The MPH is organized around the five core disciplines of Health Policy and Community Health Practice, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Science, and Social Psychology for Public Health. The MPH curriculum also includes 4 cross-cutting or interdisciplinary modules namely: Programme Planning and Public Health Management, Applied Research Methods, Communication & Informatics for Public Health Professionals, and Professionalism & Leadership for Public Health. Great emphasis is placed on research as part of the MPH course of study. Research is conducted over three academic semesters. Candidates are required to defend their research thesis for completion of the course. The Externship period or Practicum component will comprise 240 hours (6 weeks) of placement in a discipline-specific area followed by a placement-based presentation and report.