title: "We're living what we're learning": student perspectives in distance learning degree and certificate programs in public health.
abstract: The authors used surveys and interviews to study participants' motivations for enrolling and perceptions of the weaknesses and strengths of two distance learning programs administered by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health (SPH): the MPH in Public Health Leadership and a certificate program organized collaboratively with the Mahidol University SPH in Thailand. Chief motivations were career advancement, job performance improvement, convenience, and obtaining a degree from a reputable institution. Strengths included the curriculum, networking opportunities, and administrative and technical support. Concerns included quality of interaction with faculty and instructional methods.
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Institute for Public Health, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Cannon
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Umble
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steckler
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007857:Leadership; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009657:North Carolina; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000193:education*; D012581:Schools, Public Health / Q000458:organization & administration; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand