Graduate Prerequisites: SPH PH720 or instructor permission. - This course will introduce students to neighborhoods of Boston or the greater Boston area, and provide opportunities for acquiring and practicing community assessment skills with an eye toward advancing health equity. We address the fundamental question: How do public health scientists and practitioners demonstrate that a health issue in a community warrants intervention? Students will learn to consult the literature, large data sets (such as the U.S. Census, hospitalization data, vital records, and national survey data) and geographic/mapping data, as well as conduct key informant interviews or surveys and site visits to assess health promotion needs and assets of a specific neighborhood and groups. The course will culminate in the production of a community needs assessment report integrating the various sources of data gathered over the course of the semester.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.