University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health DrPH Program Applicant Informational Webinar November, 2016 Patrick Lenihan, PhD DrPH Program Director
What is the DrPH? Over 40 DrPH programs nationally, 35 at ASPPH accredited schools of public health Over 1500 DrPH students; 145% growth in a decade Much variation in DrPH programs Focus, mission, and organizational structure Admission and graduation requirements Curriculum and role of thesis/dissertation How does the DrPH differ from the PhD and MPH?
What is the DrPH? The emerging census The basic public health degree is the master of public health (MPH) while the doctor of public health (DrPH) is offered for advanced training in public health leadership - Institute of Medicine, Who Will Keep the Public Healthy?, 2003 Curriculum should integrate all five core public health areas; emphasize work experience and learning in the context of practice; and represent advanced competency in leadership and practice. - ASPH DrPH Steering Committee, 2007 DrPH graduates should be prepared for evidence based practice and generation of practice based evidence Framing the Future, DrPH for the 21 st Century, ASPP H 2014
DrPH vs. PhD DrPH Application of knowledge Integration; breath Facilitator; team leader Customized study designs Embrace complexity; problem within a context Focus on organizational, implementation, and systems aspects Questions come from practice PhD Knowledge generation Great depth; content expert Principal investigator Standard research designs Separate the problem from the context Focus on population, intervention, and disease process aspects Questions generated internally
UIC SPH DrPH Program Vision A cadre of senior public health practice leaders who can drive change, develop policy, build systems, foster innovation and contribute to the evidence base of public health practice.
UIC DrPH Student Profile 94 students in nine cohorts Cohort 2016 = 14 students 2/3 Female, 1/3 Male Median age 35-40 Ethnically diverse ~1/2 from governmental public health agencies and military ~1/2 from non-profit, academic or health care sector Typical experience: > 10 years >95% are part time students 90%+ US based
Proposal Defense via Internet from Bagram AFB, Afghanistan Dissertation Defense via Internet from Fiji Ref: worldmapsonline.com 7
UIC DrPH Program Features Adaptive Leadership Systems, organization and collaborative leadership in practice Contributing to the Evidence Base of Practice Oriented toward mid-career professionals Follows principles of adult learning; experience based instructional format Systematic Reflection & Action Learning as key skills Learning leadership vs. teaching leadership Structured as a reflective practicum Cohort model and the learning community Competency based curriculum
UIC SPH DrPH Competencies 1. In-depth understanding of public health core: theory, practice, and research. 2. Use evaluation, applied research, and statistical methods to analyze problems and issues. 3. Assess and synthesize information from multiple sources to address problems and develop strategies in area of emphasis. 4. Exercise leadership in designing policies and interventions. 5. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. 6. Have a vision and philosophy for professional leadership.
UIC DrPH Program Structural Elements Competency based curriculum (96 hrs) Core (28 hrs), Area of Emphasis (8 hrs), Dissertation (28 hrs) Portfolio assesses progress to attain competency Replaces qualifying and preliminary exams Practice relevant Dissertation Contribute to the evidence base of practice Distance learning format since 2010 Summer Institute Orientation, reorientation, and advising Establish and connect to a learning community School-wide organizational structure Guided by cross-divisional oversight committee
DrPH Curriculum 9 Core Courses (28hrs) IPHS 514 (3hrs) or BSTT 401 Biostatistics II (4hrs) EPID 403 Intro to Epidemiology Principles and Methods (3 hrs) IPHS 501 Public Health Leadership Seminar I (3hrs) IPHS 502 Public Health Leadership Seminar II (3hrs) IPHS 503 DrPH Integrative Methods Seminar I (3hrs) IPHS 505 DrPH Integrative Methods Seminar II (3hrs) IPHS 510 Leadership in Public Health Policy Development (3hrs) IPHS 511 Personal Leadership Development (3hrs) IPHS 512 Public Health Leadership Tools (3hrs) IPHS 699 Dissertation Research (28 hrs) IPHS 661 Field Practicum in Public Health (0-5 hrs) Credit from previous MPH or related degree (up to 32 hrs) Focus area electives and independent study (8-9 hrs min)
DrPH Course Sequence 1 st Year IPHS 501 EPID 403 2 nd Year IPHS 503 IPHS 512 3rd Year IPHS 699 Elective(s) #3,4 Fall Spring Summer IPHS 502 IPHS 514 IPHS 505 IPHS 510 4 th Year IPHS 699 IPHS 699 IPHS 511 Elective #1 Elective(s) #2,3 IPHS 699 IPHS 699 Assumes part time 6-8 hours (two courses) per semester
The DrPH Portfolio Documents mastery of the six program competencies and adaptive leadership potential Reflects past professional experience and academic accomplishments, vision for leadership, and program contributions Replaces customary doctoral examinations Developed in stages as student progresses Integrated into core courses and portfolio seminars Evaluated by a faculty committee using Bloom s taxonomy to assess levels of attainment
DrPH Dissertation Culminating work which demonstrates ability to contribute to the evidence base of public health practice Must deal with a complex and significant problem/issue of relevance to public health practice Have an explicit methodology and study design Draw upon and be grounded in relevant practice and scholarly literature Have clear public health leadership implications
DrPH Advising Curriculum structure keeps students on track Resource tools to monitor progress Program Proposal Annual Progress Report Handbook and web portal for one-stop shopping Program advisors guide cohorts to portfolio completion Individual advising at dissertation stage SPH divisional faculty serve as content/methods experts
DrPH Faculty Model Core faculty (9) Lead instructors for core courses Advise students in cohort groups in early stages Chair DrPH dissertation committees Divisional Faculty Supervise student independent studies Serve as content and methods experts on dissertation committees Accept DrPH students into relevant regular courses Participate in Summer Institute Adjunct Faculty Support instructors for practice-relevant courses Represent practice areas on dissertation committees Mentor students, supervise independent studies
. About time and money Program takes 4-5 years, part-time, year-round attendance Total cost ~$65,000-70,0000 includes Summer Institute attendance No regular school sponsored financial aid Common financing options Employer tuition reimbursement Educational Loans Personal savings Professional organization scholarships
DrPH Admission Process 16-18 applicants admitted in fall 2017 only Online application through SOPHAS Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS.org) Official Transcripts Resume, References, Professional Narrative statement GRE not required but advised in certain circumstances Closes February 1, 2017 Three stage review process Applications screened in batches as received; rated as highly qualified, meets minimum criteria, not qualified Qualified receive detail review by admissions committee Telephone interviews for top rated applicants to assess fit Decision letters by May 1, 2017
DrPH Admission Criteria Management experience of increasing responsibility Demonstration of leadership potential in public health Broad understanding of, interest in public health practice Ability to perform academic work at the doctoral level Strong communication skills Program fit re: motivation, learning style, group work Readiness to complete the program in a timely manner
Application Narrative Focus Your professional vision of public health leadership Your leadership trajectory and potential How the program will allow you to reach your vision Not your resume in narrative form or your life story
New for 2016-17: Public Health Informatics Specialization Combines UIC SPH Public Health Informatics certificate and DrPH curricula Minimum of 104 hours Fully online curriculum with annual 3-day campus residency Can be completed in 5+ years Applicants must meet both program admission requirements Technical aspects of informatics considered Intention and rationale made in professional narrative Students specifically accepted into PHI area of specialization Transfer into general DrPH possible only with reapplication petition Earning the PHI certificate encouraged but not required
So. Is this the right program? No if You do not meet all admission criteria 130 applications received in 2016 Primarily interested in an academic career You want to become a researcher Primary motivation is to get a doctoral degree You want to work closely with a faculty member You expect school sponsored financial aid You like to work alone at your own pace You think you can squeeze it into busy schedule Limited access to broadband technology
Your Questions? Please type your questions in the chat box For more information.. DrPH Program Web site (go.uic.edu/drph) Frequently Asked Questions Applicant qualifications check-off list
UIC DrPH Theory of Change Model