A diverse array of research at the frontier of scientific inquiry and discovery about interactions between environmental factors and human health is conducted in the Environmental Health Science Department. The research generates information critical for analysis of health risks posed by the mixture of chemical and microbiological agents present in community and occupational settings.

Academic Programs

Doctor of Public Health: Core Competencies

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After completing the DrPH program, the DrPH student will be able to:

Competency 1 (Critical / Analytical Thinking - oriented) : Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the core areas of public health practice, research, and theory.

Analyze and critique public health as a system, including specific functions and roles of government and governmental public health agencies and other partners, assessing the system’s ability to respond to public health problems and its limitations, and identifying ways to improve it.
Integrate and apply multidisciplinary theories and research findings to solve a public health problem(s).
Demonstrate an understanding of the ecological model and how it guides the assessment of, and solutions to, public health issues.

Competency 2 (Research - oriented) : Analyze issues and problems in public health using critical evaluation, applied research methodology, and statistical methods.

Obtain, interpret and apply appropriate quantitative, qualitative and economic measures to address public health problems.
Demonstrate in-depth understanding through use of an applied research methodology of interest (quantitative, qualitative or economic research methods) of a public health problem or issue.

Competency 3 (Public Health Practice / Application - oriented) : Access and synthesize information from a variety of sources to assess significance, identify relationships and develop strategies for addressing public health problems/issues in an area of interest or specialization in public health practice.

Identify and apply foundation theories in area of specialization to explain and predict public health problems and solutions.
Apply measures of population health and illness, including risk factors, in the development of community health improvement initiatives, taking into account appropriate cultural, social, behavioral, and biological factors.
Develop and apply a logic model, or other systems applications, demonstrating interrelationships among risk and protective factors, as well as between process and outcome objectives, and targets/standards for population health.
Apply research, evaluation and strategic planning designs to address a public health issue in an area of specialization.

Competency 4 (Management / policy – oriented) : Demonstrate leadership in designing and implementing interventions aimed at a public health problem/issue.

Demonstrate an ability to strategically plan, implement and evaluate agency or organization improvements.
Demonstrate an understanding of the political, cultural, social and economic factors influencing the development of, and changes in, public health programs, agencies, or interventions as well as strategies to positively affect those factors.
Apply principles and tools of financial resource management to public health programs.
Apply principles and tools of human resource management to public health programs.
Demonstrate an ability to lead and manage individuals or teams in the design, implementation and evaluation of public health programs.
Access and synthesize information from a variety of sources to make evidenced-based program decisions.
Apply negotiation, advocacy and other skills to public policy making, demonstrating an understanding of how to influence the process.

Competency 5 (Communication – oriented) : Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical elements of effective oral and written communication.
Organize and present qualitative, quantitative and economic data cogently and persuasively at scientific sessions and to lay audiences.
Design oral and written communications for varied audiences (community and business leaders, the public, policy makers, public health professionals, the media, and other stakeholders).
Demonstrate ability to develop a social marketing plan for a new or existing intervention.

Competency 6 (Leadership – oriented) : Demonstrate a vision and philosophy for professional leadership in public health.

Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical foundations of public health.
Apply principles of effective leadership in order to create a shared vision within a public health organization and foster partnerships that maximize achievement of public health goals.

Competency 7 (Education – oriented) : Teach academic and professional audiences.

Teach broad overview courses in public health, as well as specialized courses in areas of expertise, in an academic institution.
Teach continuing education and outreach classes in public health and areas of specialization.

Note: The DrPH Planning Committee at the College of Public Health, UGA, reviewed DrPH competency drafts from the following CEPH accredited SPHs: University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Texas – Houston, and University of Kentucky. These seven competencies were then developed via adapting and modifying from drafts reviewed. The competencies were approved by the DrPH Planning Committee, as well as all faculty at College of Public Health, UGA.

More Information

Degree Requirements Core DrPH Competencies Frequently Asked Questions Apply Now

Contact Information

Ashley Wells DrPH Coordinator N123 Paul D. Coverdell Center Athens, GA 30602 706.583.0059 drph@uga.edu Dr. Su-I Hou DrPH Graduate Coordinator 309 Ramsey Student Center 300 River Road Athens, GA 30602-6522