Integrative Project

Integrative Project Contacts

If you have questions please reach out to one of the Integrative Project (IP) contacts below.

The key culminating step for each MPH student is the Integrative Project (IP). Through the IP, a high-quality written product is produced, which we call the “IP paper.” Through the IP paper, students demonstrate their academic learning and public health practice skills through the synthesis of foundational and program competencies and application of those competencies to complex public health issues. The paper will take the form of a substantial written product such as a program evaluation, policy or economic analysis, grant proposal, health promotion or community engagement program plan, publishable manuscript, or other written product that demonstrates integration of three foundational (one must include Foundational Competency #6) and three program competencies. Appropriate types of written products vary by program, type of practice experience (if the two are integrated), and the student’s career goals. We recommend (but do not require) that the IP paper build upon work conducted in the Practice Experience. For example, students may write a high-quality written paper using the findings from a statistical analysis performed in support of a research project that is separate from their Practice Experience.

Integrative Project Guidelines

The Integrative Project develops a high-quality written product of professional standard. This paper must demonstrate your ability to integrate Foundational and Programmatic competencies developed during your MPH training. It may be derived from your Practice Experience, or it may be a separate written document. Registration in the Integrated Project course may occur after, or simultaneously with, registration in the Practice Experience course.

A list of the MPH Foundational Competencies can be found here – Link to MPH Foundational Competencies.

The form of the IP paper is expected to vary by student and MPH program. Please look at the syllabus for the Integrative Project for more information. A non-exhaustive list of examples of substantive and approvable written products include:

• a program evaluation plan or report
• a high quality draft or publishable journal manuscript
• a grant proposal
• a health promotion or community engagement program plan
• an economic analysis
• a policy analysis

At minimum, the IP will contain a thoroughly defined overview, background and significance, a thorough literature review, a discussion or critical analysis that demonstrates integration of at least three Foundational and three Programmatic competencies, and a statement of your practice around equity and positionality.

We expect your paper will demonstrate: a thorough knowledge of a public health issue; the ability to articulate an “equity lens” (Foundational Competency #6) and an understanding of your positionality relative to the selected public health issue; the ability to apply existing theory and empirical evidence, the ability to articulate the public health implications of a policy, program, or research study, and effective written communication.

Project Proposal & Registration

You will submit your Integrative Project Proposal form, signed by your Faculty Advisor, to the program’s Integrative Project Coordinator/Instructor by the end of the 5th week of the term prior to registration in the Integrative Project course.

The form requires brief descriptions of all of the following:

• the topic area and scope
• applicability to professional goals
• sources of empirical evidence
• at least three Foundational Competencies to be addressed; one must include Foundational Competency #6
• at least three Programmatic Competencies to be addressed
• the primary public health implications

Below is the timeline of the steps required to complete the integrative project registration.

IP Activities & Deadlines

Your final paper will be reviewed by at least two SPH faculty other than your Faculty Advisor, and these faculty are likely to be cross-disciplinary and from outside of your specific MPH’s program. The grading rubric will follow the student learning objectives (knowledge of issue, application of theory, evidence integration of competencies, equity lens, and quality of writing). The Integrative Project paper course is graded A-F and carries one credit.

Below is the timeline of the steps to complete the integrative project during the term students are enrolled.