Kent State’s College of Public Health Offers New Master of Public Health Degree Program in Twinsburg

Applications are still being accepted for Fall 2012

Kent State University’s College of Public Health is pleased to announce the new Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Policy and Management, Leadership elective. This unique graduate degree is designed for working health professionals who want to gain advanced skills in organizational change and leadership development. The program is conveniently offered at the new Kent State University Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg, Ohio, with courses offered on Tuesday evenings. Sequential courses are 5-8 weeks in duration, and the entire sequence can be completed in two years.

“We are thrilled to now be able to offer the healthcare professional in Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown and Canton area a convenient and efficient solution to earning our MPH in optimum time,” expressed Sonia Alemagno, Ph.D., dean of the College of Public Health at Kent State. “This is our answer to the growing preferred education requirements of public health professionals in Ohio and the world.”

The program provides the competitive edge today’s health professionals need to compete globally. Global field leadership from faculty like Ken Zakariasen, Ph.D., ensures graduates of this program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to become the next leaders. His work is published in international journals, such as the Journal of Learning and the Journal of Healthcare Leadership. Zakariasen’s studies focus on innovative whole-systems approaches to organizational strategy and change, as well as leadership and leadership team development – “big-picture” thinking. Zakariasen successfully led a recognized MPH leadership/organizational change program at the University of Alberta.

“Our world today needs more leaders well-prepared to take on the complex health challenges of our society – and of other societies around the world,” Zakariasen stated. “I am excited to share what I have learned and experienced in preparing future leaders who will catalyze the change processes that will continuously improve our health systems.”

Those enrolled can experience onsite courses like Emerging Issues in Health Policy and Management and Health Care Systems. The program can include short-term experiences in the health care systems of other countries. In addition, the practicum can be completed as a change intervention designed and implemented within professional’s current organizations.

Applications are still being accepted for the Fall 2012 semester. Please note that a limited number of scholarships are available. For more details, please visit http://publichealth-emph.com/.

About Kent State University’s College of Public Health
Kent State University’s College of Public Health was established in 2009 to educate and train students to meet the current and projected shortage of public health professionals in Ohio and the nation. Its mission is: to develop and promote sustainable public health solutions, in collaboration with community organizations, through education, research and service for populations served by Kent State University campuses and beyond.

One of only two colleges of public health in Ohio, it is the first to offer a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Academic programs integrate theory and practice to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to address the health challenges of the 21st century. Faculty members engage in cutting-edge research that seek answers to some of society’s most difficult problems, including preventing chronic and infectious diseases, responding to natural and manmade disasters, curbing substance abuse and improving the delivery of health care. Partners include local health departments, community organizations, health care institutions and businesses that enable students to engage in real-world experiences in the growing field of public health. To learn more about Kent State’s College of Public Health, visit www.kent.edu/publichealth.

# # #

Media Contacts:
Carissa Bowlin, crbowlin@kent.edu, 330-672-6269
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595