Minor in Public Health

After the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a global emphasis on public health. Unfortunately, within Iraq this has not been the case because of a general lack of medical and other professionals who are knowledgeable in public health. Providing our students with minor in Public Health not only allows them the advantage of leadership skills and opportunities in health management and development, but it also decreases the gap in public health professionals in the region. Developing Medical lab scientists, pharmacists, dentists, business managers, or political analysts with knowledge and awareness of public health will inevitably catalyze greater development of the health sector in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

As mentioned above, there is a huge gap in Iraq for public health specialists. Students who pursue this minor, will have multiple opportunities for employment. If students are taking a health major, this minor provides them with skills and knowledge to pursue leadership roles within health facilities, in addition to health development with the government, as well as Non-governmental organizations. The public health minor also will expose students to concepts of public health research and epidemiology, which again is a necessary field that has a significant shortage of professionals

This minor aims to act as a culmination of multidisciplinary teaching for multidisciplinary problems. The courses include multiple departments, including the medical sciences, math and natural sciences, and social sciences. The proposed minor and the courses within are designed to provide students with skills that span the variable disciplines in order for them to become well rounded, knowledgeable and critical public health individuals. The minor will apply theoretical knowledge to real life problems, and will provide students with the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice

Currently, we have no public health program in the region or the country, so this program will be unique in offering the opportunity to get a high-quality public health education. 

Minor Core Curriculum Requirements:

Minor Electives (Select two courses) (MLS students should choose three courses)