Modeled on the highly successful full-time MPH program offered by the School of Public Health since 1996, the Executive Program is designed for working professionals, whether in public health or considering a career change to public health, who wish to accelerate or redirect their career. The program is tailored for individuals who are committed to advancing their careers and acquiring the knowledge and tools to advance to leadership roles in public health. The program is fast-paced, intensive and demanding but builds on each individual's former education, work experience and skills.
The MPH Executive Program is designed to enable individuals to acquire their MPH with a convenient class schedule and intensive utilization of the Internet. The class meets one Friday and one Saturday each month. Between class sessions, students utilize web-based technologies to interact with facilitators and other students with whom they may be collaborating in preparation for the next class. The curriculum is modeled on the highly successful full-time program of the school, and offers the student an intensive experience with each of the disciplines of public health.
Like the full-time MPH Program, the Executive Program covers the major disciplines of public health, including Community Health and Prevention, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Management and Policy. It is case-based and built upon the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in which the student becomes a self-directed learner as well as a collaborator in learning with her/his peers, assisted by the faculty facilitator. The PBL model develops in the student a set of skills designed to effectively address the increasingly dynamic, uncertain world in which we live and work and prepares each individual to be an effective life-long learner.
Students also have the opportunity to attend large group forums at the School of Public Health, including the twice-monthly Drexel-Health Partners Grand Rounds Lecture Series, Resource Sessions, and Workshops. Students in the Executive Program are also encouraged to participate in the School’s Student Government Organization, journal clubs and other social events of the School community.
Program revisions
- Grades for the Blocks will be A, B, C, F, with use of a plus/minus system (i.e. B+, A-, etc.)
- Students will be evaluated for a practicum requirement. While many students do not require a practicum experience, due to their already accumulated professional experience, some students with limited health related experience will be required to complete a practicum, arranged in cooperation with the School. There is no cost, nor credit value, associated with the practicum.
- Block XI will be offered in the spring of 2009. Block XI is a new course, required in the Executive program due to accreditation mandates. This course will be case studies, done in student groups, with minimal class meeting requirements. Block XI will be a 4 credit course.
- Block I, Introduction to Public Health, will move from August into September, and changed from 4 credits to 2 credits, with a concomitant reduction in coursework. It will be completed simultaneously with Blocks II and IV, the traditional fall courses.
Executive Program Student Handbook (PDF)
For Further Information
If you would like further information about the MPH Executive Program of the Drexel University School of Public Health, or would like to discuss the program in relation to your professional and career interests, please contact:
William. J. Hickey, Ph.D.
Director, MPH Executive Program
Phone: 215-762-8919
E-mail: william.hickey@drexel.edu
and/or
Helene LaBenz
Admissions Coordinator
Phone: 215-762-8251
E-mail: hl46@drexel.edu