MPH Individualized Goals Analysis

The purpose of the MPH Individualized Goals Analysis requirement is to give you an opportunity to effectively plan your MPH education early in your program with the support and guidance of your faculty advisor. This project is intended to be a living document, one which you and your advisor review and update as you make changes in focus and direction. It should also serve as a springboard for discussion of career opportunities as the year progresses.

The final product of this requirement is a paper (2-3 pages in length) and a completed MPH curriculum checklist detailing the goals and objectives, an academic plan, and an assessment of how this plan will meet your stated goals.

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Deadlines

Students beginning the program in June 2008 are required to complete this project by Friday, July 25, 2008.

Students beginning the program in July 2008 are required to complete this project by Wednesday, October 8, 2008.

Students beginning the program in Barcelona\Fall 2008 and in January 2009 are required to complete this project by Friday, February 27, 2009.

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Steps to Complete the Individualized Goals Analysis

In order to fulfill the requirements of the Goals Analysis course, students are asked to complete the following steps in close collaboration with their advisor:

Step 1: Briefly explain what knowledge, skills, and experiences you bring to the program.

Step 2: Identify your goals for your education by explaining what you hope to gain in terms of knowledge, skills, personal and professional contacts, and other experiences while a student in the MPH program. Review the list of MPH core competencies with your advisor. You are encouraged to identify additional competencies particularly relevant to your professional future. Describe one or more potential capstone project topics and identify possible faculty mentors.

Step 3: Complete a "working copy" of the MPH Curriculum Planning and Tracking form by developing a tentative course plan for your entire MPH program. Identify what courses and special studies you intend to take and when you plan to complete your courses. Course descriptions in the catalog indicate when courses are generally offered. Your tracking sheet should include a tentative list of electives you plan to complete.

Step 4: Carefully review your paper and a hardcopy of the tracking sheet with your advisor to ensure the proposed curriculum is not only feasible, but that it meets program requirements. Assess if your curriculum plan is aligned with the goals you identified in Step 2.

Step 5: In order to complete your Goals Analysis requirement, your paper and tracking form must be submitted electronically to the MPH Program Office.

Before you submit the electronic Goals Analysis form, make sure that your advisor has approved your project. When you submit the electronic form, your advisor will automatically receive an email message from the MPH Office acknowledging his/her approval of your project. Submit your Individualized Goals Analysis online by clicking here.