Public Health and Health Sciences Department

Click on any of the following programs for information:

• Ph.D. in Health Sciences
• Master of Public Health
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate
• Child & Adult Advocacy Studies Graduate Certificate
• Public Health Graduate Certificate

School of Health Sciences
Lee Medical Building #302
Phone: 605-658-6500
Fax: 605-677-6745

Ph.D. Health Sciences
Program Director- Ph.D. Health Sciences: Kory Zimney, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Contact: phdhs@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/usd-online/online-programs/doctor-of-philosophy-in-health-sciences

Master of Public Health/Certificate
Program Director: DenYelle Baete Kenyon, Ph.D.
MPH/Cert: health@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/publichealth

Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Program Director: Ryan Groeneweg, Ed.S., BCBA 
bcba@usd.edu

Child & Adult Advocacy Studies
Program Director: Kelly Bass, D.S.W., M.S.W., CSW-PIP, ACS
caast@usd.edu
 

Ph.D. FACULTY ADVISORS 

Haifa AbouSamra, Ph.D., RN, CNL, FAAN
Musheera AnisAbdellatif, MD, Ph.D.
Kelly Bass, D.S.W., M.S.W., LCSW-PIP, ACS 
Patti Berg-Poppe, PT, Ph.D., NCS
William Chen, MD, Ph.D. 
Melissa Dittberner, Ph.D. 
Amy Elliott, Ph.D. 
Barbara Goodman, Ph.D.
Karen R Hebert, Ph.D., OTR/L
Victor C. Huber, Ph.D., BBS
Moses Ikiugu, Ph.D. 
Becca Jordre, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Dana Judd, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Joy Karges, PT, Ed.D., M.S., CLT
DenYelle Baete Kenyon, Ph.D.
Anne Kleinhesselink, D.N.P.
John Korkow, Ph.D., LAC, SAP
Sabina Kupershmidt, Ph.D.
Adam Ladwig, PT, DPT, Ph.D. 
Tanya Liu, PT, DPT, Ph.D. 
Whitney Lucas-Molitor, Ph.D., OTD 
Bill Mayhan, Ph.D. 
Jessica McHugh, Ph.D., M.S., OTR/L
Wade Nilson, Ed.D. 
Ranelle Nissen, Ph.D., OTR/L
Anne Pithan, Ph.D.
Susan Puumala, Ph.D.
Soonhee Roh, Ph.D., M.S.W., LMSW
William Schweinle III, Ph.D.
Jewel Shephard, Ph.D. 
Mandy Williams, PH.D., CCC-SLP
Jean Yockey, Ph.D. 
Kory Zimney, PT, DPT, Ph.D.

MPH FACULTY

Professor:

DenYelle Baete Kenyon, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor:

Shelby Jepperson, MPH, CPH

Senior Lecturer:

Susan Puumala, Ph.D.

Instructor:

Chelsea Wesner, M.P.H., M.S.W.

BCBA FACULTY

Aimee Deliramich, Ph.D.
Ryan Groeneweg, Ed.S., BCBA 
Darcie Knight, Ed.S., BCBA, LBA
Kimberly Marso, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

CAAST FACULTY

Associate Professors:

Kelly Bass, D.S.W., M.S.W., LCSW-PIP, ACS
Shana Cerny, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L
Carrie Sanderson, J.D., MPA

DEGREES

Health Sciences (Ph.D.)  
Master of Public Health  

CERTIFICATES

Board Certified Behavior Analyst  
Child & Adult Advocacy Studies 
Public Health  

Ph.D. in Health Sciences Program Description:

The interprofessional Ph.D. in Health Sciences is designed to prepare practicing health care professionals to assume leadership roles in academia, research, and/or health and human services practice settings.  Designed for working professionals, features of the program include:

• Up to 30 credits from an institutionally-accredited institution (including USD) may be considered for transfer from a master’s or professional doctorate, subject to approval by the Program Director and the Graduate Committee.
• Core curriculum comprised of four content threads: Teaching, Leadership and Healthcare Issues, Discipline Related, and Research (including dissertation);
• Ability to tailor learning to meet individual career aspirations and research interests through elective coursework, projects completed within courses, and the dissertation;
• Online course delivery with limited expectations for face-to-face contact. Resident experiences include an initial orientation, a one-week Dissertation Boot Camp, and defense of the dissertation;

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Completion of a Master’s or higher degree in health or human services related field from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better on that conferred degree, based on a 4.0 scale. Graduate programs may admit students on provisional status per University policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 53 on the PTE is required for graduate admission. 
5. Statement of purpose (embedded questions in GradCAS application) outlining why an applicant is interested in the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

5. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.
6. Successful completion of a criminal background check upon acceptance.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the above criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Application Deadline:

• February 15
  • Fall start

Top candidates who meet the application deadline may be selected for Phase 2, which includes a writing sample. They will receive instructions via email by mid-April. 

The selection process is competitive. A limited number of seats are available annually based on the availability of faculty to serve as dissertation mentors in the applicants’ interest area.

Master of Public Health Program Description:

The Master of Public Health program at the University of South Dakota develops public health practitioners and leaders to address public health needs of rural and underserved communities. Offered online and in partnership with South Dakota State University, the program adopts an interprofessional approach in addressing the five core areas of public health: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Services Administration, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Environmental Health. The Master of Public Health degree is the most widely recognized professional credential for practice and leadership in public health.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. Though no specific major is required, adequate undergraduate preparation in social, health, or biological sciences is recommended. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 53 on the PTE is required for graduate admission. 
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement. Statement of purpose for studying Public Health (include career plans relative to the Master of Public Health).

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
7. Successful completion of a criminal background check upon acceptance.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Start
  • Priority Deadline: March 1
  • Final Deadline: May 1

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate Program Description:

Prepare for careers in schools and behavioral health settings as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). This 2-year certificate program establishes a pathway for both professionals or current students who possess or are pursuing a master’s degree or higher. BCBAs are professionals with specialized training in applied behavior analysis who provide systematic, evidence-based services to promote socially significant skill acquisition and address behaviors that interfere with successful functioning. Become a leader in an educational or behavioral health settings where behavior analysts support individuals of all ages and are key interdisciplinary members that work alongside educators or other related health providers. Successful completion of the USD BCBA Certificate Program will fulfil one of the major requirements needed prior to sitting for the national exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Applicants to our program must be aware of the other requirements that must be completed including the proof of a Master’s degree or higher from an approved university and completion of 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience hours.  Please review these additional requirements which can be located at the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application. 
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Completion of a master’s or higher degree from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. Current students pursuing a master’s degree or higher may also apply. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on a conferred degree or on all graduate coursework for current USD students pursuing a master’s degree or higher is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 53 on the PTE is required for graduate admission. 
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose and goal for becoming a BCBA®. This statement should summarize why an applicant is interested in certification as a Behavior Analyst, how life experiences led to your interest in this field, and aspirations for future work within the field.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations from family members are not accepted. While not necessary, recommendations from professionals who supervise, practice, or work closely within the field of applied behavior analysis are encouraged. Recommendations should be obtained from a.) Current or recent employer/co-worker b.) Academic/professional c.) Personal/character reference.
7. Current resume.
8. Successful completion of a criminal background check upon acceptance.

Top candidates for the certificate program may be selected for a second-round interview. Upon acceptance students are required to show proof of comprehensive personal health insurance and comply with all immunization policies as required by USD Health Affairs.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Application Deadline:

• June 1
  • Fall start

Child & Adult Advocacy Studies Graduate Certificate Program Description:

Students completing the Child & Adult Advocacy Studies (CAAST) graduate certificate will be better equipped to accomplish the work of related agencies (social work, criminal justice, nursing, etc.) as they advocate on behalf of victims and survivors of maltreatment. The certificate focuses on interdisciplinary, ethical, realistic and culturally sensitive content that provides professionals working with vulnerable populations a foundation for responding to maltreatment. Students will learn about the various disciplinary responses to maltreatment and will develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the most efficient responses.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application for all students. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 53 on the PTE is required for graduate admission. Applicants from or who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from English-speaking countries are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score if their academic records after review indicate that English was the classroom language for their schoolwork.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the above criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis. 

Application Deadline:

• December 1
  • Spring start

Public Health Graduate Certificate Program Description: 

Ideal for students in health professions and related programs, this certificate will explore fundamental concepts in public health theory, epidemiology, and application of public health concepts through programming. Expand your knowledge of public health and understand the application of public health concepts in relation to clinical and related practices. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application for all students. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. Though no specific major is required, adequate undergraduate preparation in social, health, or biological sciences is recommended. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework. 
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 53 on the PTE is required for graduate admission. 
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement. Statement of purpose for studying Public Health (include career plans relative to public health).

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6.  Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Application Deadlines:

• Four weeks before the start of the semester
  • Fall, Spring, and Summer starts

Student Learning Outcomes for Public Health (M.P.H.)

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

5. Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings
6. 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

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

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

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

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

21. Perform effectively on interprofessional teams  

22. Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue  

1. Environmental Health: Utilize risk management and risk communication approaches in evaluation of environmental health issues.
2. Project Management: Apply project management principles to public health programs.  
3. Community Collaboration: Develop strategies using a community-informed approach to address health equity in rural and/or medically underserved communities.
4. Advocacy: Propose state/tribal/local policy change to address an identified gap in rural and/or medically underserved communities.
5. Communication: Create a compelling health equity story using innovative multimedia communication methods. 

Student Learning Outcomes for Health Sciences (Ph.D.)

1. Conduct original scholarly investigations and disseminate impactful new knowledge in health science discipline or interprofessional services. 
2. Critically synthesize and integrate knowledge from the health sciences and the graduate’s professional discipline.
3. Integrate basic principles of ethics and inclusivity within all interpersonal and professional activities.  
4. Serve as experts within the health sciences professions.  
5. Provide leadership in research, education, health care, and health policy. 

Programs

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Graduate Certificate
• Child & Adult Advocacy Studies Graduate Certificate (CAAST)
• Health Sciences (Ph.D.)
• Public Health (M.P.H.)
• Public Health Graduate Certificate