Both the M.P.H. and the M.H.A. are practitioner-oriented degrees that have as their emphasis the improvement of policy and practice. Competencies related to these professional degrees focus on application and on policy leadership. The M.S. and the Ph.D. are research-oriented degrees that have as their emphasis the advancement of knowledge. Competencies related to these academic degrees focus on research methodologies and on scholarly leadership. The School maintains a Biometrics Laboratory, which works in collaboration with the University Biostatistics Program and primarily serves students and faculty members of the School of Public Health, other departments in the College of Medicine and Public Health and the University, and many health agencies.
Students have the opportunity to serve as assistants in the laboratory.
Extensive computer facilities and data processing equipment are available. Students may work in research programs initiated in the School, the clinical departments of the College of Medicine, the Ohio Department of Health, the Columbus Health Department, and other health agencies. The University libraries, with holdings of more than 4 million print volumes and 2.7 million microforms, are available to all students. The School offers graduate associate appointments, which are awarded on the basis of scholastic merit and provide a monthly stipend and payment of tuition for three quarters of full-time enrollment. Faculty members with research funding often offer student stipends based upon the individual researcher's needs and interests.