Doctor of Public Health, Maternal and Child Health Concentration

Admissions Requirements

• MPH or MSPH from a CEPH accredited institution. Additional foundational coursework will be required for individuals who do not meet this requirement.
   
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant public health practice. See concentration prerequisites below for additional detail.
   
• Official Transcripts - Official transcripts are required from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
   
• Letters of Recommendation - Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to academic, practice and/or research abilities.
   
• Personal Statement - The personal statement should be no more than 1500 words in length and answer the following questions:
  • Clearly state your specific areas of interest related to maternal and child health leadership and practice.
  • How has your public health experience prepared you for advanced MCH leadership? Use specific examples of your work including overcoming challenges and lessons learned.
  • How will obtaining a DrPH in Maternal and Child Health help you meet your career objectives?  Include short- and long-term goals, and your vision for contribution to improved outcomes for mothers, children, and families. 
  • Describe why you chose UNMC to pursue your DrPH including what specific skills or competencies you hope to enhance or develop. 
  • Briefly describe your plan for balancing your current work responsibilities with the time necessary to complete a doctoral program including any support you may have in place. 
     
• Resume or CV - An updated resume/CV that includes: Employment history, relevant public health practice experience, volunteer/service experience
   
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores - Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS scores are required of all applicants whose primary language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from a college or university outside of the United States.

MCH Concentration Prerequisites: A minimum of 3 years of relevant public health practice experience with emphasis on maternal and child health. Examples of such experience include but are not limited to:

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating MCH programs or interventions
• Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating MCH-related data and indicators
• Analyzing health trends and patterns in maternal and child populations to assist in the development of interventions or needs assessments
• Creating data visualizations and reports focused on MCH outcomes and performance measures
• Conducting community needs assessments or asset mapping for MCH populations
• Developing or managing partnerships with organizations serving mothers, children, and families
• Implementing evidence-based practices or quality improvement initiatives in MCH settings
• Coordinating or facilitating stakeholder engagement activities for MCH programs
• Writing grants or managing funding for MCH-related programs or research
• Developing policies or protocols that impact maternal and child health outcomes

*Only required if student does not have an MPH from an accredited program
**Only required if student has not taken a similar graduate-level course.

Students must also complete a zero-credit hour Digital Portfolio

Concentration Competencies