Bridging Academic Theory & Field Practice to Develop the Next Generation of Public Health Professionals
Public Health 360 (PH360) is a hands-on workforce development program that prepares the next generation of highly qualified public health professionals. PH 360 is a comprehensive practice and project-based training that bridges the gap between school-based academic theory and field-based practice. At graduation, program participants are equipped with the core competencies necessary to take on entry-level (or higher positions) in a variety of public health agencies and organizations.
Health disparities have long existed for racial and ethnic minority populations, and these shocking differences in health care continue to result in minorities suffering disproportionately, and often unnecessarily, from treatable, curable, or preventable diseases.
Although racial and ethnic minority groups are projected to account for nearly one-half of the population, minorities are disproportionately underrepresented in the public health workforce. GHEP developed Public Health 360 to help increase the number of minorities in the public health professions as well as ensure more cultural competency among public health professionals overall.
Recognizing the economic opportunities available to Public Health 360 graduates, GHEP offers employment-related services and resources including access to hiring managers, interview techniques, and resume critiques. On average, 60 percent of graduates receive job offers or graduate school acceptance.
Target Audience
Public Health 360 is designed for:
- Graduates of non-public health majors seeking to gain time-limited but intensive hands-on experience to prepare them for entry to mid-level jobs in public health;
- Undergraduates in health, allied health, or non-health-related majors seeking to complete a bridge program for entry into public health graduate programs or public health jobs;
- Practicing public health practitioners seeking to optimize their knowledge and keep apprised on current and emerging global health issues; and
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral students seeking to complete a mentored, project-based, hands-on internship in fulfillment of college or university requirements for graduation.
Course Offerings
- Public Health 360 competency-based curriculum (based on Council on Education for Public Health-CEPH and Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health-ASPPH MPH and DrPH core competencies)
- Capstone project (needs assessment, program planning, program design, implementation, and evaluation)
- Public health writing exercises
- Research and science communication/writing projects
- Peer-reviewed manuscript development
- Job interview preparation
- Resume critique, review/feedback, and consultation
- Front row seat with leading public health experts
- Working for success in public health in a remote environment
- One-on-one with hiring managers
- Final graduation presentation
Course Information
Below are practical information about Public Health 360:
- Duration: 3 months;
- Contact time: Evenings 5:30 PM United States ET;
- Mode: 100% remote; you can join from anywhere with internet access; weekly live sessions via Zoom or Google Meet;
- Learning Management System/platforms: Google Classroom, Google Meet, & Google Drive; and
- Cost: Flat fee of $850 per trainee; scholarships available to eligible applicants.
Core Values
All PH 360 fellows must subscribe to the following core values:
- Value diversity: diversity of thoughts, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and national origin;
- Acknowledge that public health is global health: the health of communities and nations are intertwined; and
- Be respectful and collegial: we are passionate, empathetic, fun, and collegial.
Faculty
PH 360 is a program of GHEP’s Center for Global Health and Health Policy. Faculty comprises seasoned academics and practicing public health practitioners from different sectors including research, education, policy, international development, and healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the program?
The course lasts for three (3) months; this is the equivalent of one U.S. semester.
Q: Why is there tuition for the program?
Operating a program of this intensity and quality is expensive. While, we cannot cover all the costs affiliated with the program, covering some costs is inevitable. Participation in PH360 is an investment in one’s professional development. Tuition also helps to sustain the program and keep it for the future.
Q: How did you arrive at the cost of the program?
The full tuition for PH 360 should be equivalent to the average tuition for a three-credit non-degree graduate course in a major U.S. University* which is about $1,995. GHEP does not want cost to prevent participation, therefore, cost of participation has been significantly reduced to $850 which is less than half of the full cost.
Q: How many days per week does the program meet?
The program meets once per week for live interactive sessions. There are at least three (3) virtual community public health events that fellows are required to attend to gain hands-on experience. Participants who reside near GHEP offices may participate in-person at these public health events, if they choose to do so. Prior notification is provided for these days upon enrolment.
Q: How many hours should I plan to invest in the program?
Fellows should plan to invest at least 3 hours per week.
Q: I heard that there are scholarships for the program. How does that work?
To ensure equity, all applicants to the program will receive some form of scholarship unless they are funded and/or choose not to compete for the available scholarships.
Q: Does the program allow for part-payment?
Yes, PH 360 allows for a maximum of three part-payments. When choosing part-payment, fellows will cover the cost of processing charges.
Q: I am employed full-time, can I still participate in the program?
Yes, individuals employed full or part-time can participate in PH 360. The program is held in the evenings. Faculty and staff are active public health practitioners and thus have day jobs. An evening schedule allows everyone to participate with minimum disruption to professional and personal lives.
Q: Is PH 360 focused on any aspect of public health such as epidemiology, social and Behavioral studies, etc?
PH 360 has been designed to comply with the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) competencies for public health. CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health, and public health programs outside schools of public health.
Q: How do I know that the program is worth it?
Upon successful participation and completion of the program, we are confident that you will be ready to enter into an entry-level position in public health. If you are already in public health, we are confident that you will see a significant improvement in your practice and be ready to take on new or higher responsibilities upon completion of the program.
Q: Who are the leaders of the program?
The leaders of this program are professionals from diverse disciplines whose passion is to eliminate health and education disparity in our communities by training students with interest in public health. See the website for more information on our leaders.
Q: I heard that students design a public health program, what does that mean?
PH 360 provides fellows with hands-on-practical experience on how to design public health programs that can reduce a particular public health disparity which they are experiencing in their community or country.
Q: I do not have a LinkedIn professional profile; will I get help to set one up?
PH 360 faculty and staff will guide you in building your LinkedIn profile or upgrading your existing LinkedIn profile to professional standard to make your profile stand out and more attractive to recruiters or potential employers.
Q: I am an undergraduate student in a non-public health major. Will this program work for me?
Students in our program are from diverse science and art disciplines who are interested in public health or want to make a transition to the field of public health, or who want to obtain cutting-edge public health skill sets.
Q: I am not based in the US, can I participate?
Yes, students from all over the world can participate because this fellowship program is an online training program.
Q: Do you have experience working with students from outside to the United States?
Yes, PH360 alumni includes fellows from different countries, including the USA, Myanmar, Nigeria, Ethiopia, India, etc. Access to the internet is required to participate in the program.
Q: What are some of the activities/projects the program offers?
A: The activities/projects we have to offer are:
- Conducting Systematic Reviews
- Conceptualization and writing of grant proposals
- Interview and resume preparations
- Use of social media in public health communication
- Journal article peer-reviews
- Participating in Q&A panels with public health hiring managers.
Q: What is the schedule for the program?
A: For the program, we host weekly meetings and assignments are due bi-weekly. We also observe all major US federal public holidays.
Q: Can I get my research project published?
A: Yes. Every student has an opportunity to get their research published through GHEP journals. Publications need not be completed during the program.
Q: How long is the application process?
A: The application is a 2-week-long process. First, we host our open house to discuss the program with prospective students. After the open house, applications are reviewed, and admission letters are sent to successful candidates.
Q: Is it possible to continue to work with the organization after the program is over?
A: Yes, there is a possibility to work with the organizations after the program is over. We have many opportunities for students to work in the organizations as volunteers and supporters.
*See George Washington University, https://studentaccounts.gwu.edu/graduate-tuition
American University, https://www.american.edu/finance/studentaccounts/tuition-and-fees-information.cfm
Georgetown University, https://studentaccounts.georgetown.edu/tuition/graduate/
University of Maryland College Park, https://billpay.umd.edu/GraduateTuition
Bowie State University, https://www.bowiestate.edu/admissions-and-aid/tuition-and-fees/
“More than ever in our history, the world needs public health professionals. The duty to protect public health and save lives must be put only in the hands of those who are carefully prepared in the theory and practice. Public Health 360 helps you to become one.”
“Let’s be clear, Public Health 360 is not for the faint of heart. The grind is grueling. But it is worth it.”