Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 149
adjusted, to have the ability to form and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, to be able to use feedback from faculty and supervisors to improve performance, and to have a commitment to personal growth and development. These professional counselor dispositions are routinely evaluated throughout the program for all students. Students showing challenges in this area are identified and recommended remedial assistance. Failure to remediate an issue related to professional counseling disposition is grounds for dismissal from the program. For a full explanation of this policy and process, please see the Counseling Program Student Handbook.
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH( MPH; SUSPENDED)
Program Name: Public Health Program Accreditation Status: Gwynedd Mercy University is no longer an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health( CEPH). Contact the program director for information regarding accreditation status. Degree: Master of Public Health Program Modality: Online Program Director: Sharla Willis
Description: The Master of Public Health( MPH) is considered a terminal, professional degree in the field of public health. The degree is grounded in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences, and is guided by a social justice philosophy consistent with the mission of Gwynedd Mercy University. Courses in the MPH program are designed to help students become competent and confident in the application of skills used in the diverse field of public health and prepare them for employment and leadership within the field of public health.
Preparation for Professional Licensure: The field of public health does not require licensure. The public health program will prepare currently enrolled students to take the Certified in Public Health( CPH) or the Certified Health Education Specialist( CHES) exams if they choose. The CPH exam is offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners( NBPHE) and demonstrates a knowledge of key public health sciences. The CHES exam is offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing( NCHEC) and measures an individual’ s knowledge and skills in areas of responsibility related to health education practice. CPH and CHES are not required certifications or licensure but are recognized in the field of public health as measures of national standards in the field. Both certifications require continuing education credits to maintain.
Program Learning Outcomes: The curriculum of the MPH program is structured to address 22 foundational and 5 program competencies. Program learning outcomes summarize these public health competencies. PLO1 Apply epidemiological methods to public health issues through quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. PLO2 Compare public healthcare systems nationally and internationally, including how structural bias, social inequities and racism negatively impact health equity. PLO3 Design culturally appropriate, population-based, health interventions and evaluation plans. PLO4 Propose strategies to develop and evaluate public health policies that incorporate community participation. PLO5 Advocate for policies that will improve health in diverse populations. PLO6 Apply principles of leadership, governance, and management for public health programs. PLO7 Communicate public health content, both orally and verbally, in a manner appropriate for the