GUIDELINES:
DrPH PRACTICUM APPLICATION
INTENT: 1.) Mastery of evidence-based public health decision-making; and
2.) Capacity to explain/demonstrate translation of knowledge into effective public
health practice.
The DrPH Practicum applicant will: 1.) Prepare a two-page abstract for a plan to
implement the practicum using the outline below; and 2.) Complete the matrix for
proposed competency-based learning objectives. Please submit both for approval
to be discussed by a committee of the faculty advisor, practicum mentor and
Director, DrPH Program:
ABSTRACT OUTLINE
1. Definition of a public health issue/problem with justification for its
significance.
2. Brief literature review.
3. Description of both quantitative and qualitative techniques and
measures, as appropriate.
4. Logic model and action plan with measurable objectives and
outcomes, and data/information analysis plan (if appropriate).
5. Expected outcomes or results.
Progress will be monitored by the practicum committee in one-month, mid-year and final
meetings/consultations/evaluations with sign-offs from all three required. Convening
these three meetings will be the responsibility of the DrPH student.
At the conclusion of the practicum experience, the matrix of proposed activities related to
competency-based learning objectives will be re-visited by the committee and assessed
for progress.
The student will develop a written report (20 pages or less) summarizing results with
suggested recommendations for action. He/She will also prepare and deliver a 30-45
minute presentation to an audience of colleagues.
Final evaluation will consist of a critical review, by peers, of the written document, which
should be of publishable quality, and oral presentation in SPH 780, Doctoral Practicum
Presentations. The paper should describe the project’s background, methods, outcomes
and implications. The oral presentation should be accompanied by a set of hand-outs or
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power-point slides, and include a discussion regarding mastery of particular
competencies. The faculty mentor and advisor must be in attendance for the presentation.
4. Students must be registered for practicum credit during the time of their placements
(SPH 790 – in concentration, SPH 791 – outside of concentration).
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