Revised August 2016 Graduate Health Professions Education Doctor of Public Health 2016-2017 Student Handbook ETSU College of Public Health Celebrating Over 50 Years of Public Health Education -1- TABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS Dean’s Welcome 3 Using This Handbook 4 Vision and Mission 5 College of Public Health Goals and Objectives 6 Admission Requirements 6 Doctor of Public Program and Curricula 7 DrPH Timetable 9 DrPH Program Planning Checklist 10 Doctoral Advisory Committee 12 Doctoral Public Health Practicum 12 DrPH Comprehensive Examination 13 Dissertation Committee 15 Dissertation Proposal Development, Oral Defense, and Approval 15 Dissertation 17 Graduation 19 Other Policies and Procedures 19 College and University Resources and Services 22 Appendices 26 Appendix A: Programs of Study 27 Appendix B: Chronological Course Plans 30 Appendix C: Important Program Forms 32 Appendix D: Student Organizations 40 Appendix E: Program Competencies 41 Appendix F: Comprehensive Exam Evaluation Rubric 46 -2- WELCOME FROM THE DEAN On behalf of the faculty and staff of the College of Public Health, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the DrPH program at East Tennessee State University. There has never been a better, nor more important, time to study public health. The faculty of the College is committed to providing you a world-class education, with a focus on assuring that you acquire both the knowledge and the practical skills that you need to effectively enter the workplace, or to pursue further Public Health education. Your education, of course, is a collaborative process. To make the most of this opportunity, it is essential that you carefully review this Handbook, and understand its content. It provides detailed information on your opportunities and obligations regarding your Public Health education, and on our expectations of you. We all look forward to working with you to achieve the most from your educational experience. Best wishes, Randy Wykoff, MD, MPH & TM Dean and Professor -3- USING THIS HANDBOOK Welcome to the DrPH program at East Tennessee State University! You are beginning a rewarding educational experience that will prepare you for an important role in promoting and protecting the public’s health. This Handbook is designed to help make your journey as worry-free as possible. It will assist you in understanding and applying the policies, procedures, and guidelines specific to the DrPH program in the College of Public Health. It supplements and expands the East Tennessee State University Graduate Catalog and the policies and procedures in the Graduate Catalog. The Graduate Catalog will continue to serve as your official source of reference for all matters pertaining to your matriculation and graduation. As important as these resources are, however, they do not substitute for regular contact with your academic advisor. Your successful matriculation through this program requires adherence to the policies, procedures, and regulations stipulated by the DrPH program and the university. If you have any questions regarding these requirements or policies, please do not hesitate to contact your academic advisor or me at [email protected]. Deborah Slawson, PhD, RDN DrPH Coordinator Associate Professor and Chair Community and Behavioral Health East Tennessee State University College of Public Health DrPH Program Box 70264 Johnson City, Tennessee 37614 Telephone: 423-439-4332 Fax: 423-439-6570 The College of Public Health reviews and revises this handbook regularly. All approved corrections or changes made during an academic year will be added to the document as amendments, and posted to the College website as soon as possible. -4- VISION AND MISSION East Tennessee State University Vision: To become the best regional university in the country. Mission: East Tennessee State University seeks to: Educate students to become responsible, enlightened, and productive citizens; Conduct scholarship that improves the human condition; Serve business, education, government, health care systems, and communities; and Enhance the cultural environment of the region. School of Graduate Studies Mission: The mission of the School of Graduate Studies is to foster post-baccalaureate programs of study and scholarship that are recognized for their excellence and contributions to society. The School of Graduate Studies will provide an environment that stimulates: Advanced understanding of the concepts, issues, and practice of a discipline; Independent thought and the ability to generate new knowledge; The ability to contribute significantly to the academic community, professions, and society; and Diversity among ideas, programs, and people. College of Public Health Vision: The ETSU College of Public Health is the school of choice for students who want an exceptional educational experience in a world-class environment. Mission: The mission of the College of Public Health is to: To provide students a high quality educational experience focused on excellent teaching, research training, and practical skills to prepare them for a diverse and inter-professional workforce. To advance science through research focused on identifying causes of and practical solutions to important health challenges. To create an environment that is personally and professionally rewarding for faculty, staff, and students. To use our expertise to improve the health status of all people including those in underserved communities through education, evidence-based advocacy, collaborative research, and partnerships. -5- Doctor of Public Health Program Mission: The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree is an advanced professional degree designed for individuals who desire to further a career in public health practice. The purpose of the DrPH program is to produce graduates who have mastered competencies that enable them to function at an advanced level within the broad field of public health in both public and private organizations. DrPH graduates will have a comprehensive command of the body of technical knowledge in public health and its related disciplines and they will be able to communicate this knowledge to professional and lay audiences. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to initiate, investigate, and solve public health problems and they will have the skills and knowledge necessary to act as an advocate for the formulation and implementation of public health policies and strategies. Graduates with a DrPH degree will provide leadership at high-level positions in public health administration, teaching and practice. It is expected that the graduates will fill public health leadership roles at state, national and international levels in a variety of settings. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The College of Public Health maintains several Goals and Objectives related to Education, Research, and Service. A complete listing of the current Goals and Objectives for the College may be found at: http://www.etsu.edu/cph/about/goalsobjective.php. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Current admission requirements and admission procedures are detailed in the Graduate Catalog for both the Community Health and Epidemiology concentrations. -6- DRPH CURRICULA The curriculum of the DrPH program consists of five components: the DrPH core, concentration courses, elective courses, the practicum/field placement and the culminating experience. Programs of Study for each concentration are attached in Appendix A, and chronological course plans are in Appendix B. THE DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH CORE The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) consists of a minimum 58 credit hours beyond the masters’ degree. It is expected that the DrPH program will take a minimum of three academic years to complete. Formal course work will generally take two academic years for full-time students. The amount of time for individual students will vary depending on a variety of factors related to other time demands and overall career goals. The degree must be completed within seven calendar years. All students regardless of DrPH concentration complete a core of public health courses consisting of advanced core subject matter from each of the five principal areas of public health practice. This common core is a universal feature of DrPH programs worldwide, and establishes identification with the degree. It is based on core competencies developed and implemented by the College of Public Health at East Tennessee State University. Core DrPH Courses: 25 Credit Hours Rubric/Number Course Title Credit Hours BSTA 5350 Biostatistics II 3 EPID 5405 Epidemiology II 3 ENVH 6100 Environmental Concerns in Public Health/substitute * 3 COBH 6110 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health and Disease 3 HSMP 6130 Public Health Leadership, Policy Development, and Ethics 3 COBH 6150 Evaluation Research in Public Health 3 COBH 6160 Systems Approaches to Public Health Issues 3 BSTA 6170 Research Applications in Public Health 3 COBH 6195 Seminar in Public Health 1 * ENVH 6100: Students are advised to substitute ENVH 5870 Public Health Law. This curriculum change will become finalized with the Fall 2107 catalog. CONCENTRATIONS OFFERED IN THE DrPH PROGRAM There are two concentrations available in the College for which the DrPH degree is awarded. The concentration in Community Health prepares individuals to assess, plan, conduct, and evaluate public health programs using collaborative organizational and community skills. It provides education in various population-based health intervention strategies and how to administer and evaluate them. The concentration in Epidemiology prepares practitioners who can collect and analyze appropriate data to monitor and track diseases, illness and injuries in a population or community. It provides training in the identification and impact of health problems on people and the effect of efforts to mitigate or eliminate them. The Program of Study for each concentration is located in Appendix A, with chronological course plans located in Appendix B. -7- Concentration Courses and Culminating Experience Community Health Concentration Concentration Courses: 12 credit hours Rubric/Number Course Title COBH 6210 COBH 6220 COBH 6240 COBH 6250 Health Assessment and Surveillance Research Methods in Community Health Research Organizing Communities for Health Action Evidence-Based Public Health Credit Hours 3 3 3 3 Practicum (Field Experience): 6 credit hours Rubric/Number Course Title COBH 6850 Doctor of Public Health Practicum – Community and Behavioral Health Credit Hours 6 Culminating Experience (Dissertation): 9 credit hours Rubric/Number Course Title COBH 6960 Doctor of Public Health Dissertation – Community and Behavioral Health Credit Hours 9 Epidemiology Concentration Concentration Courses: 12 credit hours Rubric/Number Course Title COBH 6210 EPID 6410 EPID 6420 EPID 6435 Health Assessment and Surveillance Research Advanced Multivariate Analysis Applied Epidemiologic Analysis Field Epidemiology Credit Hours 3 3 3 3 Epidemiology Practicum (Field Experience): 6 credit hours Rubric/Number Course Title EPID 6850 Doctor of Public Health Practicum - Epidemiology Credit Hours 6 Culminating Experience (Dissertation): 9 credit hours Rubric/Number Course Title EPID 6960 Doctor of Public Health Dissertation – Epidemiology Credit Hours 9 Elective courses: 6 credit hours Elective courses will be chosen in consultation with and approval of the student’s Doctoral Advisory Committee. Course selections should be made in concordance with Graduate School policy. -8- Minimum and Maximum Semester Credit Hours A full academic load for graduate students is 9 to 15 credit hours per semester. If you wish to take over 15 credit hours you must obtain the approval of your Academic Advisor, the Graduate Program Coordinator, and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Note that taking under the minimum 9 credits (6 credits in the summer) is considered less than full time and may jeopardize any financial assistance you receive from the university or your legal status as a student if you are on an international student visa. Online Courses and Credits – Limited for International Students Students may take both online and on-ground courses to complete the requirements of their program(s) of study. Domestic students are not limited in the number of online courses they may take. However, due to U.S. Homeland Security regulations, international students may take only one online course in the first 9 credit hours of any semester. After adding an additional on-ground course, the number of online courses for that semester is unrestricted. DRPH TIMETABLE It is your responsibility to complete the requirements of your Program of Study, and file all appropriate forms, by the deadlines set by the School of Graduate Studies and the MPH Program. All forms involving your program matriculation must be signed by your Academic Advisor and returned to the DrPH Program Coordinator for processing. Your Academic Advisor will ensure that a current permanent record of your academic progress is maintained in your department, along with completed copies of the filed forms. Required forms can be found in Appendix C of this Handbook and online. Please use the following checklist to plan and monitor your program progression: -9- YOUR DrPH PROGRAM PLANNING CHECKLIST YEAR 1 Requirement Date Done Important Notes Admitted to DrPH Program and Concentration Conditions to admission must be removed by end of the first year of enrollment. File Change of Conditional Status form with DrPH Coordinator. Available as PDF or can be completed ONLINE. If offered, formally accept Graduate Assistantship or Tuition Scholarship Refer to GA/TS Policies and Procedures, GA/TS Materials.and FAQ’s. If offered a GA, work with your department’s Chair and Executive Assistant to complete your online appointment prior to start of term. Identify members of your Doctoral Advisory Committee by the end of the first semester of enrollment. Hold a meeting of the Advisory Committee by April 30 of Year 1. Obtain signatures of the Academic Advisor and the members of your committee on Committee Appointment form and file with DrPH Coordinator. □ Unconditional □ Conditional Identify faculty for Doctoral Advisory Committee and hold initial meeting Doctoral Public Health Practicum (Field Experience) The 300-contact hour Practicum is not considered to be a capstone experience and therefore need not wait until after the Comprehensive Examination. Students are eligible to take the Doctoral Practicum following a minimum of 12 completed credit hours in the DrPH degree and with approval of your advisor. While it is suggested that you complete the Practicum during the summer following your first year, the timing of your Practicum will be decided with guidance from your advisor. Students with at least 4 years of full-time public health practice experience (at the time of application for the Alternate Field Experience) may be eligible for an Alternate Field Experience, which substitutes part of the contact hours with additional integrative learning activities that build on their past public health experience. *** Field placement selection should begin two semesters before you intend to participate***. Field Experience Applications are due no later than: Second Friday in March for the following fall; Second Friday in October for the following spring; Second Friday in February for the following summer. See the guidelines page for application materials and Field Experience Guidelines. Consider applying for Field Experience Scholarships to support your work. YEAR 2 Requirement File Program Of Study Date Done Important Notes Complete Program of Study (Appendix A); have it approved and signed by your advisor and file with DrPH Coordinator. Pass written/oral Comprehensive Examination Students must complete all DrPH core and concentration courses prior to taking the Comprehensive Exam. The DrPH Coordinator submits results to the School of Graduate Studies. Apply for Degree Candidacy Upon passing the “Comps”, file an admission to candidacy form with DrPH Coordinator within one week of completion on Comprehensive Exam. Ensure that final Program of - 10 - Study is up to date. If needed, file a Change in Approved Program of Study Form with the DrPH Coordinator. Select a DrPH Dissertation Committee Begin the process for selecting the Dissertation Committee informally in the first two years. Begin discussion about dissertation planning with your Advisor and relevant faculty by November of Year 2. Following successful completion of the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination, the student will formally form their DrPH Dissertation Committee with the consent of all who agree. Attend the ETSU Graduate School Dissertation Workshop. See the EDT website for details. Attend Introductory Dissertation Workshop YEAR 3 Requirement Date Done Important Notes Develop and Present written Dissertation Prospectus/Proposal If the research activities will involve the use of human subjects, the proposal must be approved by the East Tennessee State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to initiating work on the Dissertation project. Schedule Oral Defense of Dissertation Proposal The student is obligated to schedule the proposal defense, in consultation with the committee. Approval of Dissertation Proposal Upon approval of the dissertation proposal, the Dissertation Committee signs approval form and the DrPH Coordinator submits results to the School of Graduate Studies. Dissertation Attend Dissertation Submission Workshop Attend the ETSU Graduate School Dissertation Workshop early in the fall semester of Year 3. See the EDT website for details. Final Defense of Dissertation; Complete Graduate School Review of Dissertation The final defense of the dissertation should be scheduled in consultation with the Dissertation Committee Chair according to the School of Graduate Studies requirements. Consult the ETSU School of Graduate Studies for deadlines on scheduling. Schedule Oral Exam with the School of Graduate Studies (At least two months in advance of defense) Ensure that Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean, can attend. Submit Memorandum of Oral Defense to the School of Graduate Studies (Due at least 10 days prior to Oral Defense) Complete the Defense by week 10 of final semester File Initial Review of Dissertation with the School of Graduate Studies (By week 11 of final semester) Pay Microfilming Fees for Dissertation to the Office of the Comptroller (By week 15 of final semester) File final copies of Dissertation with the School of Graduate Studies (By week 15 of final semester) Make final plans for graduation File an Intent to Graduate form with School of Graduate Studies by the 2nd week of the semester in which you will graduate: available as PDF or can be done ONLINE. File a Change in Program of Study form with the DrPH Coordinator if any changes are made. Verify all necessary forms were submitted. Complete the Exit Survey through the DrPH Coordinator’s office. Complete Exit Survey - 11 - - 12 - DOCTORAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE All students will select a Doctoral Advisory Committee to guide them through the first years of their academic program and the formal course work. The main point of contact for this committee will be the student’s Academic Advisor. The Academic Advisor should be selected within the first semester of study. The remaining members of the committee should be identified and a meeting held with your Advisory Committee prior to the end of the second semester of study. The student shall make these selections with input and guidance from the chosen Academic Advisor. The composition of the committee is approved by the Graduate Coordinator through the Doctoral Committee Form (Appendix C) completed by the student. The Advisory Committee will consist of a minimum of three (3) faculty members with graduate faculty status at East Tennessee State University. The student’s Academic Advisor is to be from the concentration chosen for the DrPH and will serve as chair of the Doctoral Advisory Committee. At least one of the committee members will be from a concentration other than the student’s primary concentration. Additional committee members may be added as decided by the student and her/his Academic Advisor. The Advisory Committee provides guidance and oversight for the academic progress of the student, including the Doctoral Public Health Practicum. It will be responsible for scheduling, designing, administering, and evaluating the student’s Comprehensive Examination. Doctoral students are expected to be actively involved in planning and evaluating their program of study. It is strongly recommended that students meet regularly with their Academic Advisors, to help develop their goals and objectives and to assure that the course work, research and dissertation progress at a reasonable pace. A Program of Study (Appendix A) should be developed by the student and the Doctoral Advisory Committee to ensure that the individual student’s academic needs and educational objectives are met upon 15 completed credit hours of coursework. DOCTORAL PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICUM The Doctoral Practicum, or Field Experience, consists of 300 contact hours and is intended to provide supervised experience in integrating public health concepts within the context of a public health work environment. All aspects of public health practice are appropriate for the Doctoral Practicum; these include policy and program development, implementation, surveillance, and evaluation. It is expected that part of the Doctoral Practicum will include a - 13 - major public health project emphasizing the student’s concentration. See detailed information about the practicum online. Suitable worksites for the Practicum will be determined by the student and the Chair of the Doctoral Advisory Committee. It is desired that the experience will help increase the collaboration and cooperation between the university, organized public health, and the community. The details of the Practicum will be developed by the Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair, the worksite preceptor, and the student. When appropriate, and if approved by the Doctoral Advisory Committee, the Practicum may be accomplished in the student’s workplace. IMPORTANT: A mandatory legal agreement called the College of Public Health Intern Affiliation Agreement must be initiated between East Tennessee State University and the practicum affiliate organization prior to the start of the experience. See the Field Affiliate Organizations Listing online to see the organizations with which the College has Intern Affiliation Agreements. A student, in concert with her/his Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair, may identify a desirable practicum opportunity with an organization where the College of Public Health Intern Affiliation Agreement has not yet been initiated. This is perfectly acceptable; HOWEVER, students are not permitted to begin their DrPH practicum until a fully executed Intern Affiliation Agreement is in place. This agreement is initiated by the Office of Public Health Practice and the approval process typically takes four weeks to complete so it is important we start well ahead of your anticipated practicum start date. The Practicum is not considered a capstone experience and therefore need not wait until after the Comprehensive Examination. The student is eligible to take the Doctoral Practicum following a minimum of two semesters of DrPH coursework and pending approval of his/her Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair. The Doctoral Practicum may be taken in several formats. It could be finished in a 15-week semester by spending about 23 hours per week in the experience. If needed, the Practicum may be spread over multiple semesters, and can encompass more than one practice site. It is required that there be a minimum of ten hours weekly spent on the experience. Additionally, the Practicum could be completed in the third year, after the Comprehensive Exam. There are required processes for the practicum that you must follow. See the DrPH Field Experience Guidelines for details. The College website on the Graduate Field Experience is also helpful. DRPH COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION The Comprehensive Examination is an important milestone and marks the end of formal course work and the change of status of the student to a Doctoral Candidate. It is to be taken only following completion of all required formal course work. The Comprehensive Examination consists of both written and oral components. - 14 - 1) Purpose of Examination: To assess the student’s breadth of knowledge and the ability to synthesize and integrate across discipline areas. This will include demonstration of an understanding of theory, research design and analysis methods, epidemiology, as well as skill in applying theory and methodological procedures in the development of social and behavioral interventions, public health practice, and health services delivery. Upon successful completion of the examination, the student will advance to candidacy status and be ready to pursue dissertation work. 2) Timing of Examination: A student will be eligible to sit for the comprehensive examination upon successful completion of all formal coursework, including core and concentration classes. The student’s Doctoral Advisory Committee will determine readiness to sit for the examination. It is preferred that the examination be taken within one semester following readiness. The exact date of the examination will be set by mutual agreement of the student and the Doctoral Advisory Committee. 3) Content of Examination: The examination will cover all formal coursework, including the core and concentration courses. The examination will include both written and oral components. 4) Format of Examination: The student’s Advisory Committee will be responsible for designing, administering and evaluating the exam, including written and oral components. The examination will reflect the student’s concentration, course work, and professional interests and needs. Students will have 10 consecutive days scheduled in consultation with the Advisory Committee (generally, 2 weekends and 1 intervening week) to complete the written portion. During this time period, the student will be allowed to use course and other written materials, library resources and other references. All references used must be appropriately cited as determined by the Doctoral Advisory Committee. The student submits the written responses to the Chair of the Doctoral Advisory Committee by the mutually agreed upon deadline date. 5) Evaluation of the Examination: After receipt of the examination, the members of the Advisory Committee will evaluate the student’s performance on the written portion of the examination. The student’s work will be evaluated against the Rubric (Appendix F) as a part of the evaluation process. This evaluation will be done within 2 weeks after receipt. During this 2-week period, a date will be scheduled to present the evaluation of the written portion of the examination and to conduct the oral examination. The primary purpose of the oral examination is to discuss and elaborate on the written examination and related issues. It is expected that the oral examination will last 1 to 2 hours. Once the oral examination is completed, the Doctoral Advisory Committee will dismiss the student to discuss and determine the outcome of the evaluation. The options for the evaluation include: Unconditional Pass, Conditional Pass, and Fail. A Conditional Pass would include important but not substantive deficiencies in performance that could be addressed in a limited manner by the student. The student would resubmit the requested additional material to the Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair but there would not be a need for an additional scheduled meeting or an additional oral examination. If the deficiencies are more than can be handled in this limited manner, then Fail would be the appropriate evaluation. Students who fail the Comprehensive Examination will be permitted to retake the Comprehensive Examination. A second failure will result in termination from the program. After passing the Comprehensive Examination, the student advances to candidacy for the degree, and will submit the Doctoral Candidacy Form to the Graduate Coordinator, signed by all members of his/her committee. - 15 - DISSERTATION COMMITTEE Students should begin discussion around dissertation planning with the Advisory Committee Chair and other appropriate faculty by November of the second year of the program. Following successful completion of the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination, the student will disband the Doctoral Advisory Committee and will select a DrPH Dissertation Committee. Again, the dissertation committee process is formalized at this point, but the student should have a good idea about who will serve, including forthright conversations with those faculty members to that effect. The Dissertation Committee will have a minimum of three members. The Committee should be chosen to represent the student's research interests and needs. The student should begin by selecting a chair for the Dissertation Committee and this chair is to come from the student’s area of concentration. In consultation with the Dissertation Committee Chair, the student will select a minimum of 2 additional members from within the University. No more than two of all members can be from the student's concentration. The student should consider the expertise needed for his/her intended dissertation when selecting Dissertation Committee members. The student can select additional committee members as needed to meet specific interests and research objectives. In the event that a faculty member outside of the areas of Epidemiology or Community Health is mentoring a student, then that person shall be on the committee with the title of Research Mentor. A letter from the program director will be provided to validate this status for their Faculty Activity Report and Tenure and Promotion dossier. The committee will work directly with the student to determine which format, the Standard or Alternative format, will be use to complete the dissertation. Refer to the ETSU School of Graduate Studies Guide for Preparation of Electronic Theses and Dissertation (ETD) Manuscripts for details about both formats. DISSERTATION PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT, ORAL DEFENSE, AND APPROVAL The student must develop and present to the Dissertation Committee, with primary guidance by the Dissertation Committee Chair, a Dissertation Proposal. The Dissertation Proposal should present a scholarly research project that is relevant to public health and the student’s concentration area. The proposal should follow the guidelines of the Standard or Alternative format, and may be written according to the Public Health Service grant proposal specifications. The proposal will differ based on the format of the dissertation; but should consist of the first three chapters. The Standard format must contain the following chapters at least: introduction, literature review and methods (including all literature cited). The Alternative format must contain the following - 16 - chapters at least: comprehensive introduction and literature review, as well as abbreviated, targeted literature reviews and methods for each of the three manuscripts. It must be prepared according to one of the accepted style guides; APA or AMA. Ideas for the dissertation can come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to worksite, ongoing research, or a topic of particular interest to the student. Students will develop the Dissertation Proposal in consultation with the Dissertation Committee Chair. The proposal should address the feasibility of the research and any ethical concerns that need to be addressed. If the research activities will involve the use of human subjects, the proposal must be approved by the East Tennessee State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to initiating work on the Dissertation project. The Dissertation Proposal must go through an approval process involving the Dissertation Committee. When the student and the Chair decide the proposal is ready, it will be given to the other Dissertation Committee members. The student will discuss the proposal with the other committee members and incorporate changes made, with the approval of the Dissertation Committee Chair. Any differences of opinion or disagreements are resolved by the Dissertation Committee Chair. Once a final Dissertation Proposal Draft has been approved by the Dissertation Committee Chair, an oral defense will be scheduled. The oral defense will begin with a presentation of the proposal by the student. Committee members will ask questions related to the Dissertation Proposal to assess the readiness of the proposal and the student to conduct the proposed research. Immediately following the oral presentation, the Dissertation Committee will meet privately to evaluate the success or failure of the student. The options for evaluating a student include: (1) Unconditional Pass – all members vote “unconditional pass”; (2) Conditional Pass – a majority of the members vote that either written clarification of the student’s initial responses to oral examination questions or additional course work are required for a “pass.” Although important, the additional material or course work will not be considered of substantive significance; and (3) Failure – a majority of the committee decides that the student has failed the examination. If the student fails the defense, the Dissertation Committee may recommend a reexamination which must be accomplished within six months. The student will be informed of the Dissertation Committee’s decision immediately following the vote, although the form signifying successful completion of the proposal will not be submitted until specified conditions (if any) have been met. The results of the Dissertation Proposal Oral Defense are reported to the Graduate Programs Coordinator and School of Graduate Studies. The approved Dissertation Proposal represents an agreement between the student and his/her Doctoral Dissertation Committee. It defines the minimum expectation for the dissertation. The student has made a commitment to complete the proposed research in a timely and scholarly manner. Dissertation Committee members have made a commitment to assist the student in this process according to the expertise that each member brings. This agreement is based on good faith. Should circumstances prevent completing part or all of the proposed research, it is expected that the student and Doctoral Dissertation Committee will collaboratively revise the proposal as appropriate in a timely fashion. If the entire proposal must be discarded, a new proposal approval process must be undertaken. - 17 - DISSERTATION The Dissertation represents the culminating experience of the Doctor of Public Health degree. It will demonstrate that the Doctoral Candidate is capable of producing professional and scholarly research at a level commensurate with the DrPH degree. The Doctoral Candidate should meet regularly with the Doctoral Dissertation Committee Chair and/ or Research Mentor while conducting the research and writing the doctoral dissertation. It is also expected that the other Doctoral Dissertation Committee members will be consulted as appropriate during the process. There are two formats that the dissertation can take: the Standard or Alternate format as provided by the School of Graduate Studies of East Tennessee State University. Refer to the ETSU School of Graduate Studies Guide for Preparation of Electronic Theses and Dissertation (ETD) Manuscripts for details about both formats. The Standard format has five traditional chapters: Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results and Discussion. In addition it will have an abstract and detailed bibliography, at least. This format is well known and traditional. Minimum requirements for the Alternate format are established by the School of Graduate Studies. The College of Public Health has established requirements that exceed those minimum requirements and are detailed herein. The Alternate format for the College of Public Health includes multiple manuscripts as chapters within the dissertation. The Alternate format includes at least the following: Introduction, comprehensive literature review, three separate manuscripts that respond to a larger research question, and a conclusion. Each of the three separate manuscripts will include an abbreviated and targeted literature review and methods section. The Alternate format dissertation shall also include a supplemental abstract and bibliography for each manuscript and an overarching abstract and bibliography that reflect the entire body of work. Students choosing the Alternate format should be mindful of the following requirements. First, the manuscripts should be related and linked to some larger research question. They may be written from multiple data sources but they should be directed toward a coherent research question. Second, each of the three manuscripts should be judged by the committee to be of sufficient quality for submission for peer reviewed publication. The manuscripts should be written to fit the formatting criteria, to include word count, of the intended journal for publication. The manuscripts may be, but do not have to be, submitted for publication by the time of the defense. Nor do any have to be published or in press. Third, manuscript work done during the program, before engaging in the dissertation process, should not necessarily count toward the dissertation requirement. However, work done with a mentor prior to engaging in the dissertation process is not automatically excluded from the dissertation either. The DrPH Operations Committee recognizes the complexity of this guidance and places the responsibility for determination of the appropriateness of work done in advance of the approved dissertation proposal in the hands of the student’s mentor and dissertation committee. - 18 - Fourth, the manuscripts must be the primary work of the student, and hence, the student must be the first author on each of the manuscripts. However, this does not preclude others from contributing to the work as co-authors, and they should be listed as such given the conventions of the field in which the work is completed. There should be no expectation of a committee member to contribute as an author or to be listed as such with no contribution. Students should commit to one format or the other, and plan accordingly. If the student chooses to change formats, it must be approved by his or her committee. Irrespective of format, the process of writing the dissertation is interactive, with the student working most closely with the Dissertation Committee Chair and with other committee members to the extent appropriate. When the dissertation has reached a reasonable final draft as determined by the student and chair, it will be given to the other committee members. Within 3 weeks, the Dissertation Committee members will decide whether the dissertation is ready for final defense. When there is agreement, a date for the final dissertation defense date will be scheduled through the ETSU School of Graduate Studies. This should be accomplished at least four weeks prior to the defense date and in accordance with deadlines as published by the School of Graduate Studies. The final defense of the dissertation should be scheduled in consultation with the Dissertation Committee Chair according to the School of Graduate Studies requirements. These will include public notice of the location, date and time of the oral defense. It is essential that you schedule your defense at least two months ahead of your planned defense date, and you must ensure that Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean of the College of Public Health, can attend your presentation. The final dissertation defense will begin with a brief presentation of the research and findings by the student. Following the student’s presentation, Dissertation Committee members will ask questions regarding the research. The purpose of the defense is to clarify and to more clearly assess the student’s judgment and scholarship. Immediately following the dissertation defense, the committee will meet privately to evaluate the success or failure of the student. A closed ballot will be administered prior to the discussion of the candidate’s performance. The options for evaluating a student include: (1) Unconditional Pass – all members vote to pass the student without conditions; (2) Conditional Pass – further evidence of qualification is necessary, the nature of the required condition(s) decided by consensus; and (3) Failure – a majority of the committee decides that the student has failed the examination. If the student fails the defense, the committee may recommend a reexamination. If the student is permitted a reexamination, he/she must be reexamined within six months. The student will be informed of the committee’s decision immediately following the vote. Results of the Dissertation Committee’s decision will be forwarded to the graduate programs coordinator and the School of Graduate Studies. A final draft of the dissertation will be prepared once the student has successfully passed the final defense. It is not unusual for some modifications of the dissertation to result from the defense itself. The Dissertation Committee Chair will be responsible for ensuring that any required changes are carried out. The final draft of the Dissertation will be submitted in the form and as required by the School of Graduate Studies and following all requirements and deadlines established by them. - 19 - GRADUATION Candidates for the DrPH degree will have completed all the requirements pertaining to the degree and the University as stipulated in the Graduate Catalog and explained in this Handbook. It is important to be aware of deadlines for submission of forms and products of the culminating experience and Dissertation (including all associated components). Missed deadlines usually translate into delayed graduation. Keep in touch with your Doctoral Advisory Committee on a regular basis - it would be wise to meet at least once or twice a semester. Keep your own checklist of requirements as you matriculate, and record your progress. In the semester before you graduate, introduce yourself to the Graduation Specialist in the School of Graduate Studies. Keep your GPA at 3.0 or above. You will not be allowed to graduate with anything lower. Unless you completed all the requirements for graduation in the previous semester, you must be enrolled in the semester in which you graduate. This can be facilitated by simply signing up for the one credit placeholder course, PUBH 5990 Readings and Research through your advisor. Finally, make plans to procure the appropriate graduation regalia for the ceremony and invite family and friends to share in the joy of your accomplishment. You only get to graduate a few times in your life if you are lucky. Please take part in the ceremony. OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION Class attendance has a high correlation with academic success. It is expected that students will make every reasonable effort to attend all class meetings and participate regularly in the learning activities of each course, providing the course instructor with a reason for any absence. For online students this includes timely completion of all class assignments and full participation in required personal or group communication. Failure to attend class regularly or to participate fully in course activities can negatively affect students' evaluations in a course, their final course grades and, subsequently, financial aid. In keeping with University policy, students may not enroll in a course after the late add date coinciding with the University census (approximately two weeks into the semester) without the approval of the Course Instructor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College. In addition, any absence by a regularly enrolled student of more than two weeks must be approved by the Instructor. Failure to obtain this approval may affect the student’s grade in the course. In order to reduce disruption of instruction, students who attend class meetings late may be barred from entry into the classroom at the instructor’s prerogative. Due to the special considerations and needs of a given course, an instructor may have an individual attendance policy that is stricter than the Program policy. If so, this policy shall be stated in the course syllabus and made available to students. The University policy regarding class attendance appears in the Graduate Catalog. - 20 - ASSISTANTSHIPS AND OTHER FINANCIAL AID The College of Public Health has a limited number of positions to support graduate studies. Many DrPH and MPH students successfully obtain a Graduate Assistantship (GA) or a Tuition Scholarship (TS) in other departments across campus. More information can be found online at the Graduate Studies website for Assistantships and Scholarships. If you are awarded either of these stipends, be sure to familiarize yourself with the related requirements and obligations as stated in the online GA and TS Handbook. All international students who receive a GA or TS must take an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) upon their arrival at ETSU. Remember it is a privilege, not a right, to be awarded funding as a graduate assistant. The College expects professional work for a professional wage. Timecards will be kept and evaluations will be made. CANCELLATION OF CLASSES DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Notification of cancellation of classes for the ETSU campus due to extremely hazardous weather conditions will be aired over WETS 89.5 FM and other area radio stations on the day of cancellation. Often, instructors will post such announcements on the Desire2Learn instructional system, as well. See ETSU’s Alert System Policy for information about the campus-wide communication procedures. ONLINE CLASSES AND THE Desire2Learn® COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY SYSTEM Desire2Learn is a system that allows for courses to be taught online either exclusively or in conjunction with traditional classroom instruction. It allows instructors to post assignments, give tests, post grades, and make additional course material available—all in a user-friendly computer-assisted instructional interface. It also allows students to retrieve their assignments, submit their work, take tests, view their grades, and communicate with the instructor(s) and classmates. In order to access the benefits of this system, students must use their university GoldMail accounts. For more information about learning online at ETSU, see the D2L support website. GRADING SYSTEM Letter grades are assigned for graduate credit. Students will not be granted credit for grades of less than “C”. The letter grades of “S” (satisfactory) and “U” (unsatisfactory) are given for Readings and Research. A grade of “S” carries graduate credit and “U” means no credit earned. “SP” (satisfactory progress) indicates progress toward project or research completion, but carries no credit. This grade does not affect the student’s GPA. Students who receive a “SP” must, in subsequent semesters (including summer), enroll in additional hours of Readings and Research until the requirements are completed, at which time, all “SP’s” will convert to “S’s”. A second “U” grade earned in Readings and Research would be equivalent to an “F” grade and the student would be removed from the program. A grade of “I” (incomplete) indicates that a student was passing the course at the end of the semester, but due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, was unable to complete the course requirement. It also indicates that the student has received consent from the instructor to complete the work for which an “I” is assigned. The “I” grade cannot be used to allow a student to do additional work - 21 - to raise a deficient grade or to repeat a course. An “I” grade must be removed no later than one calendar year from the time the grade is awarded. Time extension requests for removal of “I” grades must be submitted to and approved by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies before the allotted time expires. An “I” grade not removed under the guidelines noted above will be converted to an “F”. Grades given in the School of Graduate Studies carry the following meaning and quality points: Grade A AB+ B BC+ C F S U W WF AU I Meaning Clear Excellence Satisfactory Performance Minimum Passing Grade Failed Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Withdrawal Withdrawal Failing Audit Incomplete Quality Points per Hour 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 To remain in good standing, a graduate student must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better. All graduate course grades earned at East Tennessee State University by a student will be used in computing the grade point average. An overall average of 3.0 is required for graduation. OFFICE HOURS OF FACULTY Faculty members welcome the opportunity to confer with students. Faculty typically post their office hours to assure availability and to assist in arranging meeting times. Although most faculty members post their office hours or state them in their course syllabi, it is still a good idea to call or email to schedule an appointment. This will help ensure the meeting is at a time that is mutually convenient. RESOLVING ACADEMIC CONCERNS All students at this University have the right to appeal a final course grade. The process to be followed is detailed under “Grade Appeal Process” in the Graduate Catalog. Many issues, however, may be resolved with the assistance of the Academic Advisor or the Department Chair. A grievance not related to a final course grade should be made by the aggrieved student directly to the faculty member(s) involved as a first course of action. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome, the next step is to present the grievance in writing to the Petitions Committee. If unsatisfied, present the grievance in writing to the Chair of the Department of the student’s concentration. The next appeal shall be directed to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the College of Public Health. The final appeal shall be directed to the Vice President for Health Affairs, who has the final administrative decision making authority for this division. - 22 - ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT Not only in this program, but in your entire University experience, you are expected to practice the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Plagiarism is using, borrowing, or stealing someone else’s words or ideas without giving proper credit to the source or claiming them as your own. This includes copying definitions and sentences from textbooks, periodicals, other student’s papers, the internet, or any other resource. Cheating occurs in many forms, including the use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids on assignments or tests. It also includes collaborating with others on exercises not designated as group assignments. Fabrication involves the intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Committing any of these acts, or helping others to do so, will result in disciplinary sanctions including loss of credit for an assignment, failing the course, or removal from the program. For a full description of the university policy on Academic Misconduct, including details of possible sanctions, consult the section on Academic Misconduct in the Graduate Catalog. See also the section on the ETSU Honor Code in the Graduate Catalog. OTHER UNIVERSITY POLICIES Other important policies are found in the Policies and Procedures Section of the Graduate Catalog. COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS Your academic, professional and social experience at ETSU will be enriched by involvement in professional organizations and associations. BOOKSTORES The University Bookstore and the College Store carry a supply of new and used textbooks, paperbacks, gift items, school and office supplies, art and engineering supplies, stationary and greeting cards, health and beauty aids, and computer supplies. The University Bookstore is located on the middle level of the D.P. Culp University Center and is open Monday-Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm., phone 423-439-4436. UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES University Career Services, Second Floor, D.P. Culp University Center, can help by providing: 1) job placement opportunities for full-time, part-time, and summer employment; 2) cooperative education; 3) an occupational and employment information library for information on career opportunities including data on specific area employers; 4) workshops and seminars on career - 23 - planning, resume writing, interview techniques, and job-hunting skills; 5) computer-assisted job matching and resume design; and 6) national employment trends and salary information. Call 423-439-4450 for more information. COUNSELING CENTER The Counseling Center provides the following career services: 1) individualized counseling; 2) printed instruments to help students assess their interests, values, abilities, and personality traits as a means of choosing a career well suited for them; 3) a user-friendly computerized career guidance program to give information about work in specific occupation, trends in the job market, likes and dislikes of worker, beginning salaries, future opportunities, and related fields; 4) lists of professionals in the area willing to discuss the opportunities in their field of study. Faculty advisors may discuss opportunities in their field of study. The Counseling Center is located in Room 345, D.P. Culp University Center. Call 423-439-4841 for more information or to make an appointment. Bucky’s Food Pantry is an additional service offered through the Counseling Center. If you need supplemental food to get you through the week or month, just fill out a form and email it to [email protected] or bring it to the food pantry when it is open. Volunteers will respond to your request and make sure that you receive a package of food within eight hours. Clients may use the food pantry twice in one month, but after that you will be referred to one of our agency partners in case you need further assistance that we are not qualified to handle. Bucky's Food Pantry is located in room W-277 of the Mini Dome (ETSU/Mountain State Health Alliance Athletics Center). ADULT, COMMUTER AND TRANSFER SERVICES (A.C.T.S.) The A.C.T.S. Office provides academic and support services designed especially for adult and re-entry students. Special adult orientation programs for entering students are held before the beginning of each semester. A series of seminars on topics such as career planning and time management are scheduled periodically throughout the year. CAPS is located in the Advising Resources Center (ARC), Room 222, of the D.P. Culp University Center, phone 423-439-5641. STUDENT HEALTH CLINICS ETSU’s University Health Services has licensed Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses who will provide you with professional health care. The Student Health Clinic, located in the lower level of Roy S. Nicks Hall, is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The professional staff of the clinic includes a licensed nurse practitioner, registered nurses, and a health educator. Call 423-439-4225 for more information. Dental Hygiene Clinic, located in Room 71, Lamb Hall, provides services to all persons eligible for treatment. Appointments may be made by contacting the clinic receptionist, 423-439-4514. Speech and Hearing Clinic, located in Room 363 of Lamb Hall, offers professional services to faculty, students, and the general public in the areas of speech and hearing. Call for an appointment, 423-439-4355. - 24 - COMPUTER RESOURCES Computer resources at East Tennessee State University are available to authorized students, faculty, staff, and off-campus constituents. All students receive an e-mail account when they register for courses. This account allows access to many computer resources on campus, as well as the Desire2Learn Instructional system. Help is provided for students who experience computer problems in the following venues: by visiting the online website Student Information Technology Help Desk; by calling off-campus 439-5648; by calling on-campus 3-4OIT (34648); or by emailing [email protected]. DISABILITY SERVICES Student Procedures for Special Services (ADA) East Tennessee State University is committed to the goal of integrating students with disabilities into the campus community to the fullest extent possible. Services include arrangements for access, accommodations, and instruction and provision of a variety of support services designed to enable the student to take full advantage of the University’s programs. Any student who has a special need as a result of a disability must contact Disability Services, Room 326 D.P. Culp University Center; phone 423-439-8346. Special assistance in courses and with campus services can be arranged only if the student has made his or her needs known in this manner. The student should also discuss any specific needs with instructors at the beginning of the semester. Every effort will be made to provide appropriate accommodations. Students preferring to participate in class without accommodations are advised to inform the course director of the specific nature of the disability at the beginning of the semester and/or clerkship in the event that accommodations are needed as the semester progresses. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Assistance is available to meet the special needs of international students in the Office of International Programs and Services. The international student advisor acts as a liaison between the university, the local community, the international student organization, and selected community agencies. The advisor for international programs is located on campus at 122 Yoakley Hall. Additional information can be found online at the Office of International Programs and Services website. UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES The Sherrod Library with seating capacity of 1,200 students is the central library of the university containing the major learning resources that support the university’s program of teaching and research. The collection of the library include over one-half million volumes, more than one million microforms, 3,400 current periodical subscriptions, a large collection of federal and state documents, a map section, archives, and a special collection. Call Sherrod Library for hours, 423-439-4307. Additional information can be found at the University Libraries website. The Medical Library is located on the Veterans Affairs Medical Center campus at the corner of Magnolia and Maple Street. The Medical Library and the Biomedical Communications section form the Department of Learning Resources and work together to serve the health science information needs of northeast Tennessee. A wide range of networked CD-ROM databases are also available in the libraries. - 25 - PUBLIC SAFETY The Department of Public Safety is located in the parking garage at 1043 Jack Vest Drive, and has personnel on duty 24 hours a day for assistance. The telephone number is 423-439-4480 or 911 for emergencies. The telephone number for the administrative offices is 423-439-6900. Additional information can be found online at the Department of Public Safety website. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM The university operates BUCSHOT, a free shuttle system for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, linking parking lots on the perimeter of the campus with main academic and administrative buildings. Operation hours are scheduled during peak class periods as well as in conjunction with selected major campus events. Schedule, route, and other details are available at various locations on campus including the Division of Student Affairs located in Room 352, D.P. Culp University Center; phone 423-439-4210. Public transportation on Johnson City Transit buses is provided free of charge or for a reduced fee to ETSU students and faculty presenting their school identification cards. See the Johnson City Transit website for details and maps of the areas served. VETERANS AFFAIRS The Office of Veterans Affairs responds to the needs, problems, and questions of students eligible for educational assistance benefits under all chapters of the G.I. Bill, Title 38, United States Code. The Office of Veterans Affairs is located in room 101 of Burgin E. Dossett Hall; phone 423-439-6819. - 26 - APPENDICES Appendix A: Programs of Study Appendix B: Chronological Course Plans Appendix C: Important Program Forms Appendix D: Student Organizations Appendix E: Program Competencies for DrPH Appendix F: Rubric for Evaluation of Comprehensive Examination - 27 - Appendix A PROGRAMS OF STUDY Community Health concentration Epidemiology concentration - 28 - EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH Department of Community Health DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH Community Health Concentration _____________________________________ Student’s Name (please type or print) Office Use Only Input on SIS: ____________ Initials: _________________ _____________________ _____ Student Number Catalog of Record (Please type or print) Course ID Number DrPH Core BSTA 5350 EPID 5405 ENVH 6100 COBH 6110 HSMP 6130 COBH 6150 COBH 6160 BSTA 6170 COBH 6195 Concentration COBH 6210 COBH 6220 COBH 6240 COBH 6250 Practicum COBH 6850 Culminating Experience COBH 6960 Course Title Grade CR Biostatistics II Epidemiology II Environmental Concerns in Public Health Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health and Disease Public Health Leadership; Policy Development, and Ethics Evaluation Research in Public Health Systems Approaches to Public Health Issues Research Applications in Public Health Seminar in Public Health Total Core Credits Semester Completed or to be Completed Transfer Credit* Substitut e For Course # Office Use Only 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 25 Health Assessment and Surveillance Research Methods in Community Health Research Organizing Communities for Health Action Evidence-Based Public Health: Best Practices in Community Health Total Concentration Credits 12 Doctor of Public Health Practicum Total Practicum Credits 6 6 Doctor of Public Health Dissertation Total Culminating Credits 9 9 Total Elective Credits 6 3 3 3 3 Electives Total Credit Hours Required for DrPH 58 * Non-ETSU transfer credit must be approved before it can be shown on the program of study. Student’s Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Approved: ____________________________________________________________ Program Advisor or Advisory Committee Chair Date: ____________ Approved: _______________________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Graduate Program Coordinator Approved: _____________________________________________________________ Additional signature (s) if required by program Date: ____________ - 29 - EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH Epidemiology Concentration Office Use Only Input on SIS: ____________ Initials: _________________ _____________________________________ ____________________________ _______ Student’s Name (please type or print) Student Number Catalog of Record (Please type or print) Course ID Number DrPH Core BSTA 5350 EPID 5405 ENVH 6100 COBH 6110 HSMP 6130 COBH 6150 COBH 6160 BSTA 6170 COBH 6195 Concentration COBH 6210 EPID 6410 EPID 6420 EPID 6435 Practicum EPID 6850 Culminating Experience EPID 6960 Course Title Grade Biostatistics II Epidemiology II Environmental Concerns in Public Health Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health and Disease Public Health Leadership; Policy Development, and Ethics Evaluation Research in Public Health Systems Approaches to Public Health Issues Research Applications in Public Health Seminar in Public Health Total Core Credits CR Semester Completed or to be Completed Transfer Credit* Substitute For Course # Office Use Only 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 25 Health Assessment and Surveillance Research Advanced Multivariate Analysis Applied Epidemiologic Analysis Field Epidemiology Total Concentration Credits 3 3 3 12 Doctor of Public Health Practicum Total Practicum Credits 6 6 Doctor of Public Health Dissertation Total Culminating Credits 9 9 Total Elective Credits 6 3 Electives Total Credit Hours Required for DrPH 58 * Non-ETSU transfer credit must be approved before it can be shown on the program of study. Student’s Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Approved: ____________________________________________________________ Program Advisor or Advisory Committee Chair Date: ____________ Approved: _______________________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Graduate Program Coordinator Approved: _____________________________________________________________ Additional signature (s) if required by program Date: ____________ - 30 - Appendix B CHRONOLOGICAL COURSE PLANS ETSU College of Public Health Doctor of Public Health Curriculum - Community Health Concentration Year 1: COBH Fall Course COBH 6210 Asst. & Surv BSTA 6170 Research App COBH 6250 Ev Based PH Credit Hours Spring Hours 3 3 3 9 Course BSTA 5350 Biostats II EPID 5405 Epidem II COBH 6110 Soc & Behav OR HSMP 6130 PH Leadership* COBH 6195 PH Seminar* Credit Hours Summer Hours 3 Course COBH 6850 Practicum Hours Credit Hours 6 25 6 3 3 1 10 Yr 1: Total Hours Year 2: COBH Fall Course COBH 6150 Eval Rsrch Spring Hours 3 COBH 6160 Systems App 3 COBH 6220 Com Hlth Res 3 Elective 3 Credit Hours 12 Course COBH 6240 Org Comm COBH 6110 Soc & Behav OR HSMP 6130 PH Leadership* ENVH 6100 Env Concerns PUBH** COBH 6195 PH Seminar* Elective Credit Hours Summer Hours Course Hours Credit Hours 0 24 3 3 3 1* 3 12 Yr 2: Total Hours Year 3: COBH Fall Course COBH 6960 Dissertation Credit Hours Hours 3 9 Spring Course COBH 6960 Dissertation Credit Hours Hours Summer Course Hours 3 10 Credit Hours Yr 3: Total Hours Total Program Hours 0 9 58 *Courses to be offered in the spring semester of odd-numbered years: COBH 6195 and HSMP 6130; course to be offered in the spring semester of even number years: COBH 6110 ** ENVH 5870 Public Health Law may be substituted in consultation with Academic Advisor. This curriculum change will become finalized with the Fall 2107 catalog. Note: A program of study change form must be filed. - 31 - ETSU College of Public Health Doctor of Public Health Curriculum - Epidemiology Concentration Year 1: EPID Fall Spring Course COBH 6210 Asst. & Surv BSTA 6170 Research App Hours Elective 3 Credit Hours 3 3 9 Course BSTA 5350 Biostats II EPID 5405 Epidem II COBH 6110 Soc & Behav OR HSMP 6130 PH Leadership* COBH 6195 PH Seminar* Credit Hours Summer Hours 3 Course EPID 6850 Practicum Hours Credit Hours 6 25 6 3 3 1 10 Yr 1: Total Hours Year 2: EPID Fall Spring Course COBH 6150 Eval Rsrch COBH 6160 Systems App EPID 6410 Adv Mult Analy Hours Elective 3 Credit Hours 3 3 3 12 Course EPID 6420 App Epi Analy EPID 6435 Field Epi ENVH 6100 Env Concerns PUBH** COBH 6110 Soc & Behav OR HSMP 6130 PH Leadership* COBH 6195 PH Seminar* Credit Hours Summer Hours Course Hours Credit Hours 0 24 3 3 3 3 1 12 Yr 2: Total Hours Year 3: EPID Fall Course EPID 6960 Dissertation Credit Hours Hours 3 9 Spring Course EPID 6960 Dissertation Credit Hours Hours Summer Course Hours 3 10 Credit Hours Yr 3: Total Hours Total Program Hours 0 9 58 *Courses to be offered in the spring semester of odd-numbered years: COBH 6195 and HSMP 6130; course to be offered in the spring semester of even number years: COBH 6110 ** ENVH 5870 Public Health Law may be substituted in consultation with Academic Advisor. This curriculum change will become finalized with the Fall 2107 catalog. Note: A program of study change form must be filed. - 32 - Appendix C IMPORTANT PROGRAM FORMS The following forms are often needed for progression within the program. It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate signatures and submit the form to the DrPH Coordinator for processing by the appropriate deadline. Always keep a copy of all forms for your own personal records. Contact the graduate school to confirm they have all required forms at least once per semester. Year 1 Appointment of an Academic Committee for the Doctoral Degree (Due Before March 31) o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/committee-appointment-form.pdf o Schedule first Academic Committee meeting (Before April 30) Application for Transfer of Graduate Credits: Submit this form to the DrPH Coordinator by the end of the first semester of enrollment if you are requesting the transfer of graduate credits from another school or program into your DrPH degree. A syllabus and transcript grade must accompany any request concerning courses taken outside ETSU. Submit subsequent requests as courses are completed in graduate certificates and from other approved sources. In most cases, the number of credits that may be transferred is limited to nine. o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/transfer_of_credit_form.pdf Application for Change from Conditional Admission to Unconditional Admission: Students admitted conditionally, upon meeting the condition(s), must complete the Change from Conditional Status Form. o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/conditional_admission_change_f orm.pdf Program of Study o o See DrPH-specific forms on pages 28 & 29 of this Handbook. Graduate School standard form: http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/program-of-study-form.pdf Field Placement Forms *** Field placement selection process should begin two semesters before you intend to participate. Field Experience Guidelines (Summer – Application Due: Second Friday of February) http://www.etsu.edu/cph/documents/drphfieldexperienceguidelines.pdf - 33 - Year 1 (continued) Scholarship Application o Frist and Global Health Leaders Scholarship Program o ETSU International Education Scholarship (Summer– Application Due: March 31st) https://skydrive.live.com/embed?cid=90EDC5EE2ABF0351&resid=90EDC5E E2ABF0351%21157&authkey=AOOw87uNDOxW41o o ps://skydrive.live.com/embed?cid=90EDC5EE2ABF0351&resid=90EDC5EE 2AB Year 2 Comprehensive Examination Results of Examination, Report, and/or Culminating Experience Form (Comprehensive Exam) o See DrPH-specific form on page 38 of this Handbook. Application for Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree (Submitted within 1 week of completion of Defending Comprehensive Exam) *** Must include an up-to-date program of study. o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/phdcandi.pdf Application for Change in Approved Program of Study: Any variation from the approved Program of Study must be approved. o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/program_of_study_change_form. pdf Request to Note Credits Earned Above Requirements for a Degree on Academic Record o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/requesttonotecredits.pdf Dissertation Appointment of a Dissertation Committee for the Doctoral Degree o Form located in Appendix C: DrPH Student Handbook - 34 - Year 3 Graduation Forms Intent to Graduate (Due within 2 weeks of the start of your final semester) o o File online at: https://etsupws.etsu.edu/DynamicForms?targetURL=https://dynamicforms.ngweb solutions.com/ShowForm.aspx?RequestedDynamicFormTemplate=b6c60d4fb019-4c60-815a-61f1df01471d PDF version: http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/intent-to-graduatedegrees.pdf Dissertation: Attend Dissertation Submission Workshop ***Check EDT website for dates and times o Memorandum of Oral Defense (Due at least 10 days prior to Oral Defense) o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/etd/ http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/oral-exam.pdf Results of Examination, Report, and/or Culminating Experience Form (for Oral Defense of Dissertation) o See DrPH-specific form on page 38 of this Handbook. ETD Checklist of Requirements (Submit Release Form Prior to Electronic Submission of First Dissertation Draft) o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/etd/documents/checklistofrequirements.pdf ETD Release Form: http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/etd/documents/etsureleaseform.pdf Manuscript Review Form (Submit Prior to Electronic Submission of First Dissertation Draft) o Survey of Earned Doctorate (Complete Prior to Graduation) o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/etd/documents/manuscript_review_form.pdf https://sed-ncses.org/GradDateRouter.aspx Outside Observer Report Form (A section on the Memorandum of Oral Defense) o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/oral-exam.pdf - 35 - Year 3 (continued) Dissertation: (continued) Electronic Thesis/Dissertation (EDT) Resources See “Thesis and Dissertation Materials” drop-down menu: o ETD Checklist of Requirements o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/forms.php http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/etd/documents/checklistofrequirements.pdf ETD Guide for Preparation of Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Manuscripts o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/etd/documents/etdguide.pdf Other Graduate School Forms and Resources Graduate School List of Important Dates o Graduate Assistant and Tuition Scholarship Materials o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/calendar.php http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/gscholarships/assistantship.php Residency Materials o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/forms.php?type=program See “Residency Materials” drop-down list Application for Change in Academic/Advisory Committee Form: Any changes in your advisory committee must be approved. It is your responsibility to obtain needed signatures and submit this form to the DrPH Coordinator. o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/advisory_committee_change_for m.pdf Deferred Admission and Readmission Update Form o Application for Graduate Course Overload o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/overload-request.pdf Application for Extension of Time o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/readminup.pdf http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/extend.pdf Application for Dual Graduate Programs o http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/documents/forms/dual-graduate-programs.pdf - 36 - EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY College of Public Health THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ACADEMIC COMMITTEE FOR THE Dr.P.H DEGREE NAME:____________________________________________ Student’s Name (please type or print) ____________________________________________ Student ID Admitted to graduate school in the ___________semester of_________Concentration: Epidemiology/Community Health (year) Prior to the beginning of the second year of study in the Dr.P.H. program, students will form an Academic Committee consisting of at least three graduate faculty, the chair of which must come from the student’s academic department. The committee members will be selected by the student and will be approved by the Department Chair, the DrPH Program Coordinator, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Public Health and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the student's overall academic program, including the program of study, creation and grading of the comprehensive examination and advancement to candidacy. A separate committee will be responsible for guidance in the preparation and defense of the dissertation. The student should arrange to meet formally with the committee at least once each year to review the student’s academic progress. The Chair of the Academic Committee and the Dr.P.H. Program Coordinator are responsible for reviewing the student’s program of study and ensuring that it fulfills degree requirements. The members of the student’s advisory committee, as indicated below, were designated during a conference with the student on_______________. _________________________________________________________________ Date Student’s Signature Faculty signatures affixed below constitute acceptance of the advisory committee assignment. Committee Names: (Please Type or Print) Committee Signatures: ______________________________________________ Chair, Academic Committee Phone number ___________________________________ Signature Grad Faculty Status And Expiration Date _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member Phone number ___________________________________ Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member Phone number ___________________________________ Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member (optional) Phone number ___________________________________ Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member (optional) Phone number ___________________________________ Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member (optional) Phone number ___________________________________ Signature _________________ Date Approval: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Departmental Chair Date _____________________________________________________________________________ Dr.P.H. Program Coordinator Date ______________________________________________________________________________ Associate Dean, College of Public Health Date ______________________________________________________________________________ Dean, School of Graduate Studies Date - 37 - EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY College of Public Health THE APPOINTMENT OF A DISSERTATION COMMITTEE FOR THE Dr.P.H DEGREE NAME:____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Student’s Name (please type or print) Student ID Admitted to graduate school in the ___________semester of_________Concentration: Epidemiology/Community Health (year) After passing comprehensive examinations in the Dr.P.H. program, students will form a Dissertation Committee consisting of at least three graduate faculty members, the chair of which must come from the student’s department. The committee members will be selected by the student and research advisor (who will serve as chair) and will be approved by the departmental chair, program coordinator, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Public Health and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the student's preparation and defense of the dissertation. The student should arrange to meet formally with the committee at least once each semester to review the research project and progress toward the completion of the dissertation. The Chair of the Dissertation Committee and the Dr.P.H Program Coordinator are also responsible for reviewing the student’s program of study and ensuring that the student is eligible to complete degree requirements. The members of the student’s dissertation committee, as indicated below, were designated during a conference with the student on_______________. _________________________________________________________________ Date Student’s Signature Faculty signatures affixed below constitute acceptance of the advisory committee assignment. Committee Names: (Please Type or Print) ______________________________________________ Chair, Dissertation Committee Committee Signatures: ___________________________________ Phone number Signature Grad Faculty Status And Expiration Date _________________ Date ______________________________________________ ___________________________________ Committee Member Phone number Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member ___________________________________ Phone number Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member (optional) ___________________________________ Phone number Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member (optional) ___________________________________ Phone number Signature _________________ Date ______________________________________________ Committee Member (optional) ___________________________________ Phone number Signature _________________ Date Approval: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Departmental Chair Date ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dr.P.H. Program Coordinator Date ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Associate Dean, College of Public Health Date ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dean, School of Graduate Studies Date - 38 - Catalog of Record: EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESULTS OF EXAMINATION, REPORT, AND/OR CULMINATING EXPERIENCE Student Name ______________________________________________________ E#_________________ Please type or print Field of Study ______________________________________________________________________________________ Concentration _____________________________________________ Degree __________________________ The above candidate has completed the required examination(s) as checked below: Master of Public Health Degree Date Held Passed Failed 1. Written Comprehensive Examination _____________________ □ □ 2. Final Report of Culminating Experience _____________________ □ □ 3. Oral Examination _____________________ □ □ Passed Failed Doctor of Public Health Degree Date Held 1. Written and Oral Comprehensive Examination _____________________ □ □ 2. Dissertation Prospectus Defense _____________________ □ □ 3. Dissertation Defense _____________________ □ □ Signatures of Examining Committee Chair, Advisory Committee _______________________________________ Committee Member _______________________________________ Committee Member _______________________________________ Committee Member _______________________________________ Committee Member _______________________________________ Remarks or Conditions Return Original to School of Graduate Studies - 39 - EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES Application for Candidacy for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH I, ___________________________________________________ Student’s Name (please type or print) __________________________, hereby apply for admission Student ID to candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Public Health at East Tennessee State University. I have completed all of the prerequisites for admission to candidacy, graduate as well as undergraduate. The degree of Bachelor of _________________________________ was received from ________________________located in _______________________________ on _________________, _______. The degree of Master of (if applicable) was received from _________________________________ located in ________________________________ on , . My transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credit are on file with the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. The proposed title for my doctoral dissertation is . My area of concentration is Epidemiology/Community Health (circle one). The attached program of study has been planned with the guidance of the chair of my advisory committee or with the graduate coordinator in my program. In addition, I have met all the conditions of my admission. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Applicant Date _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Academic Advisor Date __________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Dr.P.H. Program Coordinator Date -For Graduate School Office Use OnlyProgram checked against catalog requirements __________ Graduate grade point average_______________ Date Approved by:___________________________________________________________ _______________ Graduate Analyst Date Approved by: ___________________________________________________________ _______________ Dean, School of Graduate Studies Date Summary (Includes hours from Masters Degree that are applicable.) Minimum Required Total credit hours in area concentration Total credit hours in other departments Total credit hours in dissertation 9 Total credit hours required for program 58 Total credit hours required at 6000/7000 level >29 40 Appendix D STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Graduate and Professional Student Association is the representative body for students enrolled in Graduate School. The executive board of the GPSA is elected from representatives of the various graduate programs. Two graduate students from the GPSA are elected members of the Graduate Council. The GPSA encourages social, athletic, cultural, and other extracurricular activities, promotes closer relations between graduate students and faculty outside formal academic settings, and voices ideas and concerns of graduate students. DELTA OMEGA Delta Omega is the honorary society for graduate studies in public health, founded in 1924. It celebrates excellent academic achievement, devotion to public health principles and outstanding service in public health. PHI KAPPA PHI Membership in the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is earned. Admission is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. The governing bylaws of the Society set extremely high standards for membership: All must be outstanding students of sound character and enrolled at a college or university with a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. Because Phi Kappa Phi recognizes and promotes academic excellence in all fields of higher education, one's field of study may be in any discipline. Juniors must have completed at least seventy-two credit hours and rank scholastically in the top 7.5 percent (or higher depending on local chapter standards) of their class. Seniors must rank in the top 10 percent (or higher depending on local chapter standards) of their class. Graduate students must rank in the upper 10 percent of their class. Transfer credits are considered in determining class rank. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also may be eligible for membership. 41 Appendix E PROGRAM COMPETENCIES 42 COBH 6195 PH Seminar 6850 Practicum 6960 Dissertation BSTA 6170 Resrch App COBH 6150 Eval. Resrch. COBH 6160 Systems App HSMP 6130 Leadership/P olicy/ Ethics COBH 6110 Soc/Bhv Det. ENVH 6100 Envh. Concerns2 EPID 5405 Epid. II BSTA 5350 Biostat. II DrPH PUBLIC HEALTH CORE Competencies1 X X X ADVOCACY Articulate lucid, coherent, and balanced positions on public health issues. Demonstrate ability to influence health policy and program decision-making by scientific evidence, stakeholder input, public opinion data, and social justice. Evaluate the impact of legislation, judicial opinions, regulations, and policies on population health. Establish goals, timelines, funding alternatives, and strategies for influencing public health policy. Demonstrate ability to advocate for the public health needs of diverse and vulnerable populations X X X X X X X X X X X X COMMUNICATION Employ evidence-based communication models for disseminating research and evaluation outcomes to diverse audiences. Integrate appropriate cultural and health literacy concepts into communication and marketing initiatives. Develop culturally appropriate recommendations for improving communication with diverse populations. Create informational and persuasive communications for lay, professional, and policy audiences. X X X X X X X X X Develop formative and outcome evaluation plans for communication and marketing efforts. X X X X X X COMMUNITY & CULTURE Demonstrate ability to develop collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders, policy makers, and relevant groups. Assess sociocultural, environmental, and behavioral influences on the health of diverse populations. Demonstrate ability to engage communities in the implementation of evidence-based, culturally appropriate policies, programs, and services. Design action plans to assess and address community, population, and environmental health needs. X X X X X X X X X X X X X 43 6960 Dissertation 6850 Practicum COBH 6195 PH Seminar BSTA 6170 Resrch App X COBH 6150 Eval. Resrch. COBH 6160 Systems App X HSMP 6130 Leadership/P olicy/ Ethics X COBH 6110 Soc/Bhv Det. EPID 5405 Epid. II X ENVH 6100 Envh. Concerns2 BSTA 5350 Biostat. II DrPH PUBLIC HEALTH CORE Competencies1, Continued CRITICAL ANALYSIS Apply theoretical and evidence-based constructs from multiple disciplines in the design and delivery of public health programs, policies, and systems. Interpret quantitative and qualitative data using best practices and accepted scientific standards. Use informatics to evaluate population and environmental health, health equity, and health services delivery. Evaluate the performance and impact of public health programs, policies, organizations, and systems. Weigh costs, risks, benefits, and unintended consequences of public health research and practice. LEADERSHIP Value the history, philosophy, mission, and methods of public health in addressing the health needs of diverse populations. Communicate an organization’s mission, vision and values to stakeholders. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Demonstrate ability to influence others to achieve high standards of performance and X X X accountability. Demonstrate ability to guide organizational decision-making and planning based on internal and X X X external evidence. Prepare professional plans incorporating lifelong learning, mentoring, and continued career X progression strategies. 1 DrPH Competencies were revised and accepted by CEPH in 2010. 2 ENVH 6100, Environmental Health Concerns, is substituted by ENVH 5870, Public Health Law, or ENVH 5640, Environmental Risk Assessment. X X X 44 6960 Dissertation 6850 Practicum COBH 6195 PH Seminar BSTA 6170 Resrch App COBH 6150 Eval. Resrch. COBH 6160 Systems App HSMP 6130 Leadership/P olicy/ Ethics COBH 6110 Soc/Bhv Det. ENVH 6100 Envh. Concerns2 EPID 5405 Epid. II BSTA 5350 Biostat. II DrPH PUBLIC HEALTH CORE Competencies1, Continued MANAGEMENT Outline strategic planning processes. X Utilize principles of consensus-building, negotiation, conflict resolution and crisis management. X X Demonstrate ability to organize the work environment with defined lines of responsibility, authority, communication, and governance. Develop and justify operational budgets for health programs and services. X X X Describe the imperative for quality improvement in public health. X PROFESSIONALISM & ETHICS Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional integrity. Discriminate administrative, legal, ethical, and quality assurance approaches used in public health research and practice. Utilize strategies for preventing and resolving ethical concerns in public health research, policy, and law. Employ methods that protect the rights and welfare of individuals and communities involved in health research and practice. Assess ethical considerations in public health decision-making. 1 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X DrPH Competencies were revised and accepted by CEPH in 2010. ENVH 6100, Environmental Health Concerns, is substituted by ENVH 5870, Public Health Law, or ENVH 5640, Environmental Risk Assessment. 45 X X X Identify appropriate data sources and selects the best variables to address specific public health problems. Apply appropriate methods and correctly interpret complex and multifaceted data analysis in determining risk factors and causes of health and disease. Employ appropriate methods to construct questionnaires and to gather accurate data for primary data collection. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both primary and secondary data analysis for providing health information. Review and accurately present the current status of published scientific knowledge on a specific public health topic. Accurately identify and interpret existing public health information for epidemiologic field investigations. Explain how ethical, social, political, and scientific aspects must all be considered when addressing a public health problem. Discuss the use, strengths, and limitations of simple as compared to complex data analytic approaches for determining the risks and causes of health and disease. Assess the available public health information and the status of a public health outbreak in a timely manner and implement appropriate control and prevention measures. X X X X X X X X EPID 6410 Adv. Multivariate Analysis EPID 6420 Applied Epid. Analysis COBH 6210 Assess. & Surv. X X X X EPID 6850 Field Experience X X X X X X X X X X X COBH 6960 Dissertatio n X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X EPID 6960 Dissertation X Employ the basic concepts of evidence-based decision making to select and design effective and culturally appropriate community-based intervention strategies. Collaborate with community partners and policy makers to address identified public health needs and priorities. DrPH Epidemiology Competencies COBH 6850 Field Experience X Translate community and behavioral research into population-based programs and policies. Collaboratively develop capacity-building strategies at the individual, organizational, and community levels. COBH 6250 Evidence Based PH COBH 6220 Comm. Hlth Research COBH 6240 Organizing in Comm. X EPID 6435 Field Epid. Assess health needs, interests, capacities, and disparities of communities and special populations using principles and practices of community-based participatory research. Interpret the significance of public health surveillance data for various priority populations. COBH 6210 Assess. & Surv. DrPH Community Health Competencies X X X X X X 46 Appendix F COMPETENCY EXAM EVALUATION RUBRIC 47 EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH DrPH Comprehensive Examination Competencies Student Name ______________________________________________________ E#_________________ Please type or print Field of Study ______________________________________________________________________________________ Concentration _____________________________________________ Degree __________________________ The above candidate should meet all listed competencies as a part of his/her comprehensive examination. Candidates should meet all DrPH Core Competencies as well as those associated with their concentration. DrPH PUBLIC HEALTH CORE Competencies Has Met Comments ADVOCACY Articulate lucid, coherent, and balanced positions on public health issues. Demonstrate ability to influence health policy and program decision-making by scientific evidence, stakeholder input, public opinion data, and social justice. Evaluate the impact of legislation, judicial opinions, regulations, and policies on population health. Establish goals, timelines, funding alternatives, and strategies for influencing public health policy. Demonstrate ability to advocate for the public health needs of diverse and vulnerable populations COMMUNICATION Employ evidence-based communication models for disseminating research and evaluation outcomes to diverse audiences. Integrate appropriate cultural and health literacy concepts into communication and marketing initiatives. 48 DrPH PUBLIC HEALTH CORE Competencies Continued (Communication) Has Met Comments Develop culturally appropriate recommendations for improving communication with diverse populations. Create informational and persuasive communications for lay, professional, and policy audiences. Develop formative and outcome evaluation plans for communication and marketing efforts. COMMUNITY & CULTURE Demonstrate ability to develop collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders, policy makers, and relevant groups. Assess sociocultural, environmental, and behavioral influences on the health of diverse populations. Demonstrate ability to engage communities in the implementation of evidence-based, culturally appropriate policies, programs, and services. Design action plans to assess and address community, population, and environmental health needs. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Apply theoretical and evidence-based constructs from multiple disciplines in the design and delivery of public health programs, policies, and systems. Interpret quantitative and qualitative data using best practices and accepted scientific standards. Use informatics to evaluate population and environmental health, health equity, and health services delivery. Evaluate the performance and impact of public health programs, policies, organizations, and systems. Weigh costs, risks, benefits, and unintended consequences of public health research and practice. LEADERSHIP Value the history, philosophy, mission, and methods of public health in addressing the health needs of diverse populations. Communicate an organization’s mission, vision and values to stakeholders. Demonstrate ability to influence others to achieve high standards of performance and accountability. Demonstrate ability to guide organizational decision-making and planning based on internal and external evidence. Prepare professional plans incorporating lifelong learning, mentoring, and continued career progression strategies. 49 DrPH PUBLIC HEALTH CORE Competencies Continued Has Met Comments MANAGEMENT Outline strategic planning processes. Utilize principles of consensus-building, negotiation, conflict resolution and crisis management. Demonstrate ability to organize the work environment with defined lines of responsibility, authority, communication, and governance. Develop and justify operational budgets for health programs and services. Describe the imperative for quality improvement in public health. PROFESSIONALISM & ETHICS Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional integrity. Discriminate administrative, legal, ethical, and quality assurance approaches used in public health research and practice. Utilize strategies for preventing and resolving ethical concerns in public health research, policy, and law. Employ methods that protect the rights and welfare of individuals and communities involved in health research and practice. Assess ethical considerations in public health decision-making. 50 DrPH Community Health Competencies Has Met Comments Assess health needs, interests, capacities, and disparities of communities and special populations using principles and practices of community-based participatory research. Interpret the significance of public health surveillance data for various priority populations. Translate community and behavioral research into population-based programs and policies. Employ the basic concepts of evidence-based decision making to select and design effective and culturally appropriate community-based intervention strategies. Collaborate with community partners and policy makers to address identified public health needs and priorities. Collaboratively develop capacity-building strategies at the individual, organizational, and community levels. 51 DrPH Epidemiology Competencies Has Met Comments Identify appropriate data sources and selects the best variables to address specific public health problems. Apply appropriate methods and correctly interpret complex and multifaceted data analysis in determining risk factors and causes of health and disease. Employ appropriate methods to construct questionnaires and to gather accurate data for primary data collection. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both primary and secondary data analysis for providing health information. Review and accurately present the current status of published scientific knowledge on a specific public health topic. Accurately identify and interpret existing public health information for epidemiologic field investigations. Explain how ethical, social, political, and scientific aspects must all be considered when addressing a public health problem. Discuss the use, strengths, and limitations of simple as compared to complex data analytic approaches for determining the risks and causes of health and disease. Assess the available public health information and the status of a public health outbreak in a timely manner and implement appropriate control and prevention measures. 52 Signatures of Examining Committee: Chair, Advisory Committee ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Committee Member ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Committee Member ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Committee Member ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Committee Member ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________ DrPH Coordinator ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Remarks or Conditions 53
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