MHS program’s offerings not only provides students with a broadly engaging curriculum, but also facilitates research opportunities in many different areas of public health.
In accordance with the Boise State University code, in all cases, at least two thirds of the total credit requirement must be earned at Boise State University since admission to the program. All credit must be approved for application by the chair of the supervisory committee or advisor.