Southern Miss Dept. of Public Health receives continued accreditation

The Department of Public Health at The University of Southern Mississippi has been granted continued accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health for its master of public health degree program. Accreditation is for the maximum 7-year period.

"Accreditation addresses the public's interest in being assured that the program meets professionally determined standards of academic and operational integrity and quality," said Ray Newman, chair of the department.

The master of public health program has been continually accredited since 1993, with re-accreditations granted in 2001 and 2007. The Department's next re-accreditation review will occur in 2022.

The department was visited by an external review team as part of the accreditation process in December. In preparation, an extensive self-study report was compiled.

The master of public health program offered by Southern Miss is one of two programs in the state of Mississippi. Emphasis areas include epidemiology and biostatistics, health education, and health policy and administration. An executive format is also available for working professionals.

"Accreditation translates into better job opportunities and competitive standing for graduates of the program," said Newman. "Employers seek candidates who are well-qualified and prepared for the complex settings of health care. Accreditation provides employers with knowledge and assurance that professional and academic standards have been met for students matriculating through the program."

For more about the Department of Public Health in The University of Southern Mississippi's College of Health, visit www.usm.edu/ph.