Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why choose the Executive Program in Public Health Practice?
The Executive Program in Public Health Practice (EPHP) offers working professionals with advanced degrees or the Public Health Certificate in Core Concepts an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to understand, assess, and manage population health in public health, health care, and human services settings.
Many students will use their public health knowledge and skills to enhance effectiveness and opportunities in their current work or career path. Population science is an increasingly valued area of expertise in many health and human service organizations.
2) Who is eligible for the program?
Applicants must have significant work experience in the area of health or human service; and an advanced degree, such as and MS, MD, DDS, DVM, PharmD, or PhD or a Public Health Certificate in Core Concepts.
3) How long does the program take?
On an average EPPHP students complete the program in 3.5 years. Students have seven (7) years to complete the program and some students complete it in as little as 12-16 months, attending full-time.
4) How often do I need to be on campus?
Students may complete the core curriculum (14 cr) online or in-class and students can expected to complete their elective courses by attending one or two – three week Public Health Institutes (PHI) offered during the May Session. The May Session usually is in the last week in May and first two weeks in June. The rest of the curriculum is available online.
Public Health Institute
Online Learning
5) What is unique about the Executive Program in Public Health Practice?
The EPPHP is a 42 cr program and it is a flexible curriculum that allows you to tailor the curriculum to enhance your interest and career goals. It is designed to complement your practice.
6) What courses do I have to take?
All EPPHP students are required to complete the 18.3 – 23.5 cr core curriculum, which includes: biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, health services administration, ethics, social/ behavioral sciences and field and MPH culminating experiences.
7) Can I choose any courses?
The rest of the 18.5 – 23.5 credits are electives courses that you choose based on your interest and career goals. The School of Public health offers a wide range of elective courses. You can focus your elective credits in one or two area or take a variety of electives.
Some of the focus area are:
- Cultural competency
- Infectious disease
- Food protection
- Public health policy
- Public health systems
- Preparedness, response, and recovery
- Public health leadership
Or you may complete an established Interdisciplinary Concentrations in:
Global Health (GHIC)
Public Health Policy (PHPIC)
Health Disparities (HDIC)
Or complete courses that reflect the wide breath of depth of public, reflecting your career goals and interest.
The majority of elective courses are offered at the Public Health Institute which is held during the three weeks May Session in late May and early June. A wide range of current and timely topics are taught at the Public Health Institute, i.e., World Food Problems, Social Epidemiology, Hot Topics in Food Traceability. Other elective courses are offered online or in-class during the fall and spring terms.
8) It is a flexible program?
You can attend full or part time, take online or in-class courses, depending on your location, schedule and availability.
9) How is it to take an online course?
To get acquainted with the online Moodle course software – go to http://www.oit.umn.edu/moodle/looks/index.htm and visit a live demo course site on the right side in the grey box, titled “Cooking with Chocolate site.”
10) What is the Public Health Institute (PHI)?
The Summer Public Health Institute provides professionals and students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a chosen field of study in a variety of formats.
It is offered during the May Session, usually late May and early June, for 3 weeks on campus. The PHI offers in-class courses in a concentrated format and you may come for one week or all three weeks depending on your availability.
11) Is housing available during PHI? I don’t live in the Twin Cities.
Yes, you may rent a dorm room on campus. For more information go to http://www.sph.umn.edu/ce/institute/info/.
12) You will meet new colleagues.
The Public Health Institute provides an opportunity for professionals from multiple disciplines to connect and immerse themselves in emerging public health issues. It provides the perfect environment to network and establish life-long relationships. You will attend courses with DDS, DVM, MD, and health care students along with public health professionals.
13) What makes the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota the right choice?
The University of Minnesota, School of Public Health is among the top 10 schools of public health in the nation. The faculty are internationally recognized for their innovative research and teaching effectiveness. Our wide-array of academic programs, rich research portfolio, and connections to the community, makes us an attractive choice for students seeking an advanced degree in public health.
14) How much does the Executive Program in Public Health Practice cost?
It cost approximately $35,000 to complete the Executive Program in Public Health, but this will be influenced by how many terms you registered and the rate of tuition.
15) How many students are accepted into the program each year?
The Admission Committee may admit as many applicants that qualify for the program.
16) How many students are in the program?
There are over 80 students in program and each student customizes the electives to fit their individual interest and career goals.
Student quotes:
“It is a very friendly program to people looking at earning an MPH while working full time”
– Nawal Abul-Khoudoud, MD, MPH
– Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
**
“As a practicing veterinarian of 20+ years, I found the curriculum at once broadening and stimulating. I am no longer a narrowly tracked employment candidate with “mature” credentials. I am well prepared to compete in the public practice arena.”
– Arnold Goldman, DVM, MPH
– Canton, CT
**
“Excellent Program”
– Karen Schaar, MPH
– Rochester, MN