The Practice Based Experience is the culminating series for all MPH students, combining the MPH practicum and capstone project.
Practicum – 2 Credits
Students are expected to complete a practical experience following their first year of required courses. Students will work with the practicum coordinator to find an appropriate site to complete 120 field hours in their chosen area of study. Practicum sites may include health departments or other governmental agencies, medical centers, community-based organizations, related private industry, community-based research projects or research centers. Sponsoring sites designate a qualified member of their staff to serve as the student’s preceptor. Preceptors will guide the student’s experience on site, helping him/her think critically about the meaning of activities, while facilitating interactions with staff and community members.
Requirements & Information
Contact
Jan Gascoigne, PhD | Practicum Coordinator
Jan.Gascoigne@ucdenver.edu
Capstone Experience 1-2 Credits
The culminating academic experience for the MPH program is a Masters Project (or publishable paper) that benefits the community or particular target population. Projects must contribute meaningfully to the current body of knowledge in the field and may include creating a program plan, program evaluation, or policy initiative . The project will often be connected to the practicum experience by addressing a need identified by the host site. The project or paper should relate to a student’s academic goals and professional interests, as well as demonstrate the student’s ability to work independently at the master’s level. The final products will be a professional oral and poster presentation at the CSPH Public Health Forum, and a 8-10 page reflective paper addressing the student’s experience. Students who complete a Masters Project will receive 2 credits for the Capstone Experience that includes the project; students who choose to produce a publishable paper will receive 1 credit for the Capstone Experience and 3 credits (2 denoted as general elective credits) for the paper. Assigned faculty members and site preceptors provide ongoing support and guidance to students during the project.
Requirements & Information
Contacts
Marci Sontag, PhD | Concentration Director, Epidemiology
Marci.Sontag@ucdenver.edu
Lucinda (Cindy) Bryant, PhD | Concentration Director, Health Systems, Management and Policy
Lucinda.Bryant@ucdenver.edu
Dennis Lezotte, PhD | Chair, Biostatistics and Informatics
Dennis.Lezotte@ucdenver.edu