91AV

Overview

The Graduate Programs in Public Health include both the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH). The programs are designed to provide graduate-level education in the disciplines associated with public health to working adults, traditional students, health professionals, clinicians, pharmacy and medical students. The format includes online web-based distance learning, part-time capability, and other aspects to make the program both flexible and useful to students interested in graduate-level education in public health, regardless of where they live. Students will be required to present their practicum results via video conferencing or in person prior to graduation.

The Master of Public Health is a 46-credit hour curriculum designed to enhance student skills in a variety of professional areas including analysis, communication, program development and public health practice and management. All program courses from the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are transferable to 91AV's MPH degree program.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is an 18-credit hour program providing students with the core public health courses they need to either enhance their professional knowledge or to pursue a graduate degree in the field.

Program Goals
Educational

1. Provide students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for individuals engaged in professions related to public health.
2. Provide a program that is based on the attainment of defined student competencies.
3. Provide a public health education for professionals active in the area of health.
4. Provide a program to upgrade the skills and competencies of current public health professionals.
5. Provide a program that is convenient in its delivery and accessibility, regardless of where students live or work.
6. Provide faculty development activities.

Research

1. Implement a public health research program commensurate with faculty interest and program areas of concentration.
2. Provide students with research learning opportunities that allow for meaningful participation in the generation of new knowledge in the program's areas of interest- including rural delivery systems, health disparities, chronic disease prevention and environmental health.

Service

1. Provide opportunities for students to perform community service with public health focus.
2. Encourage faculty members to share their expertise in service activities as  public health professionals.

Workforce Development

1. Monitor and address the public health related workforce development needs and potential solutions.
2. Collaborate with Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Geriatric Education Center (GEC) and the Health Literacy Institute.

Program Development

1. Recruit and select students with diversity in ethnicity, race, age, gender, experience, and personal goals for the program who meet or exceed academic requirements for the program.

The Master of Public Health program is accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). The Master of Public Health and the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are programs approved by the Maine State Board of Education and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is a 46-credit graduate program of the 91AV’s College of Graduate Studies that provides education in the disciplines associated with public health.

The program is delivered completely online and offers a part-time option. The MPH program is designed to be accessible anywhere there is a computer, and welcomes both adult learners and traditional students.

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites for the Graduate Programs in Public Health include but are not limited to:

• A sincere interest in continuing professional development in public health science.
• The potential to improve practice through application of new knowledge and skills.
• The ability to pursue rigorous online graduate study.
• Current employment in a setting conducive to applying course concepts and strategies (is highly desirable).

 Academic prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution, or international equivalent, with a major that is relevant to the student’s professional goals.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA or 3.0 or better.
• College-level courses in mathematics and science with a minimum grade of a “B” or satisfactory completion of a graduate level course in mathematics or science. In lieu of college-level courses in either, students may submit GRE subject test scores in mathematics or science, or the GRE quantitative ability score.

Technology requirements:

• Access to the internet and to computer audio capability
• Specific software as described in course syllabi
• Capacity to succeed in a distance learning format

Courses in the Graduate Programs in Public Health are delivered by Blackboard, an online course management system with an audio component.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admissions are submitted through the . Submission of the online application will include a current curriculum vita or resume, a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in Public Health, a role statement detailing the applicant's current role in public health or what that role will be after attaining the degree, and the names and email addresses of three reference letter writers.
• Applications for new students will be accepted for the summer, fall, and spring terms.
• Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Online Worldwide Learning, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103
• • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • GRE scores (if applicable)
• Only fully complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered by the Graduate Programs in Public Health Admissions Committee.
• Students not seeking a degree may enroll in individual courses as a non-matriculated student, space permitting and upon approval by the Director of the program.  (Non-matriculated students must hold a bachelor's degree and an official transcript documenting the degree must be provided.  Non-matriculated may take up to two courses.) Students wishing to take more than two courses in the program must apply to 91AV and be accepted into the program prior to enrolling in the third course. Students cannot move from non-matriculated to matriculated status within the same semester.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions for a list of educational credential evaluators. 
• All applicants to 91AV must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. 91AV accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions. English Proficiency requirement must be completed at the time of application.

The Admission Committee reserves the right to make changes or exceptions to the admission policies and procedures without notice when it deems such a decision is appropriate. 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Public Health website.

Transfer Credit

To request consideration for transfer credit, the student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the Graduate Programs in Public Health.

Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) Program: upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum six semester credits) into the program.
Master of Public Health (MPH) Program: upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three, 3-credit courses (maximum nine semester credits) into the program.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five years of application.
• Be from a CEPH accredited institution.
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or a particular course that meets the goal of the student’s public health education.
• Not have been applied toward any other degree here or elsewhere.

Advanced Placement

• Students who have earned a certificate of graduate study in public health from another institution within the last five (5) years, may apply for admission to the MPH program with advanced standing.  The MPH program will grant advanced standing when a faculty review determines that the courses are equivalent to the 91AV certificate courses, and that the student’s transcripts reflect a “B” or better in all core public health courses.
• 91AV graduate certificate-matriculated students, who are in good standing, may apply to the MPH program and request advanced standing at any time during the certificate program. 
• 91AV students who have completed the graduate certificate program may apply for advanced standing in the MPH program within five (5) years of completing the graduate certificate program in Public Health.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health includes the following required courses (18 credits):

1. GPH 702 Public Health Policy and Management (3 credits)
2. GPH 712 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
3. GPH 714 Principles of Public Health (3 credits)
4. GPH 716 Biostatistics (3 credits)
5. GPH 722 Introduction to Environmental Health (3 credits)
6. GPH 726 Social and Behavioral Health (3 credits)

The Master in Public Health program includes the following courses (46 credits):

The following five core courses (15 credits):

1. GPH 702 Public Health Policy and Management (3 credits)
2. GPH 712 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
3. GPH 716 Biostatistics (3 credits)
4. GPH 722 Introduction to Environmental Health (3 credits)
5. GPH 726 Social and Behavioral Health (3 credits

All students must complete the following required courses (10 credits)

1. GPH 714 Principles of Public Health (3 credits)
2. GPH 719 Research Methods (3 credits)
3. GPH 745 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Practical Experience (2 credits)
4. GPH 746 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Capstone Project (2 credits)

7 of the following 13 electives (21 credits)

1. GPH 704 Public Health Law and Ethics (3 credits)
2. GPH 705 Community-Based Participatory Research (3 credits)
3. GPH 706 Public Health Administration (3 credits)
4. GPH 713 Infectious Disease Epidemiology (3 credits)
5. GPH 720 Organizational Theory and Behavior (3 credits)
6. GPH 724 Occupational Health (3 credits)
7. GPH 725 Public Health Financial Management (3 credits)
8. GPH 728 Health Literacy and Plain Language (3 credits)
9. GPH 730 Health Care Economics (3 credits)
10. GPH 732 Community Assessment (3 credits)
11. GPH 735 Health Information Systems (3 credits)
12. GPH 738 Program Planning and Evaluation (3 credits)
13. GPH 740 Global Health (3 credits)

Integrated Public Health Practicum

The integrated public health practicum includes a 2-credit practical experience (GPH 745) and a 2-credit capstone project (GPH 746).

GPH 745 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Practical Experience (2 credits)

The field experience is a required part of the Master of Public Health program and provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a public health environment and to work with experienced public health professionals. Working with a preceptor, students will develop goals for the practical experience and complete a defined project in a minimum of 120 hours. This will be an opportunity to develop practice-based skills that enhance individual career goals and to demonstrate additional skills such as leadership, communication and teamwork. This experience is supervised by an approved preceptor and takes place at an approved placement site.

GPH 746 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Capstone Project (2 credits)

This is the synthesis component of the Master of Public Health Program, which allows each student the opportunity to apply the theory, principles and science of public health. Each student is required to design, execute and complete a project and must have successfully completed all Master of Public Health course requirements before registering for this component. The project will complement each student's professional and personal goals. The capstone project provides the opportunity for students to integrate and apply learning from throughout the public health curricular experience.

GPH 795 Independent/Directed Study (3 credits)

Students enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program may
propose independent or directed studies to further special scholarship or
research interests. Students should complete all core and required MPH courses prior to the independent/directed study course. The proposed course requires the
approval of the faculty sponsor, the Director of the Program and the Dean
of the College of Graduate Studies.

Competencies

The Graduate Programs in Public Health adapted the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) competencies. In addition, the programs have special emphasis on three public health competencies for all students  that are core to our program.

91AV Master of Public Health Program and Graduate Certificate of Public Health Programs competencies

See Public Health Competencies.

Repeat Grades

If a student fails to meet the minimum required grade (B-), s/he is allowed to repeat the course.  However, s/he must wait until the next time that course is offered in the schedule. Students repeating the course must complete the registration process and pay the tuition.

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript. All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester and academic period in which they are enrolled. However, only the second or last course taken will receive credit on the student's transcript, and only the second or last grade received will calculate into the cumulative GPA.

Grade Scale and Program Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. A student receiving a grade below B- (80 pts) will be placed on probation and has the option to re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- (80 pts) or better. Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program. GPH 745 and 746 (Integrated Public Health Practicum courses) will be on a high pass, pass or fail grading system and are not calculated in the GPA.

Incomplete Grades

Students are expected to complete all course work by the appointed end date of the course. Under extenuating circumstances, a student may petition the course instructor and program director or designee, in writing, for a temporarily-assigned Incomplete (I) grade. The petition must include an expected date of course completion agreed upon by the instructor and student, and may not exceed four weeks following the end of the term course. The I grade must be changed within the time limit imposed by the course instructor, but no more than four weeks following the end of the course. The I grade defers computation of credits for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F grade for the course. In exceptional circumstances (death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be reviewed and signed by the program director and academic dean. 

Course Withdrawal

Course drops are allowed until the day after classes begin. As all courses officially begin on a Wednesday, students may drop a course without financial penalty until Thursday after the start date through U-Online.  A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. Course withdrawals will result in tuition refunds based on short-term courses refund schedule noted in the Financial Information for Graduate Programs. Non-matriculated students will forfeit their registration fee. Not logging into a course does not constitute a withdrawal.

Audit Policy

A student may, with prior consent of the instructor and the Graduate Programs in Public Health director or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and program director or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e., part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.

Leave of Absence

Students must enroll and successfully complete at least one course per term. A leave of absence (LOA) for one academic term or more, not to exceed one (1) academic year, may be granted to a matriculated student with the authorization of the academic dean, program/school director or designate and upon completion of the required Request for Leave of Absence form available from the respective program/school director, or Registration Services. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Policy on leave of absence tuition credit is found in respective Financial Information sections of this catalog. This LOA period is considered as part of the six years to complete the MPH or three years to complete the GCPH.
Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the appropriate academic dean or program/school director (graduate) or Registrar (undergraduate) to indicate change of plans.

University/ Program Withdrawal

All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from your respective program/school director, or Registration Services. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities. Student responsibilities include: (a) knowledge of the University's policies regarding refund of tuition and/or fees as stated in your respective catalog; (b) return of University identification (ID) card to the Office of the Graduate Programs in Public Health; (c) return of any University keys in your possession to the appropriate departments. The University reserves the right to withhold the issuance of refunds and transcripts until the process has been completed. Following withdrawal, any student wishing to re-enroll at the 91AV must apply through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

Academic Integrity

The 91AV values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the university community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the dean of the appropriate College and, if upheld, will result at minimum in a failing grade on the assignment and a maximum of dismissal from the 91AV. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Students with Disabilities 

Students with disabilities who require accommodations or modifications should communicate their needs to the Director, Office of Students with Disabilities, 91AV, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005. (207) 602-2815. Please allow time for course modifications to occur. Ideally, students should contact the Office on the same date that they register for a course. Timely accommodations are dependent on early registration with Disability Services.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available upon request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

To qualify for completion of and receive the Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) students must:

• Satisfactorily complete 18 credits of specified course work within three consecutive years.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have been recommended by the GPPH faculty for graduation.
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.

To qualify for completion of the program and receive the Master of Public Health (MPH) students must:

• Satisfactorily complete 46 credits of specified course work within six consecutive years.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have been recommended by the GPPH faculty for graduation.
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.