Biomedical Sciences D204
1960 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8577
Fax: (808) 956-3368
Email: pubhlth@hawaii.edu
Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/publichealth/

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*A. Ortega, PhD (Dean)—health policy and management
*E. L. Hurwitz, DC, PhD (Chair)—epidemiology
*M. Antonio, DrPH—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health
*K. L. Braun, MPH, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
*O. V. Buchthal, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
*E. J. Chosy, PhD, MA—epidemiology
*J. J. Chung-Do, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
*V. Cunanan, MPH, PhD—epidemiology
*M. R. Dela-Cruz, DrPH— Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health, social and behavioral health sciences
*J. Huang, PhD—epidemiology
*S. Keaulana-Scott, PhD—Native Hawaiian and indigenous health
L. Kehl, MPH, MSW, LSW— social and behavioral health sciences, health policy and management
*L. B. Keliikoa, MPH, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
*T. Lowery St John, PhD, MPH—epidemiology
*Y. Lu, PhD—environmental health
*E. McFarlane, MPH, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences, health policy and management
M. McGurk, MPH—health policy and management
*D. C. Nelson-Hurwitz, PhD—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health
*C. M. Nishita, PhD—health policy and management
*M. Phillips, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
*C. Pirkle, PhD—health policy and management
*L. Riley, MA, JD, SJD—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health
R. Rodericks, MSPH—health policy and management
K. Saiki, MPH—health policy and management
*T. L. Sentell, PhD—health policy and management
*J. Sugimoto-Matsuda, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
M. Tagorda-Kama, MPH—social and behavioral health sciences
N. Vu, MA—health policy and management
W. Watts, MS—health policy and management
R. H. Weldon, PhD, MPH—health policy and management
*Y. Y. Wu, PhD—biostatistics, epidemiology
S. Yasuda, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences

Emeritus Faculty

J. Grove, PhD—biostatistics
J. Hankin, MPH, DrPH—public health nutrition
S. Izutsu, PhD—health policy and management
A. R. Katz, MD, MPH—epidemiology
L. Kolonel, MPH, PhD—epidemiology
C. B. Park, MPH, DrPH—biostatistics

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

H. Ahn, PhD—epidemiology
A. M. Binder, PhD—epidemiology
J. A. Butel, MPH, PhD—human nutrition, food and animal science
E. Caldwell, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
K. Cassel, MPH, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
S. P. Chang, PhD—epidemiology
J. J. Chen, PhD—biostatistics
J. Davis, PhD—biostatistics, epidemiology
V. Y. Fan, ScD—community-based and translational research
S. N. K. Fernandes, MD—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health, social and behavioral health sciences
G. C. Gavero, DO—social and behavioral health sciences
D. A. Goebert, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
A. Grace, MD—health policy and management
J. R. Hedges, MD, MMM—health policy and management
A. Hermosura, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
T. A. Herzog, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
J. K. Kaholokula, MS, PhD—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health
L. V. Le, PhD—epidemiology
T. Le, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
L. Le Marchand, MD, MPH, PhD—epidemiology
H. R. Lee, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
W. Lee, MD—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health
G. Maskarinec, MD, MPH—epidemiology
M. Mau, MD, MPH—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health
A. Maunakea, PhD—Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health
V. R. Nerukar, PhD—epidemiology
R. Novotny, PhD—epidemiology, social and behavioral health sciences
I. S. Pagano, PhD—epidemiology
S. S. L. Park, PhD—epidemiology
P. Pohkrel, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
S. Raidoo, MD, MPH—health policy and management
B. Rodriguez, MD, MPH, PhD—epidemiology
Y. B. Shvetsov, PhD—epidemiology
R. Soon, MD, MPH—social and behavioral health sciences
A. Sy, DrPH—social and behavioral health sciences
D. Taira, ScD—health policy and management
L. R. Wilkens, DrPH—biostatistics
E. K. Wright, PhD—social and behavioral health sciences
L. Wu, PhD—epidemiology
S. Yamada, MD, MPH—epidemiology

Affiliate Graduate Faculty

M. Inada, DrPH—community-based and translational research
R. J. Williams, DrPH, MPH—community-based and translational research

Degrees Offered: BA, MPH, MS, PhD in public health, PhD in epidemiology

The Academic Program

The mission of the Office of Public Health Sciences is to advance the health of the people of Hawai‘i, the nation, and the Asia-Pacific region through knowledge, discovery, innovation, engagement, inclusion, and leadership. 

The program offers the bachelor of arts (BA) degree in public health, as well as a minor; the master of public health (MPH) with specializations in epidemiology, social and behavioral health sciences, Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health, and health policy and management; the master of science (MS) degree with specialization in epidemiology; the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in public health; and the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in epidemiology.

Advising

Advising for undergraduate students enrolled or interested in the BA in public health is available through the undergraduate academic advisor; (808) 956-5753; email: phadvise@hawaii.edu; website:
manoa.hawaii.edu/publichealth/degrees/undergraduate/advising.

Information, applications, and initial advising regarding all other degree programs in public health are available from the
Office of Public Health Student Academic Services, Biomedical Science D-204, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822; phone (808) 956-8267; email: ophsas@hawaii.edu; website: manoa.hawaii.edu/publichealth/.

Undergraduate Study

Bachelor’s Degree

The bachelor of arts (BA) degree in public health is designed to educate undergraduates interested in public health and/or health profession training in the broad basic concepts of public health education, practice, and research. The primary focus of public health is to improve health and quality of life through population-based prevention and treatment of disease and other physical and mental health conditions, through surveillance of cases and the promotion of healthy behaviors.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate students applying to UH Mānoa as a freshman or transfer student may declare public health as their major upon entry. Requirements for admission are described in the “Undergraduate Education” section of the Catalog.

For current UH Mānoa undergraduate students seeking a concurrent degree in public health, the requirements for admission include the completion of PH 201 Introduction to Public Health with a B- or better, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, meeting with the undergraduate academic advisor, and an approved Concurrent Undergraduate Degree Application.

Current UH Mānoa undergraduate students who wish to change their major to public health must first complete PH 201 Introduction to Public Health with a B- or better and meet with the undergraduate academic advisor before filing a Major Declaration Form.

Graduation Requirements

1. Meet all UH Mānoa and departmental requirements;
2. Complete the public health curriculum, applied learning experience, and capstone seminar with a grade of C or better;
3. Complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours;
4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in order to graduate; and
5. Complete an application for graduation in the semester preceding the award of the degree.

Course Requirements

A total of 45 major credits (48 credits with public health-related courses) are required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public health. All students are encouraged to work closely with the undergraduate advising staff in the Office of Public Health Studies in planning their course work.

Public Health Related Courses (3 credits)

• PSY 100 Survey of Psychology (3) (DS)

Public Health Required Core Courses (33 credits)

• PH 201 Introduction to Public Health (3) (DS)
• PH 202 Public Health Issues in Hawai‘i (3)
• PH 203 Introduction to Global Health (3)
• PH 210 Quantitative Reasoning for Public Health (3) (FQ)
• PH 211 Public Health Student Success in the College Experience (2)
• PH 310 Introduction to Epidemiology (3)
• PH 341 Public Health Biology and Pathophysiology (3) (DB)
• PH 420 Social Behavioral Health I: Health Promotions for Individuals and Groups (3)
• PH 480 Application of Public Health Principles in Research and Practice (4)
• PH 485 Public Health Applied Learning Experience (3)
• PH 489 Public Health Undergraduate Capstone Seminar (3)

Public Health Elective Courses (12 credits)

Visit our website at publichealth/courses for a current list of public health courses. Since public health is by nature interdisciplinary, students will be encouraged to take electives in areas outside of the department. The list of recommended electives offered in other departments to complete the 12 credits of advisor-approved upper division public health electives is available on our website undergraduate/other-public-health-electives.

Students seeking additional information and advising on our bachelor’s degree program should contact the undergraduate academic advisor  phadvise@hawaii.edu.

Modification of Hawaiian/Second Language Requirement for Public Health Students

Public Health students must complete one of the following options to satisfy the Hawaiian/Second language requirement:

1. A four-semester sequence of a single language (or proven competency via a language requirement waiver or completion of 202/212);
2. 12 credits of international culture/area courses, from one culture of study, to be chosen from an approved list of H/SL courses;
3. Four semesters of language and culture study. The language and culture groups do not need to match;
4. Participation in a study abroad or international exchange program of 12 credits or more during the fall, spring or summer.

Minor in Public Health

The primary objective of the Public Health minor is to give students pursuing other degree programs a population/ community perspective of health that has diverse applications for graduate programs and in health careers. Students will be able to make connections between their area of study and public health concepts including injury and disease prevention, laws and policies, and understanding health disparities.

Course Requirements

Students must complete 1) PH 201 Introduction to Public Health (3 cr) (DS); 2) MATH 140X Precalculus or higher (3 cr) (FS) or PH 210 Quantitative Reasoning for Public Health or other statistics course (3 cr) (FQ); and 3) the following:

• PH 202 Public Health Issues in Hawai‘i (3 cr)
• PH 203 Introduction to Global Health (3 cr)
• PH 310 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 cr)
• Approved public health elective courses (6 cr)

15 credits are required to graduate with a minor in Public Health. The courses listed for the PH minor must be taken for letter grade and must be completed with a grade of C (not C-) or higher. Courses for the PH minor cannot be used to satisfy general education core and/or major and other minor requirements.

Graduate Study

Master’s Degree

MPH students follow a Plan B (non-thesis) program. MS students follow a Plan A (thesis) degree program.

MPH Requirements

• Minimum of 42 credit hours, 18 or more in courses numbered 600-798
• One graduate seminar
• Required and core MPH courses
• Other courses as designated by the student’s program committee
• Field training experience (PH 791)
• Final competency assessment

MS Requirements

• Minimum of 32* credit hours for epidemiology, 18 or more in courses numbered 600-798
• One graduate seminar
• Required courses
• 6 credit hours of thesis research (PH 700)
• Other courses as designated by the student’s thesis committee
• Final oral examination conducted by the thesis committee

*Most students will exceed the 32-credit hour minimum to meet their educational objectives.

MPH and MS Requirements

Applicants will be expected to have the academic background, experience, interests, and commitment for professional training in public health. Applicants must also have computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet construction, and internet applications. The academic preparation expected of applicants by the program’s areas of specialization are detailed below:

Specialization: Academic Preparation Expected of Applicants

• Epidemiology: One year of course work in a biological science, chemistry, and at least one semester of calculus.
• Health Policy and Management: Preference may be given to students with training in social science, health administration, economics, health services, global health, or human services. Prior paid or voluntary work experience in the health care or human services fields is preferred, but not required. Prior statistics, data science, or research methodology course work is strongly recommended.
• Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health: Course work in mathematics or statistics, public policy or political sciences, and psychology or sociology. Work or research experience in an applied health/social sciences field which serves an Indigenous population is preferred.
• Social and Behavioral Health Sciences: Preference may be given to students with training in public health or social sciences related to human development, sociology, or psychology. Applicants are expected to demonstrate experience and/or commitment to working with vulnerable populations in Hawai‘i, U.S., or the Asia-Pacific region, such as Native Hawaiian, Asian, or Pacific Islander populations.

Areas of Specialization

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the distributions and determinants of health-related events/outcomes in populations. A basic focus of epidemiology is to investigate the distribution of diseases in different populations. Determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with these events/disease outcomes, as well as measuring the magnitude of such occurrences, is the scientific backbone of public health. An essential part of epidemiological investigation involves the utilization of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and appropriate research study design to evaluate the effectiveness of disease control measures. 

Students enrolled in the epidemiology specialization are required to take advanced level training in chronic and infectious disease epidemiology, advanced biostatistics, and research design. There is opportunity for students to choose from epidemiology electives in the following areas: infectious diseases (e.g., dengue virus, malaria, and HIV/AIDS), nutrition, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s), non-communicable diseases (e.g. diabetes and cardiovascular diseases), obesity, and cancer. Course work in specialized statistical methods and computer applications is also available. Students participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout the UH Mānoa System or community during their field practicum assignment. Course work in specialized statistical applications is also available. Students participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout the UH Mānoa System or community during their fieldwork assignment or thesis research. 

MPH students specializing in epidemiology gain knowledge and skills in research methods, biostatistics, the collection, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiologic data, computer applications, and the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases. The first semester focuses on a core of required basic and public health offerings that cover topics such as environmental health, health care delivery and organization, and health behavior. The courses provide background and breadth in public health. The remainder of the program includes advanced and elective course work focused on study design, biostatistics, computer applications, and professional skills. In order for students to develop skills and document competencies in public health, the development and completion of an epidemiologic study in a public health setting (i.e., a field practicum) is also required. During the final semester, a capstone paper and public presentation based on the practicum integrates a student’s MPH experience. The MS degree follows a similar but more research-oriented curriculum and requires the completion of a thesis.

Health Policy and Management (In-person and asynchronous online)

Health Policy and Management (HPM) is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry and practice concerned with the delivery, quality, and costs of health care for populations. HPM professionals concern themselves with managerial and policy aspects of the structure, process and outcomes of health services including the safety and efficiency of health care, health insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs, disparities in health care and health outcomes, health systems’ organization and financing, accessibility of care, and the performance of health systems. 

The HPM specialization prepares students for a professional career in health services, policy and management through the provision of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practical experience relevant to the discipline. Students are taught to contribute to advancing the health of populations by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health services in public and private health organizations. The development of critical thinking, applied problem-solving skills, and research methods with a focus on public health challenges and under-served populations is promoted. 

Within the HPM specialization, students select their electives and practicum with a view to focusing on subjects of relevance to policy or management. Practical experiences beyond the course work are a key component of public health education and HPM’s strong ties to leading public health policymakers and organizations provide students with ample opportunities to apply themselves to actual health policy and management challenges in the U.S. and abroad. 

The two-year curriculum includes core public health course work and advanced courses such as: 1) PH 641 Advanced Topics in Health Policy; 2) PH 672 Leading and Managing Health Programs; and 3) PH 677 Managing Global Health Service Delivery. MPH students are also required to complete a fieldwork practicum and a capstone presentation and paper on a topic relating to health policy and management. There are two program pathways within HPM, the traditional in-person program and the asynchronous online program. The online MPH with a specialization in HPM applies the same program philosophy, curricular design and pedagogical methods, but adapted for asynchronous online delivery.

Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health

Indigenous communities, peoples and nations are defined as the first inhabitants of an area and their descendants, who consider themselves distinct from other parts of the present day societies now residing on the territories. At present, many Indigenous people make up the non-dominant part of society, yet remain determined to preserve, develop and transmit their ancestral knowledge to future generations. 

The Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health (NHIH) specialization is designed to provide students with skills and training necessary to serve Indigenous people and assist in addressing their health and wellness needs. Indigenous people throughout the world experience grave health and socioeconomic disparities. Many of these inequities result from historical national and local policies designed to eliminate and/ or assimilate Indigenous people. Knowledge of history, policy, social determinants of health, and ethics is essential to address and eliminate the inequities experienced by Indigenous peoples. 

The NHIH specialization will prepare students for leadership roles in Indigenous health policy, culturally safe health services, and Indigenous health promotion. Graduates will better meet the social and cultural needs of Indigenous peoples, thereby enhancing the quality and effectiveness of health services, policies, and health promotion. The improved quality and effectiveness of Indigenous health services contributes to the reduction of Indigenous health disparities and the improvement of Indigenous peoples’ health. 

Students enrolled in this specialization are required to take advanced level training in Indigenous health policy, ethics, and research design. Students have opportunities to choose from Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health electives in many areas across the campus. Students will participate in on-going research or public health programs with Indigenous communities through the required practicum experience. 

For MPH students specializing in NHIH, the following course work is required: 1) Indigenous Seminar; 2) Native Health Ethics, Law, and Politics; 3) Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems, Environment & Health; 4) Indigenous Applied Research Methods; and 5) Integrative Seminar. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements and in subsequent semesters students take required and elective course work to meet the NHIH competencies, as well as the student’s professional goals. A 240-hour field practicum is required which allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a community public health setting. During their final semester, students prepare a report on their practicum experience, complete a research-intensive final paper, and deliver a public presentation to present their capstone findings. The capstone includes a final oral examination where students demonstrate mastery of program competencies and integration of specialization knowledge. A student-selected advisor and program committee guides the student’s course of study, practicum experience, capstone, and research paper.

Social and Behavioral Health Sciences

Over the last century, chronic diseases have replaced infectious diseases as the leading causes of death and, despite advances in medicine and technology, health disparities are increasing in almost every country. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, unsafe sexual practices, substance abuse, and overexposure to the sun are major contributors to disability and death. Social and systemic factors, such as discrimination, poverty, dangerous living and work environments, and unequal distribution of resources (including health care resources), also affect health status. Course assignments will provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge, practice skills, and enhance computer literacy. Students will also be provided with opportunities to participate in university-based projects and/or collaborate with non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and community groups to promote wellness in Hawai‘i’s diverse communities. 

MPH students specializing in social and behavioral health sciences gain knowledge and skills in health promotion research methods, health communication, biostatistics, models and theories of health behavior change, grant-writing, needs assessment, planning, and evaluation. The first semester focuses on public health core requirements. In subsequent semesters, students take required and elective course work to meet the social and behavioral health sciences competencies, as well as the student’s professional goals. A required 240-hour field practicum allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a community public health setting. During the final semester, students complete an integrative seminar, prepare a capstone paper, and deliver a public presentation as a demonstration of mastery of program competencies and the integration of classroom knowledge and field experience. A student-selected faculty advisor and program committee guides the student’s course of study, practicum experience, and capstone.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health

The PhD in Public Health focuses on community-based and translational research. It prepares students to lead programs and conduct independent investigations addressing public health topics relevant to culturally diverse groups, with an emphasis on those in the state of Hawai‘i and the Asia-Pacific region. Translational research is the investigation of how to successfully transform scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into community applications to reduce disease incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Community-based participatory research in health is a collaborative approach to research that equitably involves investigators and members of the community in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. This approach increases the likelihood that interventions will be embraced by the community and that the community members will gain knowledge, skills, and other benefits from the research.

PhD in Public Health Requirements

All PhD in Public Health students will complete required and elective course work in evidence-based public health, advanced health policy, cultural competence, community-based participatory research, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. They also complete a qualifying paper and exam, mentored teaching and research practica, a comprehensive exam, and a three-paper dissertation. PhD in Public Health students are expected to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international forums. 

An MPH is not required for admission. However, non-MPH graduates need to take courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, U.S. health care systems and policies, health promotion theory and methods, and program planning and management prior to applying or after admission. We encourage applications from candidates who have well-focused research interests and career goals. An academic writing sample and three letters of recommendation are required for application. A few teaching and research assistantships are available for degree candidates. Qualified students may also apply for East-West Center fellowships. Contact Dr. Kathryn L. Braun (Chair) for additional details at kbraun@hawaii.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology

The PhD in epidemiology is comprised of graduate faculty from Public Health Sciences; University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center; Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology; Department of Microbiology; and the Pacific Biosciences Research Center. Candidates who successfully complete this program will be able to teach in academic and other settings, conduct independent and collaborative epidemiologic research, and provide consultative services to academic, not-for-profit, governmental, and private organizations.

PhD in Epidemiology Requirements

Although applicants to this program are not required to have a master’s degree in epidemiology or a closely related field, all applicants are expected to have a strong background in the natural and/or social sciences. Because we look for applicants who are committed to epidemiologic research and practice, past research and related work experience are important factors in selecting candidates. We encourage applications from candidates who have well-focused research interests and career goals. The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) and three letters of recommendation are required for application. Applicants must also include a written statement with the application indicating why they want to pursue a doctoral degree in epidemiology and why they want to pursue this degree here at UH Mānoa.

A prospective applicant is expected to communicate with one of our graduate faculty members in his or her area of interest or with the program’s chair and to be accepted as an applicant by a faculty member prior to admission. The faculty member involved will serve as an interim advisor upon the individual’s admission into the PhD program. A listing of the PhD in epidemiology faculty is available at manoa.hawaii.edu/publichealth/faculty-and-staff. All candidates take a qualifying examination upon completion of all required courses in epidemiology and biostatistics and core courses in infectious diseases and chronic disease epidemiology (usually after their first year of enrollment). This is followed by elective courses in the candidate’s area(s) of interest, a teaching practicum, an oral comprehensive examination, and dissertation research. Candidates should refer to the Catalog for procedural and substantive details.

A few teaching and research assistantships are available for degree candidates. Qualified students may also apply for East-West Center fellowships. Contact Dr. Eric Hurwitz (Chair), at ehurwitz@hawaii.edu for additional details.

Honors and Awards

Cameron & Jeanette Ainsworth Memorial Scholarship
Joseph E. Alicata Award in Public Health
Elmer J. Anderson Professional Travel Award
Chin Sik and Hyun Sook Chung Memorial Award
Mary Guo Memorial Scholarship for Public Health
Abraham Kagan, MD Endowed Fellowship
Lawrence Koseki Award for Excellence in Community Service
Frances Ayako Matsuda Sano Fellowship in Public Health
John McComas and Christine Kobayashi Fellowship Endowment for Public Health
Pauline Stitt Scholarship
Pauline Stitt Outstanding Student Award
Robert M. Worth Epidemiology Scholarship