2.2 Program Length

2.2.a. Definition of a credit
2.2.b. Minimum requirements for all professional degree programs
2.2.c. Number of M.P.H. degrees awarded with fewer than 42 semester credits
2.2.d. This criterion is met.

2.2.a. Definition of a credit

The School, following University policy, considers one semester credit to be 50 minutes of classroom/contact time per week for 15 weeks.

2.2.b. Minimum requirements for all professional degree programs

Beginning with Fall Semester 2007, all professional degree programs will require a minimum of 42 semester credits.
Prior to the 42-credit minimum, each of the degree programs has designated its own required number of credits based on curricular demands. The School generally has required courses in the following categories:
Six core areas of public health: 14 – 19 credits (includes the five core areas of public health plus ethics, as required by the School)
Required core classes in the major: varied
Electives: 12 credits
The table below (2.2.c.) shows the range of credits required by each program over the past three years.

2.2.c. Number of M.P.H. degrees awarded with fewer than 42 semester credits

In Fall 2007 the School will implement a new 42-credit minimum for all M.P.H. degrees. Prior to implementation of the new standards, there were four professional programs that granted degrees with fewer than 42 semester credits (see Table 15 below). Prior to 2007 accelerated programs were targeted to individuals with prior professional degrees or substantial public health experience relevant to the curriculum. With the new minimum requirement, students may complete an M.P.H. program requiring fewer than 42 credits only on an individual exceptional basis through petition. Such an exception requires faculty review and approval.

Table 15: MPH/MHA Degrees – Required Minimum Credits
Required Minimum Credits	2004–2005	2005–2006	2006–2007
Biostatistics	38	38	42
Environmental Health Sciences Standard	30	30	42
Epidemiology Standard	45	45	48
Epidemiology Accelerated	31–32	31–32	34–35
Community Health Education	48	48	48
Maternal and Child Health Standard	48	48	48
Maternal and Child Health – Epi Emphasis	47	47	48
Maternal and Child Health Accelerated	31–32	31–32	31–32
Public Health Nutrition 13 months	33–35	34–37	34–37
Public Health Nutrition 16 months	35–37	36–39	36–39
Public Health Nutrition 24 months	41–56	42–76	42–83
Public Health Administration & Policy Standard	50	50	50
Public Health Administration & Policy Accelerated	36	36	42
Executive Program in Public Health Practice	35	35	42
Veterinary Public Health	42	42	42
Public Health Medicine	41	41	42
Healthcare Administration MHA	60	60	60

2.2.d. This criterion is met.

Strengths

As of Fall 2007, all of the School’s professional degree options will require a minimum of 42 semester credits.

Weaknesses

None.

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