Published Research Article

A Review of the CEPH-Accredited Bachelor’s Public Health Programs’ Curricula in the United States

August 20, 2024

In response to the increasing demand for skilled public health professionals, our recent study, A Narrative Review of the CEPH-Accredited Bachelor’s Public Health Programs’ Curricula in the United States, was published in Frontiers in Public Health.

The study provides a comprehensive narrative review of CEPH-accredited bachelor's public health programs' curricula in the United States. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Memphis School of Public Health and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), assesses the content and structure of these programs, particularly in light of the growing demand for skilled public health professionals due to challenges like pandemics, climate change, and an aging population.

The review involved analyzing 90 public health programs across 86 institutions, identifying 2,259 unique courses. These courses were mapped to public health domains and competencies recommended by ASPPH and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), revealing key themes such as Foundations of Public Health, Epidemiology, Public Health Management, Climate and Environmental Health, and Global Health Issues. The study found that about two-thirds of the courses focused on foundational public health concepts, with the remaining third addressing practical applications.

The review underscores the need for public health programs to continually adapt to meet the evolving demands of the public health workforce. It suggests that while foundational knowledge is well-represented, greater emphasis is needed on skills such as health communication and data analysis. The study concludes by recommending that programs incorporate more experiential learning opportunities and ensure alignment with current public health challenges and ASPPH/CEPH criteria.