Customized Program of Study
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-Charitha Gowda
Educational Objectives
The customized approach to the MPH degree is designed for students who seek a broad perspective on the science and practice of the population-based approach to health and disease. It provides students the flexibility to tailor programs to meet their individual professional and personal goals. Students who choose the customized approach often have specific area(s) of expertise, and yet prefer the option of access to a wide range of course content throughout the academic year. They also may have academic objectives that do not fit precisely into the more structured concentration areas. A few may lack a firmly predetermined area of focus in public health.
Course of Study
The only required courses are those included in the core MPH curriculum. The remainder are considered tailored electives. Students seeking guidance in choosing elective courses related to specific content areas may wish to consult the course recommendations listed in the MPH concentrations and certificate programs. As is true for any student, the course of study outlined in the student's goals analysis exercise must be approved by the student's formal academic advisor.
Advisor Assignment
Each MPH student will be assigned an appropriate faculty advisor by the MPH program faculty, taking into consideration each individual student's interests and goals. Every effort is made to ensure a good match between student and faculty interests. Customized students have the opportunity to express a preference for any Department or Center in the School with which he or she wishes to affiliate.
Capstone Experience
The MPH capstone project is a requirement for all MPH students for graduation. It is an opportunity to work on public health projects that are focused on highly individualized interests. The goal is to synthesize, integrate and apply in a variety of public health formats the skills and competencies that have been acquired during the period of study. Completion of this project includes a written report and oral presentation. It is completed under the guidance and supervision of the academic advisor or an especially chosen capstone advisor. The requirements for the capstone are registration for 2 credits in the term in which the capstone project is completed. The MPH Capstone Course number is (XXX.800), with xxx being the code association with the primary Department of the capstone advisor. If the project involves more than two units of academic effort, the student should register for additional research special studies credits (XXX.840) with the capstone advisor.
Customized Meetings
Customized students will meet as a group, usually on a Monday at noon, the exact calendar dates to be determined. These meetings provide an academic and professional "home" for the customized students and an opportunity to interact with other students and faculty with a broad range of interests. The format of these meetings will vary and range from seminars, to student research-in-progress meetings, to open discussions of student issues. The somewhat formal seminars will include presentations by faculty members representing various Departments in the School covering new areas of investigation in their fields. These are followed by informal discussion and questions. The research-in-progress format provides the opportunity for students to report on their progress and obtain constructive advice from colleagues.
All customized students are invited to these meetings, although attendance is not required. Students are encouraged to bond and support each other throughout the year.
Customized Faculty Directors
Susan Tonascia, ScM, Senior Scientist, Epidemiology, 410-955-3785, stonasci@jhsph.edu
Edyth Schoenrich, MD, MPH, Professor, Health Policy & Management, 410-955-1291, eschoenr@jhsph.edu