Graduate Prerequisites: SPH PH720 or instructor permission. This course is for advanced MPH students. This course explores the role public health practitioners can play in advocating for programs and policies to improve the public's health and examines strategies and techniques to promote the adoption of public health policies through legislation or regulation. It first introduces the concept of advocacy and its relationship to the practice of public health. It then reviews the theory and practice of community organizing, including basic organizing philosophy, building coalitions, community empowerment, and basic strategies for community change. It then covers the public policy making process, the role of public opinion in public policy formation, the role of the news media in setting the policy agenda and in framing issues, the role of marketing and public relations in shaping public opinion, and the influence of lobbying at the federal, state, and local levels. Students learn basic skills in community organizing, grassroots mobilization, policy analysis, media advocacy, and legislative lobbying.

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