Strengthening an MPH Program for the 21st Century via Strategic Planning

With ASPPH’s publication of “A Master of Public Health Degree for the 21^st Century” Report in January 2014, schools and programs of public health have a clear roadmap for modernizing their MPH programs. This roadmap emphasizes interdisciplinary core courses, in-depth concentration areas, and concentration-related practicum and culminating experiences. In order to modernize its CEPH-accredited MPH program, Northwestern University’s Program in Public Health leadership is engaged in a strategic planning process. This session details the methods, recommendations, and draft implementation plans for Northwestern’s MPH strategic planning initiative.

Located in the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern’s MPH Program was launched in 1996 as a generalist dual degree program for MD students. The program has evolved to include PhD/MPH students, part-time standalone MPH students with health professions experience, and beginning in June 2014, accelerated 1-year standalone MPH students. Most courses are taught in the evening to accommodate the schedules of dual degree and working professional students. While the program’s multiple student types and flexible scheduling are both assets and central to the Northwestern MPH identity, they also present unique challenges for program modernization.

The Program in Public Health’s strategic planning initiative addresses these challenges to Northwestern’s MPH identity and structure. The MPH Program Director conducted an environmental scan, interviewed key internal and external stakeholders, consulted with an advisory committee, and discussed strategic plan drafts with a diverse set of student, staff, faculty, and partner groups. A key plan recommendation is to develop two initial MPH concentrations in community health and epidemiology that include (1) required and selective courses and (2) related practicums and culminating experiences. Implementing these and other strategic recommendations will move Northwestern’s MPH into closer alignment with ASPPH’s vision for a 21^st century degree program.