Introduction
The DrPH Student Plan is the document that both advisors and students will use to guide the student during
graduate studies in the School of Community Health and Policy’s Public Health Program. The plan should
reflect the review and results of a self- assessment by the student regarding professional goals, knowledge,
skills, strengths and areas that require improvement. Every student must have an approved plan.
When the advisor and student have reached clarity about the professional goals of the student, a set of
measurable objectives should be developed along with a timeline. The advisor and student are now ready to
develop the student plan. The student plan will consist of documentation of the following: 1) number of credits
to be taken; 2) coursework to be taken; 3) Core Competency Examination timeline; 4) concentration area 5)
internship plan, and 6) capstone/dissertation plan.
To assist in developing the student plan, the following information regarding the DrPH Program and its
requirements are provided in the following pages:
The Doctor of Public Health degree program provides students with problem solving, analytical, program
planning, policy development, communication, research, and cultural sensitivity skills as well as competencies
in the development and implementation of health promotion and disease prevention programs for community
health behavioral change. The program, which educates public health practitioners to address and solve
contemporary health problems of urban populations, is also committed to increasing and validating the body of
knowledge required for public health research and practice.
Dissertation
Students become eligible to begin the dissertation process once they have successfully passed the
Core Competency Exam and have completed all required courses. The Public Health Program requires that
students enroll in a minimum of 12 dissertation credits: Dissertation Seminar (6 credits) and two semesters of
Dissertation Guidance (6 credits). Dissertation Seminar and Guidance cannot be taken in the same semester.
DrPH candidates that begin the dissertation process must be continuously enrolled at the University until the
degree requirements are satisfied. Once the Public Health Program’s minimum six credits of Dissertation
Guidance is obtained, enrollment may be satisfied by being registered for Dissertation Guidance or Research
Seminar. [Note: Refer to the Graduate Studies catalog to review this information as well.]
Credit Requirements
Each student will work with an advisor to develop the number of credits portion of the DrPH Student Plan
during the first semester. Students not having an MPH degree will be required to complete the MPH level core
courses prior to taking the DrPH core. The number of core MPH courses needed may be reduced based on the
review of the student’s transcripts.
1. Total minimum program credits required for the DrPH degree for students with previous relevant
coursework (Master’s Degree) = 60 credits.
MSU School of Community Health and Policy
Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook- DrPH Curriculum
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