Skills that pay the bills: Integrating skill-development into BSPH course curricula

Millennials are achievement driven and strive to succeed (Worley, 2011). They often view college as a stepping-stone to academic and career success. Therefore, at the University of South Florida, faculty teaching Bachelors of Science in Public Health (BSPH) courses incorporate many skill-based learning opportunities within the classroom setting to promote academic understanding and skill development. These targeted projects promote activities and assignments that transcend the classroom experience and set a trajectory for future success. The following are a sampling of skill-building exercises that enhance BSPH courses at the University of South Florida:

1) Delivery of speeches to promote oral communication,

2) Development of infographics to improve digital delivery of research and data,

3) Creation of Letters to the Editor to promote targeted writing that promotes public health advocacy,

5) Navigation, preparation, and planning for continuing education through participation in virtual graduate school fairs,

6) Evaluation and critical review of sources to improve understanding of health promotion and disease prevention strategies utilized worldwide,

7) Analysis of qualitative data to encourage data collection and synthesis of research, and

8) Evaluation of professional posters and creation of topic centered posters to enhance presentation and delivery of data.

Students who engage in skill-building activities and assignments gain mastery over a wide array of competencies to promote academic achievement and job acquisition. In addition to completing these class activities and assignments, faculty encourage students to develop portfolios highlighting their proficiency in these skills. Thus, BSPH programs that promote skill-building better prepare students for the public health job market post-graduation.