Campus News

Westminster’s Master of Public Health Program Receives Accreditation

MPH program is meeting the demand to fill a dwindling workforce in public health

SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster College announces its Master of Public Health (MPH) program has received accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).  The accreditation recognizes the excellence of Westminster’s MPH program and broadens the pool of applicants to include federal employees required to attend CEPH accredited schools. CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health.

Westminster’s MPH program has been working toward CEPH accreditation since it’s inception in 2008. The rigorous peer-review process takes several years to complete, requiring the program graduates at least two cohorts. 

“Our MPH program is focused on public health practices, the in-field experience of the job not sole academic theory,” said Dr. Han Kim, associate professor and assistant director of Westminster’s public health program. “Students graduate ready to enter the work force with specialized training that is in high demand.”

A nationwide survey predicted a windfall of job openings after finding 50 percent of public health workers would be eligible for retirement by 2012. The report from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials also found nearly half the workforce had no formal academic training in public health.

“With fewer workers and more health risks like swine flu, West Nile virus, and MRSA, programs like this are crucial to preventing disease and promoting a healthy population,” said Kim.

The MPH program at Westminster differs from others by its design for working adults. Convenient scheduling combined with a rigorous curriculum provides students with the flexibility to expand their knowledge and advance their career. Westminster MPH graduates are working in state and county health departments throughout Utah, Montana, and Hawaii, just to name a few.

For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu/mph.


Media Contacts:  Krista DeAngelis & Arikka Von (801) 832-2682
Aug. 14, 2012

About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC on Twitter.