Council on Education for Public Health accredits UAA's Master of Public Health program

The University of Alaska Anchorage Master of Public Health (MPH) program recently earned initial accreditation as a graduate program by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The MPH program received the maximum term for initial accreditation, which is five years, making it nationally accredited through Dec. 31, 2014, with requirements for interim reports in 2010 and 2011.

The MPH program enhances health in diverse communities across Alaska, the circumpolar north, the nation and the world. This is accomplished through excellence in the education of public health practice leaders, scientific investigation of public health issues, and engaging communities in an organized effort to identify, assess, prevent and mitigate community health challenges.

CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and certain public health programs offered in settings other than schools of public health. Accreditation is a voluntary process that requires adherence to national standards of excellence, and documentation of one's efforts. Initial accreditation is a multi-year process that includes acceptance as an applicant by CEPH, an intensive self-study, a campus site visit by external experts, and additional periodic documentation as requested about all aspects of the program.

"The MPH program has been working toward this accreditation for several years and we will continue working hard to maintain it," said Rhonda Johnson, chair of UAA's Department of Health Sciences and MPH program coordinator. "We appreciate all the support we've received from many community partners and colleagues in the completion of this initial accreditation process."

To date, the MPH program has graduated 27 students and currently has over 80 admitted graduate students actively involved. The program is run by a program coordinator, and supported by five full-time faculty and over 20 affiliate faculty who serve on student committees, participate in the MPH Seminar Series and teach elective courses. The program also has an active and supportive MPH Advisory Council, new Student Advisory Council and MPH Alumni Association.

For more information on the MPH program, please visit its Web site or contact Rhonda Johnson at (907) 786-6545 or rhonda.johnson@uaa.alaska.edu.