Applied Learning & Integrative Learning FAQ

All PEs are 4 credits; equivalent to 160 contact-hours in the organization. Most PE credits are taken 4 credits in a single term or 2 credits in each of two contiguous terms.

Talk with your Advisor and your program’s PE Coordinator to figure out when is best for you to register for your PE.

The credits (4), the amount of contact hours (160), and the academic requirements for the PE are the same across the MPH programs. However, the content of each PE differs by MPH program and is unique to the work you and your site preceptor determine, and the 5 competencies you choose to demonstrate.

Because you are expected to find your own PE, we highly recommend starting your PE search (researching sites and contacting prospective Site Preceptors) in earnest two terms in advance so that you have time to draft your Learning Agreement the term before you start your PE.

You can register for your PE after you have completed your 5 MPH Core Courses (except MPH Biostatistics students are recommended to have a broad knowledge of various statistical data analysis methodologies and skill set to perform data analysis, summary results, interpretation of findings, and dissemination because their PEs are more data-analysis oriented. MPH Biostatistics students may be asked to start their PEs after completing a minimal level of biostatistics required courses [2 or 3 classes], and recommend courses, such as Linear Model, Categorical Data Analysis, Design and Analysis of Survey Data, and Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis) and after you have submitted the final draft of your Learning Agreement and it has been approved by your program’s PE Coordinator (and your faculty advisor if you are an MPH Epi student or MPH Biostats student).

Likewise, the PE opportunities MPH Epidemiology students tend to engage in are also very data management and analysis heavy. As such, it is recommended students have taken EPI 536: EpiData Analysis & Interpretation before registering for their PEs. Because EPI 536 is the fourth epidemiology methods course in the series (and builds on skills learned throughout EPI 512, 513, and 514 as well as BSTA 511, 512, and 513), it is also recommended that students have completed this course work before beginning their practice experience.

We highly recommend doing your PE your last term (or two terms) if possible, so that you can apply as much of your MPH academic training as possible in your PE.

Your Site Preceptor and your program’s Practice Experience Coordinator. Your Faculty Advisor may also provide guidance.

Your program’s PE/IP Coordinator evaluates your midway progress report, portfolio, and oral presentation. Your Site Preceptor will provide feedback on your deliverables.

The PE requires that you demonstrate 5 total competencies; 3 foundational competencies and 2 competences from your MPH Program. Of the 3 foundational competencies, you must CEPH Foundational Competency #6 (discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels).

Before you register:
Competency-based Learning Agreement (due the term before your register for your PE)

After you register:

• Midway Progress Report
• Portfolio
• 20-minute Oral Presentation
• 2 Deliverables as determined in your Learning Agreement

The PE requires a minimum of two deliverables that are external (meaning they are for your PE site or PE project). Examples of deliverables include (but are NOT limited to):

• A health promotion plan
• A community engagement program plan
• A program evaluation plan or report
• GIS map(s)
• Data collection protocol
• Surveys
• Interview transcripts