Department of Maternal and Child Health (MPH, DrPH)

Frank Franklin, MD, MPH, PhD, Professor and Chair

Faculty

Professors: Franklin, Kirby, Pass; Associate Professors: Ehiri, Kulczycki, Mulvihill;  Assistant Professors: Altarac, Gilliland

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Department prepares students for three distinct career paths: 1) MCH epidemiology and analytical skills, 2) MCH program administration, policy and advocacy, and 3) international/global MCH. This department focuses on promoting and enhancing the health of children from birth to adulthood, their families and communities, with the goal of improving the overall health status of this and future generations.

Emphasizing the practice-based application of prevention-oriented public health principles, the curriculum prepares students to undertake research, to plan, implement and administer programs, and to develop and guide policies to assure the health of children and families throughout the life cycle.  A multi-disciplinary approach is used in teaching, research, and community service activities in order to develop the analytical, administrative, advocacy/policy, and leadership skills needed to prepare for present and emerging roles at community, state, national, and global levels in government, academic, and private sectors.

The educational and research foci of the department encompass the content areas of perinatal and reproductive epidemiology; child health and development; the health of children with chronic conditions and special health care needs; the health of adolescents and women of childbearing age; and family and community health.  The skills taught are needs assessment and performance measurement; program administration, development, management and evaluation; population-wide health status monitoring and surveillance; MCH epidemiology and analytical research methods; demography; GIS; child health economics; nutrition, community outreach, advocacy and coalition-building; and policy development and analysis.

Career Opportunities

The health and developmental needs of mothers, children and their families is a traditional focus of public health.  Individuals who combine an in-depth knowledge of the health problems faced by children and their families, with skills in data analysis, needs assessment, program development and MCH epidemiology, management, evaluation, policy analysis, and advocacy are in great demand.  Graduates of this department find positions in local, state, federal and international agencies; in healthcare organizations; in academic institutions; and in advocacy, professional, and other public and private organizations.