Program overview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at Union Adventist University is an MPH generalist program consisting of 42 graduate-level hours and takes 2 years of full-time, in-person study to complete (including one summer).

The advantage of a complete in-person program is direct instruction from experienced faculty, faculty mentoring, participation in faculty lead community-based research, student interaction, and facilitated field trips and job shadowing.

Being on the ground in Nebraska's capital city provides a dynamic backdrop to learn about public health. Lincoln is home to the State of Nebraska's public health agency, the Lincoln-Lancaster County health department, two local health care systems including hospitals and clinics, and many elementary, middle and high schools. There is a mix of city, county and state government, faith-based groups, philanthropic organizations, and a variety of community-based agencies serving the diverse people of this refugee resettlement community. This extensive collection of partners opens innumerable opportunities for networking, job shadowing, practicums, and field trips.    

Outcomes

• Analyze public health disparities and opportunities through a Christian viewpoint;
• Evaluate a variety of individual, social, and environmental factors that impact population health;
• Demonstrate knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods and sciences in describing and assessing a population’s health;
• Use reflective practice to analyze the importance of evidence in advancing public health knowledge;
• Apply theoretical knowledge through experiential learning.

Foundational Competencies

Applied Practice Experience (APE) 

All MPH students complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) which is a minimum of 160 hours that may be in government, healthcare, non-profit, for-profit, university, or other organization that is primarily focused on community engagement. Students must demonstrate at least five competencies, of which at least three must be foundational. The remaining two (or more) could be foundational or concentration-specific competencies. The APE must demonstrate at least two practical, non-academic work products and on validating that the work shows attainment of the designated competencies.

APE examples include project plans, grant proposals, training manuals, lesson plans, presentations, etc. The APE can be used to build resume and work experience in public health.

Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) 

All MPH students will complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) at the end of their studies that demonstrates synthesis of foundational and concentration competencies. Students in consultation with faculty select foundational competencies appropriate to the students educational and professional goals.

The ILE represents a culminating experience and may take many forms, such as a practice-based project, essay-based comprehensive exam, capstone course, etc. The student produces a high-quality written project, such as program evaluation report, training manual, policy statement, legislative testimony with accompanying supporting research, etc. 

The ILE can be used to build resume and work experience in public health practice.

Meet the team