Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health available on the ODU Main Campus in Fall 2007

The MPH Degree Program

Beginning with the fall 2007 semester, a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialty track in environmental health will be offered on the main campus of Old Dominion University. Coursework leading to the MPH degree has been offered by ODU in partnership with EVMS since 1997. However, this is the first time all degree requirements will be available on the ODU main campus, in keeping with Old Dominion University's commitment to provide increased access to educational programs for our community based partners, Additional sites, such as the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center, will also be used for instruction beginning with the fall 2007 semester.

The courses leading to the MPH degree will be available in a blend of traditional and non traditional teaching methods. This hybrid model is ideal for those professionals currently engaged in public health practice, such as sanitarians and environmental health specialists who wish to earn an advanced degree for increased career mobility or to update professional skills and competencies. Other prospective candidates for the MPH are ODU alumni with a Bachelor's of Science in Health Science degree (BSHS). Individuals with a baccalaureate degree in public health, environmental health, and public administration will also find this course of study appealing.

Accreditation

The State Council on Higher Education for Virginia approved the MPH program in 1999. The MPH program has been fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), since 2000. That accreditation was renewed in 2005 for seven years. The Environmental Health specialization has applied for accreditation from the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). A favorable decision is expected in June of 2007.

The MPH Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Public Health Program is to provide students with public health knowledge and skills for population-based research, management of health programs and organizations, and the community practice of public health and to provide leadership for improving the public's health in Virginia.

Program Goals

The MPH Program has six goals that address the education, research, service, and program performance components of the Program.

• Offer students the education necessary to develop, promote and successfully achieve public health objectives;
• Ensure that all Program graduates can demonstrate knowledge and skill in the core areas of public health;
• Prepare students to practice successfully in diverse health service, academic, and research settings;
• Foster opportunities for faculty and students to develop and participate in research targeted towards expanding the knowledge base for improving the public's health and in the delivery of public health services;
• Collaborate and consult with community agencies and other organizations that are committed to improving the public's health;
• Evaluate, assess, and continuously improve the education, research, and service activities of the Program.

Program Objectives

The primary objective of the MPH Program is to have students successfully complete the academic course of study, develop and implement a community based capstone project that demonstrates knowledge of the role of public health in promoting and improving the health of populations.  If these objectives are met, the student will have displayed the skills needed to assume a responsible and accountable position not only in the public health sector but also in the leadership of public health related and non-profit organizations.

MPH Faculty

Program faculty are drawn from the community and from all five schools of the College of Health Sciences.  This multidisciplinary assembling of faculty reflects one of the core beliefs of public health practice:  public health is population health.  Successful pubic health practitioners must be exposed to and aware of that fact that most events impacting the health of populations do not originate in the health sector.  Community based faculty provide the operational perspective students need to apply the theory taught by College faculty.

The MPH in Environmental Health: What to expect; Life after graduation

Whether a newly graduated with a BS, an adult currently employed in the public health sector, or someone desiring a career change, MPH graduates with a specialization in environmental health can expect to find numerous work options.  A brochure from the National Environmental Health Science Protection and Accreditation Council (www.ehac.org) pointed out that:

"Environmental health professionals work at a variety of local, state and federal environmental and public health agencies, as well as with private industry, consulting firms and not-for-profits."  The brochure also listed some of the specific professional career options available with a degree in environmental health.

• Environmental Health Director for a Cruise Line;
• Environmental Health Manager for a city, regional, county or state health department;
• Environmental Protection Specialist for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
• Volunteer for specialized work in the Peace Corp;
• A consultant for environmental consulting companies;
• An environmental health specialist in a variety of international organizations;
• Occupational safety and health positions at the state level.