The Health Sciences Department Public Health (BSPH/MPH) Program Annual Assessment Report to the College of Health and Human Development 2018-2019

Abstract

The Health Sciences department Public Health (BSPH/MPH) program 2018-19 annual assessment report to the College of Health and Human Development for the Office of Academic Assessment and Program Review. Externally accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health (CEPH) at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the department prepared and submitted in self-study to CEPH. Indirect measurements of student competency reveal that BSPH graduating students are most confident in their abilities to contribute to the development of program goals and objectives (3.6/4), communicate public health information (3.6/4), and describe use of evidence for program planning (3.6/4). Students had the least amount of confidence in their abilities to identify prominent events in history of public health (3.2), describe the role of government agencies in health (3.1), and gather information to evaluate policies, programs, and services (3.3). Preceptor evaluation of BSPH students indicate "a high level of student knowledge of public health theory and principles (4.3 on a 5-pt scale with 1 unsatisfactory and 5 outstanding) and ability to apply health education skills and techniques (4.4). MPH students reported being the most confident in the areas of understanding social determinants of health (3.7), program planning (3.6), communicating public health content to the public (3.7), and performing effectively in teams (3.6). Students reported the least amount of confidence with applying evidence-based approaches (3.1), administering and managing public health programs (3.2) and applying principles of leadership, governance and management in organizational settings (3.2)—results that are reported as being consistent with the 2017-18 surveys. Plans for 2019-20 include preparing for indirect longitudinal assessments via student entrance and exit surveys, and exploring the use of actual student class work for direct assessment.