Program Learning Outcomes
By using various assessment tools and/or rubrics within the classroom, American Public University System (APUS) is able to capture a snapshot of students’ success in fulfilling their program outcomes as well as CEPH's 22 foundational competencies. Signature assignments, generally in the final course of a program, are used to assess students’ proficiency. In order to show proficiency in an area, a student must achieve a score of 85% or greater. American Public University System strives to have 70% or more (university benchmark) of our students reaching the 85% proficiency standard. When this benchmark isn't met, action is taken to improve curriculum and instruction to better serve our students. The below charts show combined results of M.P.H Public Health students at APUS.
Program Learning Outcomes
- PO#1- Evaluate screening methods of epidemiology using statistical analysis and the impact of disease occurrence, both past and present, on population health
- PO#2- Evaluate the effects of environmental factors on the health of populations and discuss appropriate policies to prevent and manage environmental hazards.
- PO#3- Apply emergency preparedness and disaster health management to public health and healthcare settings.
- PO#4- Analyze health policies or regulatory systems to address the management of population health
- PO#5- Develop programs and/or interventions that effectively address the social determinants of health and health disparities.
22 CEPH Foundational Competencies
- 1. Apply+C6:C21 epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice
- 2. Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
- 3. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming, and software, as appropriate
- 4. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice
- 5. Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health, and regulatory systems across national and international settings
- 6. Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels
- 7. Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health
- 8. Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs
- 9. Design a population-based policy, program, project, or intervention
- 10. Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management
- 11. Select methods to evaluate public health programs
- 12. Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence
- 13. Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes
- 14. Advocate for political, social, or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations
- 15. Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity
- 16. Apply principles of leadership, governance, and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration, and guiding decision making
- 17. Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges
- 18. Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors
- 19. Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
- 20. Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content
- 21. Perform effectively on interprofessional teams
- 22. Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue
End of Program Survey
Student satisfaction is extremely important at American Public University System. Students are asked to complete a survey at the conclusion of their program to give insight on their experience. Below are anonymous, self-reported results, from the End of Program survey, for students in the M.P.H Public Health Program.
