MPH Customized Program of Study

Educational Objectives:

The MPH customized program is designed for students who are interested in a broad perspective on the science and practice of the population-based approach to health and disease. It allows students the flexibility to tailor programs which meet their individual professional goals and interests.  Such students often already have a specific area(s) of expertise, but also prefer the option of access to a wide range of course content throughout the academic year. Additional reasons for choosing a customized program might include having academic objectives that do not precisely fit into the more structured concentration areas or lack of a firmly predetermined area of focus in public health.

Course of Study:

The only required courses are those included in the core MPH curriculum, with the remainder as 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 academic advisor.

Advisor Assignment:

Students will be assigned an appropriate faculty advisor by the MPH program faculty, taking into consideration each individual student's interests and goals. There is an opportunity for the customized students to express a preference for any Department in the School with which he/she wishes to affiliate and every effort is made to ensure a good match.

Capstone Experience:

The MPH capstone project is a requirement for graduation for all MPH students.  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 will 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 all the Departments in the School on new areas of investigation in their fields, 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

Edyth Schoenrich, MD, MPH, Professor, Health Policy & Management, 410-955-1291