Values, Concepts & Ethics

The values, concepts and ethics of the Program are:

a. A strong commitment to training students who are prepared to enter or re-enter the
workforce as competent public health practitioners who effectively contribute to promoting,
preserving, and restoring health in the community in which they work. This value is
operationalized through the MPH Program Competencies, course offerings, the Public
Health Internship, and the MPH Research Project.

b. A strong emphasis placed on collaborative models of program planning, teaching,
research, and service in public health. This value is demonstrated through the composition
of the Program core and adjunct faculty, a student body with diverse backgrounds and
interests, the maintenance of strong ties with diverse University and community public health
practitioners, and models presented in MPH courses.

c. A strong community orientation, maintained through strong links with state and local
public health agencies, including recruitment of public health directors as Program faculty,
research preceptors, and guest lecturers in the Program.

d. An emphasis on understanding and working to meet the needs of underserved
populations. This is evidenced by means of course objectives, recruitment of Program
faculty who demonstrate a strong commitment to service in their professional practice, and
program support for student interest in service. Until 2005, the Program had a 20-hour
service requirement for students, and most placements were in organizations serving
underserved populations. The newly developed Public Health Internship will continue to
familiarize students with the needs of all populations.