Core Competencies

Upon completion of the MPH@GW program, you should possess the following functional competencies: 

  • Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice
  • Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
  • Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate
  • Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice
  • Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings
  • Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels
  • Assess population needs, assets, and capacities that affect communities’ health
  • Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs
  • Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention
  • Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management
  • Select methods to evaluate public health programs
  • Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence
  • Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes
  • Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations
  • Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity
  • Apply principles of leadership, governance and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision making
  • Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges
  • Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors
  • Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
  • Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content
  • Perform effectively on interprofessional teams
  • Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue

MPH@GW Program Competencies

Upon completion of the program, students should possess the following functional competencies:

  • Define communities and identify and assess relevant population health needs.
  • Assess the functions, capacities, management and governance of governmental, international and non-state organizations that comprise health systems. Translate scientific and program evidence to inform the development of public health programs and policies within the context of health systems.
  • Apply public health theory and experiential evidence to develop and manage project, program and institutional strategies to reduce community and individual health risks to mitigate the impact of disease.
  • Apply relevant quantitative tools and concepts to inform different audiences and public health topics.
  • Describe how health systems performance is affected by various approaches to health care organization, health law, health workforce development and health care financing.
  • Develop communication campaigns and strategies to disseminate health promotion information through media channels.

Take the Next Step

If you are ready to advance your career in public health with an online MPH from GW, request more information today.

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