The MPH Program for Experienced Professionals (PEP) is the oldest MPH program in the state of Ohio, and has graduates in many leadership positions in the state and beyond.
PEP has both on-campus and distance learning components. The on-campus component takes place one three-day weekend each month during the academic year. In addition, there are on-campus classes during a few weekends in the summer.
The distance learning component of the program is accomplished through activities on the Internet. Each course has a website that allows you to access course materials, communicate with the instructor and other students, take quizzes, and submit assignments. This makes it possible to reduce traditional class time without losing the essential interactions between faculty and students, and increase the frequency and effectiveness of interactions among the students in the program.
The MPH curriculum can be completed in two years. The program is designed to begin in the summer with one introductory course. You will then take two courses per quarter during the regular academic year (mid-September to mid-June).
The second summer is left open for a practicum placement (though you may also take electives at that time). In the second academic year you will again take two courses per quarter, and may simultaneously complete your culminating project.
Eligibility
Admission to the Program for Experienced Professionals is limited to persons who meet one of these conditions:
- Bachelor’s degree or above, with at least two years of health-related work experience.
- Doctoral degree in a field relevant to public health, with at least one year of health-related work experience.
Curriculum
The MPH requires a minimum of 60 credit hours for graduation, whether in the PEP or full-time format. The specific PEP course requirements recognize the needs and interests of more experienced students, with emphasis on general preparation for positions of leadership in public health. View Sample Program (courses subject to change).
Required Courses (40 credits)
- Public Health Organization (4 credits)
- Epidemiology for Experienced Health Professionals (4 credits)
- Preventing Disease and Promoting Health Through Behavioral Science (4 credits)
- Principles of Environmental Health (4 credits)
- Statistical Methods for Public Health Practice I (4 credits)
- Statistical Methods for Public Health Practice II (4 credits)
- Health Care Organization I (4 credits)
- Introduction to Health Policy (4 credits)
- Program Evaluation in Public Health (4 credits)
- Financial Management of Public Health Programs (4 credits)
Practicum (4 credits)
The practicum or field practice placement is a required project that is intended to expand your scope of knowledge and experience in the field of public health. The project entails working onsite at an organization with a public health related mission. The project is defined and approved jointly by the student, faculty advisor, and onsite preceptor. The College's Office of Practice Education and Career Services assists each student in finding an appropriate practicum, recognizing both the special constraints and richer experience of PEP students.
Culminating Project (4-8 credits)
The PEP culminating project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize knowledge and experience gained in the academic program. You will work with your advisor to complete one of two options: 1) a grant proposal, targeted to an identified funding source for a public health program or project, or 2) an applied research project dealing with a public health question.
Electives (8-12 credits)
The remaining credit hours are elective, and are selected with the guidance of a faculty advisor. Electives may be drawn from any of the courses offered in the College of Public Health, or with prior approval, from courses offered in other Ohio State University departments or in other universities. The College of Public Health is committed to offering a variety of elective courses in versions accessible to PEP students; some will employ a distance learning format, while others may be taught in weekend or evening hours. Thus a potentially vast array of electives is possible, depending on the student's interest and prior preparation.
How to apply
Click here for information on how to apply to programs in the College of Public Health.
