Redesigning the Johns Hopkins DrPH program: Inputs from prospective employers and students

Background: Inspired by the Framing the Future taskforce vision, we conducted market research to inform the redesign of the Johns Hopkins DrPH program. We assessed the perspectives of two stakeholder groups (prospective employers and students) regarding potential directions in the redesign of the program, specifically (1) desirable skills and competencies for DrPH graduates; (2) teaching approaches and program elements (3) design features that support public health practitioner participation. Methods: We conducted an online survey of 161 MPH alumni and in-depth interviews with 19 employer respondents at international, federal and state organizations employing DrPH graduates. Findings: While both respondent groups agreed on the importance of quantitative analytical and evaluation skills, employers also highly valued critical and systems thinking, and communication skills that were less valued by prospective students. Employers recognized the importance of well-mentored practice opportunities, and valued a final research-based dissertation, but argued that DrPH dissertations should be practice-oriented eg. implementation research and evaluation. On balance students preferred a part time program, but wanted to complete it in a timely fashion (4-5 years). Conclusion: The study reinforces the recommendations of the Framing the Future taskforce, and provides concrete suggestions about how to implement these. We reflect on how findings have informed the redesign of the Hopkins DrPH.