Master of Public Health

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Introduction

The Master of Public Health (MPH) at SIMAD University prepares professionals to analyze, design, and lead evidence-based responses to pressing health challenges in Somalia and comparable low-resource, post-conflict settings. Grounded in the core disciplines of epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, health systems, and ethics/communication, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical leadership, and innovation. It aligns with national priorities and global frameworks, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 3 (good health and well-being). Two specialisations—Epidemiology and Health Policy & Management enable students to develop depth for roles spanning surveillance, programme design, policy analysis, service delivery, and health system governance.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

Build and integrate foundational knowledge across epidemiology, biostatistics, public-health ethics/communication, research methods, and health systems.
Develop specialised competencies in either epidemiology or HealthPolicy & Management to address defined national and regional health priorities.
Design, implement, and evaluate public-health research and programs using rigorous epidemiological and statistical methods.
Exercise ethical leadership and policy analysis to strengthen governance, accountability, and decision-making in health services and systems.
Translate scientific evidence into population-level prevention, health promotion, and policy solutions that support UHC and SDG targets.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

– Apply epidemiologic reasoning and statistical analysis to investigate population health problems and appraise literature.

– Design methodologically sound studies; manage, analyze, and interpret quantitative/qualitative health data; and communicate findings to technical and policy audiences.

– Analyze health-system functions (governance, financing, service delivery, workforce, information) and recommend context-appropriate reforms.

– Uphold ethical principles and effective risk/health communication in research, surveillance, and emergency response.

– Plan, monitor, and evaluate public-health programs; synthesize evidence into policy briefs and implementation guidance.

Human Resources and Facilities

Faculty: Multidisciplinary academic team with expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, environmental/occupational health, health economics/financing, health systems/governance, M&E, and public-health ethics/communication.

Learning resources: Lecture and seminar rooms; computer/statistics labs supporting SPSS/Stata/R; access to digital libraries and journals; learning management system for blended delivery.

Practice ecosystem: Linkages with ministries, hospitals, NGOs, and public-health agencies for guest teaching, data access, field projects, and supervised practicum placements

Exam Regulations

– Module assessment: Continuous assessment (assignments, presentations) + end-semester exams.

– Academic integrity: All assessments governed by university policies on originality, ethics, and conduct.

– Practicum: Based on supervisor reports, reflective logs, deliverables, and presentation.

– Thesis: Proposal approval, supervised research, dissertation, originality check, oral defense.

– Progression & remediation: Students progress upon passing prescribed modules; make-up/retake opportunities per university policy.

– Grading & GPA: GPA thresholds and degree classification per university regulations.

Award of the Degree

To be awarded the Master of Public Health (MPH), a candidate must:

Complete core, specialization, electives, practicum, and thesis with the minimum GPA required.
Satisfy ethical and research compliance requirements.
Demonstrate English proficiency (B2 via Linguaskill or approved IELTS/TOEFL).
Clear all financial and administrative obligations.

Core Courses (14 CU)

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Units
MPH 601	Foundations of Public Health	3
MPH 602	Epidemiology for Public Health Practice	3
MPH 603	Research Methods in Public Health	3
MPH 604	Biostatistics for Public Health	3
MPH 605	Public Health Ethics and Communication	2

Epidemiology Specialization (17 CU)

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Units
EPI 611	Principles & Methods of Epidemiology	3
EPI 612	Infectious Disease Epidemiology	3
EPI 613	Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology	3
EPI 614	Data Management & Analysis	3
EPI 615	Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology	2
EPI 616	Field Epidemiology & Surveillance	3

Health Policy & Management Specialization (17 CU)

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Units
HPM 621	Policy Analysis & Development	3
HPM 622	Health Economics & Financing	3
HPM 623	Health Systems Management & Governance	3
HPM 624	Monitoring & Evaluation of Health Programs	3
HPM 625	Health Law, Ethics & Policy Governance	2
HPM 626	Strategic Planning & HRM in Health	3

Elective Courses (Choose any two, 4 CU total)

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Units
MPH 606	Global Health & Development	2
MPH 607	Mental Health & Psychosocial Support	2
MPH 608	Public Health Nutrition	2
MPH 609	Climate Change & Health	2
MPH 610	Maternal & Child Health	2

Applied Components

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Units
MPH 611	Field Practicum/Internship	4
MPH 612	Research Thesis/Project	6

Applicants are expected to meet the following:

– A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., public health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, statistics) from a recognized institution, normally with a strong academic record.

– Demonstrated quantitative and/or research aptitude (coursework or experience).

– A current CV, statement of purpose outlining public-health interests in the Somali/regional context, and two referees (academic or professional).

Semester Fees: USD 533
Tuition Fees: USD 3,200 for two years

The school has three intakes
January, May, September