Core Competencies

Profession & Science of Public Health

Explain public health history, philosophy and values
Identify the core functions of public health and the 10 Essential Services
Explain the role of quantitative and qualitative methods and sciences in describing and assessing a population’s health
List major causes and trends of morbidity and mortality in the US or other community relevant to the school or program
Discuss the science of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in population health, including health promotion, screening, etc.
Explain the critical importance of evidence in advancing public health knowledge

Factors Related to Human Health

Explain effects of environmental factors on a population’s health
Explain biological and genetic factors that affect a population’s health
Explain behavioral and psychological factors that affect a population’s health
Explain the social, political and economic determinants of health and how they contribute to population health and health inequities
Explain how globalization affects global burdens of disease
Explain an ecological perspective on the connections among human health, animal health and ecosystem health (e.g., One Health)

Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health

Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice
Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate
Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice

Public Health & Health Care Systems

Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings
Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels

Planning & Management to Promote Health

Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health
Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs
Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention
Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management
Select methods to evaluate public health programs

Policy in Public Health

Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence
Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes
Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations
Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity

Leadership

Apply principles of leadership, governance and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision making
Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges

Communication

Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors
Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content

Interprofessional Practice

Systems Thinking

Assess the application of health information technology to epidemiology, public health research and program evaluation
Critically compare and contrast health planning processes at the national and local levels
Assess the ethical impact of public health programs and research on vulnerable populations
Critically review the scientific evidence behind a specific environmental or occupational health practice or intervention
Write a grant proposal appropriate for submission to a local funding opportunity