Development of undergraduate public health learning outcomes for an educated citizenry

A growing number of institutions have been seeking guidance on the optimal format and content of undergraduate public health education, especially at universities without accredited schools of public health or accredited programs. The rising interest comes from an increase in student awareness focused on: health and wellness population health, and global health; university academic and financial interest in responding to this growing demand; and, the Institute of Medicine's recommendation for an educated citizenry, based on access to public health education by all undergraduates.

The Association of Schools of Public Health began the Undergraduate Public Health Learning Outcomes Development Project in response to these trends. Academic leaders from schools of public health, public health programs, and the liberal arts and sciences assembled to identify key public health learning outcomes necessary for all graduates of institutions of higher education (educated citizenry). The goals are to: 1) define what every undergraduate should know and be able to do to promote population health both locally and globally, and 2) outline other essential student attributes and characteristics for improving health and eliminating health disparities in populations around the world.

This process began with a leadership group meeting to determine the four draft domains, which are based on the Association of American Colleges and Universities Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP). Workgroups were then assigned to develop the specific learning outcomes in each domain, using a modified Delphi Process. This session will review the first version of the learning outcomes model for an educated citizenry.