Maternal and Child Health

Maternal and child health focuses on promoting and preserving the health of families, including mothers, children, and adolescents. Mothers and children have been among the most vulnerable populations and addressing their needs requires expertise in theories of human growth and development, and social ecology. The program has both a standard, on-campus curriculum (with the option of an Epi emphasis) and an online curriculum.

This expert knowledge is combined with the skill areas of public health (epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, research ethics, management and behavioral sciences) to assess MCH needs; develop, manage, and evaluate MCH programs; and formulate and advocate for effective policies in areas such as reproductive and perinatal health, and health of children, adolescents, and families.

MCH professionals work to identify and promote social and environmental conditions contributing to the health of families, mothers and children. They develop public health programs that may include health promotion and disease prevention, as well as primary care services.

The MCH program draws from a legacy in Minnesota; a long record of accomplishments in improving the health status of mothers, children, adolescents, and their families in Minnesota, the upper Midwest, and the nation. The MCH faculty and community leaders are especially concerned about race- and status-based income disparities and social inequalities.