The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73846

Arthur Culbert, PhD, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, T-C-306, Boston, MA 02118, (617) 638-4640, aculbert@bu.edu

In 2001 Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) began exploring the feasibility of developing a program in undergraduate public health education. In the fall of 2002 for the first time the course “Introduction to Public Health” was offered to undergraduates within the University. Thirty-eight students from a variety of colleges and programs enrolled. A formal course evaluation and a survey measuring student interest in public health were conducted. Data from both surveys will be presented Students were very satisfied with the course and indicated a strong desire to pursue, if it were available, either a minor or a major in public health. The survey also indicates substantial interest in obtaining an MPH and seeking employment in the field. Beginning in the fall of 2003, a combined 5 year BS/MPH program is being offered in conjunction with Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University. BUSPH is working toward the development of a minor in public health to be available to all students within the University, beginning in 2004.. Aspects of the BUSPH experience that might be helpful to administrators interested in developing courses and programs of undergraduate study at their own institutions will be discussed. The BUSPH experience indicates that there is a need and a market for undergraduate public health education.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Understand the forces at work encouraging the growth of undergraduate degree programs in Schools of Public Health
• 2. Understand the spectrum of philosophies and goals underlying undergraduate programs offered through Schools of Public Health
• 3. Understand the differences in administrative structured for offering undergraduate degree programs and the implications of these administrative differences.

Keywords: Education, Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.