Focus Area Planning Guide
When you applied to the Executive Program in Public Health Practice, you were asked to define a “focus” area. Some students have precise plans as to the areas in which they wish to concentrate; others are more generalized. However, for your MPH program to have the most meaning, it is imperative that you have a focus area that relates directly to your educational and career goals.
How do you sharpen your focus area so that it has relevance to your educational program?
1. Re-read the letter of intent you wrote when you applied to this program.
2. Read this guide carefully and consult with other resources. For instance, you may wish to conduct informational interviews with public health leaders to discuss your professional goals.
3. Ask for the names of students in the Executive Program or alumni who have career goals similar to your own and compare notes on potential course work.
4. Review the Competencies Feedback Project by the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice. This website provides information about Public Health domains and core competencies in current public health practice including policy development, community interventions, applications of knowledge, and program planning and management. What you discover in this website will give you a sharper perspective on what you wish to accomplish in your MPH program. You are encouraged to view this website early in your program.
5. Review the many courses offered through the School of Public Health in the University Catalogs under Public Health.
After completing the above tasks, meet with your academic advisor to complete the EPHP Focus Area Planning Form (or see Appendix B of your guidebook). Upon the completion of this meeting, you should have a precise description of your focus area and an agreement on specific courses (13 credits minimum) as well as a preliminary understanding of what you might wish to accomplish in your master’s project.
Please note that your academic progress is documented by the completion and signing of various forms that can be found in the appendices section of the Student Guidebook. These forms will become a permanent part of your file. Before the Master of Public Health degree is awarded, all forms must be signed by the appropriate individuals. It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that the forms are discussed with his/her academic advisor and filed at appropriate times with the Major in Public Health Practice and/or the School of Public Health. A copy of each form should be submitted to Anne Ehrenberg, Public Health Practice Instructional Coordinator.
If at any point in your studies your educational expectations are not being achieved, please discuss your concerns with your academic advisor. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, please consult the Director of the Executive Program, Dr. James Hart.
Last modified on Wednesday Aug 15, 2007