Professional and Academic Development

Title: Professional and Academic Development Course for Master of Public Health Students

Learning Objectives: 

(1) Attendees will learn how the utilization of Tinto’s First Year Experience model is relevant for graduate school student retention.

(2) Attendees will be provided with examples of student work and student feedback regarding this course and will leave the session with the ability to modify this course to meet specific university needs.

Text:

In 2013-2014, the UNT Health Science Center, School of Public Health developed a Professional and Academic Development course which focuses on the Master of Public Health competencies and skills needed for the practice experience. This course serves a dual purpose: to evaluate student’s current skills and abilities and to prepare them for the practice experience and future employment. This course includes academic topics such as writing and presentation skills as well as professional development content such as networking, communication skills, resume writing, and interviewing skills. In order to provide necessary feedback and to assess skill development, MPH students register for this course over a period of three terms. This course also serves as a prerequisite to the practice experience. 

This course is divided into three components:

1). Academic skills- Writing and Presentation Skills

2). Professional skills-Resume writing, Interview Skills,  and Professional introduction

3). Community/Group Interaction- Community organizations, communication skills, and group work