MU Master of Public Health Program Receives National Accreditation
Program is the only accredited MPH program at a public university in Missouri
October 28th, 2010
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Master of Public Health Program (MPH) announced today that it has received accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. The program was awarded the maximum five-year term, through December 2015. It is the second accredited MPH program in Missouri and the only accredited program at a public university.
“I am delighted, but not surprised that the MPH program was awarded full accreditation,” said Kristofer Hagglund, director of the MPH Program and associate dean of the School of Health Professions. “The program’s students, faculty and staff are dedicated to learning and to enhancing the health and well-being of our community. The program has outstanding support from the university and from its many community partners. This support allows us to provide high-quality coursework, excellent research and community service in Missouri and around the world.”
MU Chancellor Brady Deaton first identified public health as a strategic priority for MU. The MPH program was initiated in 2007 with a total enrollment of 58 students. Since then, stakeholders from multiple schools and colleges have worked to diversify and build the program. Today, there are more than 143 students studying public health at the university. Dual degrees are offered in conjunction with the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and the Truman School of Public Affairs. The program will include a dual MPH/ journalism degree in the near future.
The program has attracted students from states throughout the nation, as well as international countries, including India, China, Libya, South Korea, Haiti, Georgia, Zimbabwe, the Bahamas, Colombia, Tanzania, Nigeria and Nepal. MU students are trained to plan, implement and evaluate programs aimed at enhancing health in human populations. MU MPH graduates have earned careers at local, state and federal public health agencies, private think tanks, research universities and non-governmental agencies working to improve the public’s health.
“The accreditation process reflected the unique structure and strengths of MU’s MPH program, including the commitment to excellence in research, teaching and service.” said Lise Saffran, associate director of the program. “This exciting news was the result of the interdisciplinary team work and collaboration that is at the heart of public health.”
The mission of the MPH Program is to advance the health and well-being of the citizens of Missouri and elsewhere through excellence in teaching, discovery and service in public health. The program incorporates academic strengths of the university in veterinary medicine, policy analysis and development to address the needs of underserved populations and prepare public health leaders at local, state and national levels.
The Council on Education for Public Health is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health schools and programs offered at places other than schools of public health. Accredited schools and programs prepare students for professional careers in public health. The MPH is the standard professional degree recognized throughout the world for public health practice.