Curriculum
The Master of Applied Science in Spatial Analysis for Public Health is an interdisciplinary online degree. Faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health contribute to the program via course development, teaching, and advising students. The topics and concepts allow graduates to effectively design and conduct public health-related spatial analysis by applying knowledge and tools learned in the program.
Students will complete 50.5 credits to graduate. The program is designed to be completed in 8 academic terms - two academic years (Sept-May). In addition to the coursework, students must complete an Integrative Activity, where newly acquired knowledge and skills are used to create an applicable activity (e.g., design a study, plot the map and analyze the data) – with a final paper that describes the methodology used and the final assessment.
Academic program requirements include the 0.5 credit course The Role of Qualitative Methods and Science in Describing and Assessing a Population's Health which is currently offered during first, second and third terms each year. Students can take this at any point during the program, but MUST complete the course prior to graduation. The MAS degree cannot be awarded until this requirement (and all others) has been completed.
MAS Student Handbook
The Master of Applied Science (MAS) Programs Student Handbook provides essential information, policies, and procedures about MAS and Certificate programs
Program Competencies
By the end of the program, students should be able to:
- Interpret and critique epidemiologic studies addressing public health problems
- Apply measures of morbidity and mortality to the evaluation and comparison of the health of populations
- Synthesize how geography affects public health
- Obtain and transfer information from spatial data technologies into a database appropriate for mapping
- Utilize a geographic information system to map and spatially integrate public health related databases
- Analyze and interpret maps using tools from the field of spatial statistics to describe and interpret distributions of health outcomes in a population
- Design and implement a spatial analysis protocol for addressing a public health problem
Curriculum Structure
| Academic Year | Academic Term | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Curriculum (24 Credits) | 0 | Introduction to Online Learning (IOL, 0 credits, required)
|
| 1 | Academic and Research Ethics (0 credits, required) Offered multiple terms: The Role of Qualitative Methods and Science in Describing and Assessing a Population's Health* (.5 credits, required) | |
| 2 | Spatial Data Technologies for Mapping (4 credits) Seminars in Public Health: Advanced Topics (2 credits) | |
| 3 | Introduction to Epidemiology (4 credits) Professional Development Workshop: Writing for Professionals (2 credits) | |
| 4 | Public Health Statistics 1 (4 credits) Spatial Analysis Lab 1 (2 credits) | |
| Year 2 Curriculum (26 credits) | 1 | Public Health Statistics 2 (4 credits) Offered multiple terms: The Role of Qualitative Methods and Science in Describing and Assessing a Population's Health* (.5 credits, required) |
| 2 | Intermediate Epidemiology (4 credits) Spatial Analysis Lab 2 (2 credits) | |
| 3 | Applied Spatial Statistics (4 credits) Spatial Analysis Journal Club (2 credits) | |
| 4 | Spatial Applications (4 credits) Integrative Activity (4 credits) |
* offered each year 1st, 2nd and 3rd term, shown in first term for year 1 and 2 above as a reminder
Preparing Students for Online Learning
Introduction to Online Learning is a free, mandatory prerequisite for all online courses offered. It’s open to prospective students and designed to give a thorough view into what the online experience on CoursePlus will be like. It also prepares students and faculty for success on the first day of class since everyone is already acclimated to the technology. Introduction to Online Learning will allow students to:
- Ensure all tools and applications are properly installed
- Troubleshoot any component that may not work properly
- Experience the online tools for peer-to-peer and instructor communication
- Become familiar with the coursework structure and learning management system
The course takes between 1-4 hours to complete, depending on the student's skills working online. LiveTalks are online, synchronous learning events that occur in online classes offered via CoursePlus. There is one, optional LiveTalk during each offering of Introduction to Online Learning. The optional session lasts for one hour. In order to complete the requirements for this course, you can either attend the live, optional LiveTalk session or watch the recording of the session once it is posted. Everything is done online. You will not be in a classroom in Baltimore. For details on the course, including assignments and requirements for completion, please see the Syllabus page.
Ready to test-drive online courses at BSPH? Register for this course. Students can take this free course at any point before or during the application process!
Get in Touch
Request more information or call us at 410-955-3543 to speak with an admissions officer. You can also reach us via email at BSPH.Admissions@jhu.edu.