University of New England

Degree: Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) and Graduate Certificate, Public Health

College: Osteopathic Medicine

Contact: For information  about the application process for the Graduate Programs in Public Health please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions,  mailgradadmissions@une.edu or 1-800-477-4863.

For curriculum and program information, contact the Graduate Programs in Public Health Office, 1-207-221-4463.

Overview
The Graduate Programs in Public Health include both the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH). The programs are designed to provide graduate-level education in the disciplines associated with public health to working adults, traditional students, health professionals and medical students. The format includes online web-based distance learning, part-time capability, one 3-day on-campus summer-intensive course, and other aspects to make the program both flexible and useful to students interested in graduate-level education in public health, regardless of where they live. Students will be required to present their practicum results on campus prior to graduation, unless special arrangements are made with the director and instructor.

The Master of Public Health is a 45-credit hour curriculum designed to enhance student's skills in a variety of professional areas including analysis, communication, program development and public health practice and management. All program courses from the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are transferable to UNE's MPH degree program.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is an 18-credit hour program providing students with the core public health science they need to either enhance their professional knowledge or to pursue a graduate degree in the field.

Mission Statement
The Graduate Public Health Program's mission is to improve the health and promote the well being of individuals families, and communities, through education, research and service.

Program Goals

Accreditation
The Master of Public Health and the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are programs approved by the Maine State Board of Education and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The programs have been approved to start the self-study process (pre-accreditation) by the Council of Education for Public Health.

Application for admissions into the Master of Public Health program and GCPH, must be submitted with all supplemental materials (transcripts, reference letters, etc.) to Graduate Admissions, University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103.  Deadlines for applications are April 1 (summer admission), June 1 (fall admission), or October 1 (spring admission).  Only entirely complete applications by the due date will be considered by the Admission committee. Incomplete applications will be rolled to the next semester for consideration of possible admission. Current UNE students applying for the MPH or GCPH as a second major need to contact the graduate admissions office for application procedures.

Prerequisites
Prerequisites to participating in the MPH/GCPH include, but are not limited to:

Requirements

Procedures and Policies
Application procedures to be admitted to the program consists of the following steps:

1. Complete the Graduate Programs in Public Health application (initial and supplemental) forms online (preferred) or submit to Graduate Admissions, UNE, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME  04103.
2. Submit the non-refundable $40 application fee with the form.  The fee must be in U.S. funds and may be submitted by check, money order, or cash.
3. Compose and submit a goal statement (500-700 words) that describes applicant's  personal development, future public health professional goals, relevant professional experience, and interest in graduate studies in public health.
4. Include a current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
5. Arrange to have three references completed and forwarded to the address above. (Two from professionals who have observed your work and one from a supervisor or recent faculty member in Math or Science). References should substantially address the applicant's qualifications for graduate public health study.
6. Submit official transcripts of all college and post-secondary attendance.

7. International students must provide an official TOEFL Score of 550 or higher, paper test; 213 or higher, computer; or an official minimum Cambridge Test score at level 6. Also required are official post-secondary transcripts, translated into English (if necessary). It is recommended this evaluation be conducted and sent by World Education Services, Inc., of New York City. These materials must be submitted before applications can be considered for admission.

Immunization 
University policy and Maine State law requires that immunization documentation be submitted upon acceptance into Graduate Programs in Public Health. A Confidential Immunization Questionnaire will be sent to students once admitted. The completed questionnaire must be returned prior to beginning the first course. Registration to courses will not occur until completed. Even though courses are online, students may need to interact with their communities for course projects and immunizations must be up-to-date to protect the student as well as their contacts in the community.

Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students who do not wish to seek a degree may enroll in individual courses. Students may enroll in a maximum of two courses as a non-matriculant. Students wishing to take more than two courses in the program must apply to UNE and be accepted into the program prior to enrolling for the third course. Students cannot move from non-matriculated to matriculated status within the same semester.

To enroll as a non-matriculated student, a completed course registration form is all that is required. Matriculated students registered by the stated deadlines will be given priority over non-matriculated students in cases where courses are filled to capacity.

There is no application fee; however, students admitted under this status will pay an additional non-refundable program fee of $25 per semester. Please request a registration form from the GPH office.

Transfer Credit
Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) Program: Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (a maximum of six semester credits) into the program.

Master of Public Health (MPH) Program: Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to 9 semester credits into the program.

Transfer courses must:

Advanced Standing
Students who have earned a certificate of graduate study in public health from another institution within the last five years, can apply for admission to the MPH program with advanced standing. The MPH program will grant advanced standing when a faculty review determines that the courses are equivalent to the UNE certificate courses, and that student's transcripts reflect a B or better in all core public health courses.

UNE graduate certificate-matriculated students in good standing, may apply to the MPH program and request advanced standing at any time during the certificate program. UNE graduate certificate students can apply for advanced standing in the MPH program within five years of completing the graduate certificate program in Public Health.

1. Analytical Skills: Developed through Principles of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Care Economics,** and Public Health Financial Management courses along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
   
   a. Define a problem.
   b. Determine the appropriate use of data and statistical methods.
   c. Select and define variables relevant to defined public health problems.
   d. Evaluate the integrity and comparability of data and identify gaps in data sources.
   e. Understand how data illuminate ethical, political, scientific, economical, and overall public health issues.
   f. Understand basic research designs used in public health.
   g. Understand the analysis of capital projects and priority setting. 
   h. Analyze financial information and present cases identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending a course  of action.**
2. Communication Skills: Developed through Social and Behavioral Health, Organizational Theory and Behavior** and Health Literacy** courses and in term papers, written projects, class presentations, group projects, and online discussions along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
        
   a. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
   b. Present demographic, statistical, programmatic, and scientific information accurately and effectively.
   c. Solicit input from individuals and organizations.
   d. Lead and participate in groups to address specific issues.
   e. Demonstrate understanding of communication, planning, and decision-making, and how they effect organizational   performance.**
   
3. Population Development/Program Planning Skills: Developed through Public Health Administration, Health Care Information Systems** and Practicum** courses along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
        
   a. Collect and summarize data relevant to an issue.
   b. Research policy at local, state, national, and international levels.**
   c. Articulate the health, fiscal, administrative, legal, social, and political implications of policy options.
   d. State feasibility and expected outcomes of policy options.
   e. Decide on the appropriate course of action.
   f.  Write a clear and concise policy statement.
   g. Develop a plan to implement the policy, including goals, outcome and process objectives, and implementation steps.
   h. Translate policy into organizational plans, structures, and programs.
    i. Identify public health laws, regulations, and policies related to specific programs.
    j. Develop mechanisms to monitor and evaluate programs for their effectiveness and quality.
   k. Demonstrate an understanding of ethics and its role in public health policy, program design, and implementation.**
   
4. Cultural Skills: Developed through Principles of Epidemiology, Social and Behavioral Health, Introduction to Public Health Concepts, International Health**, and Public Health Ethics, Policy and Law** courses along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
        
   a. Identify the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in determining disease, disease prevention, health promoting behavior, and medical service organization and delivery.
   b. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply the principle of cultural sensitivity, and cultural competency in public health practice.**
   c. Understand the dynamic forces contributing to cultural diversity.**
   d. Demonstrate the ability to identify the cultural factors that contribute to disease prevalence and re-emergence.**
   e. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of global trade on world health status.**
   
5. Community Dimensions of Practice Skills:  Developed through Public Health Administration, Introduction to Public Health Concepts, Organizational Theory and Behavior**,  Social and Behavioral Health, Community Based Participatory Research** courses along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
    
   a. Establish and maintain linkages with key stakeholders.
   b. Utilize leadership, teambuilding, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills to build community partnerships.
   c. Collaborate with community partners to promote the health of the population.
   d. Identify how public and private organizations operate within a community.
   e. Accomplish effective community engagements.
   f. Identify community assets and available resources.
   g. Develop, implement, and evaluate a community public health assessment.
   h. Describe the role of government in the delivery of community health services.
   
6. Basic Public Health Science Skills: Developed through Introduction to Public Health Concepts, Social and Behavioral Health, Community Based Participatory Research**, Public Health Administration, Epidemiology, Introduction to Environmental Health, and Biostatistics courses along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
       
   a. Define, assess and understand the health status of populations, determinants of health and illness, factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention, and factors influencing the use of health services.
   b. Understand research methods in basic public health science.
   c. Apply the basic public health sciences including both behavioral and social sciences, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, environmental public health and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases and injuries.
   d. Understand the historical development and structure of federal, state, and local public health agencies.
   e. Describe genetic factors in common and complex disease.**
   f. Understand the mission and perspectives of public health and how this role has evolved in the context of political, economic, and social milieu over the past one hundred years.**
   g. Identify and describe the major institutions and organizations involved in public health.**
   h. Understand the mechanisms of public health management: leadership, organization, community assessment, data management, communications, and research.**
   i. Understand the mechanism of public health services delivery: chronic disease control, tobacco control, substance abuse control, dental disease control, infectious disease control, environmental health, primary care, maternal and child health, injury control and laboratory services.**
   j. Understand the issues that will determine the future of public health.
   
7. Financial Planning and Management: Developed through Public Health Administration and Public Health Financial Management** courses along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
      
   a. Develop and presents a budget.
   b. Manage programs within budget constraints.
   c. Apply budget processes.
   d. Develop strategies for determining budget priorities.
   e. Monitor program performance.
   f. Prepare proposals for funding from external sources.
   g. Apply basic human relations skills to the management of organizations, motivation of personnel, and resolution of conflicts.
   h. Manage information systems for collection, retrieval, and use of data for decision-making.**
    i. Negotiate and develop contracts and other documents for the provision of population-based services.
    j. Conduct cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, and cost utility analyses.**
   
8. Leadership and System Thinking Skills:  Developed through Public Health Administration, Introduction to Public Health Concepts, Organizational Theory and Behavior, and  Public Health Policy, Law and Ethics courses along with other learning experiences throughout the curriculum.
   
   a. Create a culture of ethical standards within organizations and communities.**
   b. Help create key values and shared vision and uses these principles to guide action.
   c. Identify internal and external issues that may impact delivery of essential public health services (i.e. strategic planning).
   d. Facilitate collaboration with internal and external groups to ensure participation of key stakeholders.**
   e. Promote team and organizational learning.
   f. Contribute to development, implementation, and monitoring of organizational performance standards.**
   g. Use the legal and political systems to effect change.**
   h. Apply theory of organizational structures to professional practice.**
   

Courses
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health includes the following required Core courses:

In addition to these six core courses, the Master in Public Health courses include:

Internships/Practical Experience
Students employed in applicable public health settings are encouraged to use their own worksite for practicum placements.  Projects must be approved by the director and instructor.  Additionally, a variety of organizations have indicated support for this program and a desire to serve in this capacity. The City of Portland Public Health Division, Healthy Community Coalitions, Maine Center for Public Health, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Maine Center for Disease Control, Divisions of Community Health and Family Health have offered to be practicum placement sites.

Sample Projects in which Master of Public Health students could engage:

Academic Policy
Repeat Grades
Most courses in the Graduate Programs in Public Health are offered once per year. If a student fails to meet the minimum required grade (B-), s/he is allowed to repeat the course: however, s/he must wait until the next time that course is offered in the schedule. Students repeating the course, must complete the registration process and pay the tuition.

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript. All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester and academic period in which they are enrolled. However, only the second or last course taken will receive credit on the student's transcript, and only the second or last grade received will calculate into the cumulative GPA.

Grade Scale and Program Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program.  A student receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) has the option to re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- (80 pts) or better. Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program.  GPH 742 (Integrated Public Health Practicum) will be on a high pass, pass or fail grading system.

Incomplete Grades
Students are expected to complete all course work by the appointed end date of the course. Under extenuating circumstances, a student may petition the course instructor and program director or designee, in writing, for a temporarily-assigned Incomplete (I) grade. The petition must include an expected date of course completion agreed upon by the instructor and student, and may not exceed four weeks following the end of the term course. The I grade must be changed within the time limit imposed by the course instructor, but no more than four weeks following the end of the course. The I grade defers computation of credits for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F grade for the course. In exceptional circumstances (death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be reviewed and signed by the program director and academic dean. 

Course withdrawal
Students may withdraw from a course prior to the course start date by notifying the program office in writing. As all courses officially begin on a Saturday, students must notify the program office  during business hours no later than the Friday prior to the start date. A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. Course withdrawals will result in tuition refunds based on short-term courses refund schedule noted in the Financial Information for Graduate Programs.  Non-matriculated students will forfeit their registration fee. Not logging into a course does not constitute a withdrawal.

Audit Policy
A student may, with prior consent of the instructor and the Graduate Programs in Public Health director or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and program director or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e., part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.

Leave of Absence
Students must enroll and successfully complete at least one course per school year. A leave of absence (LOA) for a specified period of time, not to exceed one (1) academic year, may be granted to a matriculated student with the authorization of the academic dean, program/school director or designate and upon completion of the required Request for Leave of Absence form available from the respective program/school director, COM Student Affairs,  or the Office of the Registrar (UC). Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Policy on leave of absence tuition credit is found in respective Financial Information sections of this catalog.  This LOA period is considered as part of the six years to complete the MPH or three years to complete the GCPH.
Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the appropriate academic dean or program/school director (graduate) or Registrar (undergraduate) to indicate change of plans.

University/ Program Withdrawal
All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from your respective program/school director, COM Student Affairs, or the Office of the Registrar (UC). Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities. Student responsibilities include: (a) knowledge of the University's policies regarding refund of tuition and/or fees as stated in your respective catalog; (b) return of University identification (ID) card to the Office of Student Affairs; (c) return of any University keys in your possession to the appropriate departments. The University reserves the right to withhold the issuance of refunds and transcripts until the process has been completed. Following withdrawal, any student wishing to re-enroll at the University of New England must apply through the Office of Admissions.

Academic Dishonesty
The University of New England regards academic integrity as an essential component to the educational process. Charges of academic dishonesty will be handled through the dean of the appropriate College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office.  Call 207 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

To qualify for completion of and receive the Graduate Certificate in Public Health students must:

To qualify for completion of the program and receive the Master of Public Health (MPH) students must:

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2008-2009 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2008.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.