MPH Program Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, are now responsible for the greatest proportion of deaths in the United States and globally. In addition to their effect on mortality, chronic diseases have an enormous impact on disability, quality of life, lost productivity and are a major contributor to health disparities. The economic costs of chronic diseases create an enormous burden on individuals, the communities they live in and our health systems

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program, with a concentration in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga trains public health practitioners and researchers to serve as leaders in public and private health agencies in the prevention and control of chronic diseases. The program draws upon the strengths of faculty within the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, as well as leaders across campus including the University of Tennessee Medical College, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Learning and Leadership, Social Work, Business Management, Political Science and Public Service and Psychology.

Our MPH program, with a concentration in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, integrates a biological, behavioral, and ecological perspective to understand how physical activity, proper nutrition and other health behaviors impact the development of chronic diseases at the community, national, and global level. Our program of study :

• strategically aligns with the core functions in public health (assessment, policy development, and assurance)
• provides exposure to conducting essential public health services in a variety of settings,
• trains students to be innovators, advocates and leaders in addressing problems related to chronic disease,
• engages students in collaboration with community partners at every step of their training.

A major focus of our MPH program is to connect students to a multitude of experiences working directly with community partners to apply classroom learning in real world settings. Our students are immersed in public health experiences in large health systems, community health centers, parks departments and local non-profit organizations to combat the growth of chronic diseases in urban and rural communities across southeastern Tennessee.