Engaging key stakeholders to assess and improve the professional preparation of MPH health educators.
OBJECTIVE
We described the process of engaging key stakeholders in a systematic review of requirements for a master of public health (MPH) degree within the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, and summarized resulting changes.


METHODS
A benchmarking study of 11 peer institutions was completed. Key stakeholders (i.e., current students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and practicum preceptors) received online or print surveys. A faculty retreat was convened to process results and reach consensus on program revisions.


RESULTS
MPH program changes included (1) improved advising and mentoring program, (2) elimination of research and practice track options, (3) increased elective and decreased required credit hours, (4) replacement of master's paper requirement with "deliverables" (written products such as reports, documents, and forms) produced as part of the required "Capstone" course, (5) extended community field experience to 2 semesters and moved it to year 2 of the program, and (6) allowed practica of either 200, 300, or 400 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Engaging key stakeholders in the program review process yielded important changes to the MPH degree program requirements. Others may consider this approach when undertaking curriculum reviews.
Linnan
Laura A
LA
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. linnan@email.unc.edu
Steckler
Allan
A
Maman
Suzanne
S
Ellenson
Meg
M
French
Elizabeth
E
Blanchard
Lynn
L
Bowling
Mike
M
Yamanis
Nina
N
Succop
Stacey
S
Davenport
Amy
A
Moracco
Beth
B
D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards*; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000592:standards*; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D009657:North Carolina; D016730:Program Development
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