Master of Public Health Program Earns Accreditation
Sacred Heart now has one of only four MPH accreditations in Connecticut
Sacred Heart University’s master of public health (MPH) program has earned its initial five-year accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
The MPH program’s accreditation acknowledges that SHU meets the highest standards for a degree in public health, and that it is on par with every top health school in the country. SHU is now one of four universities in Connecticut with an accredited MPH program and one of only 93 in the country.
“We are delighted to be recognized by the CEPH as an MPH program that meets nationally agreed-upon standards developed by public health experts in an innovative and comprehensive way. By achieving accreditation, we can be assured that the SHU program combines the most innovative, educational methods with a community-focused program that sets students up for success post-graduation,” said Jaqueline Vernarelli, MPH program director.
The MPH program at SHU was established in 2018. The University offers the MPH in a variety of paces to meet student needs: students can enroll full-time and complete the program in 15 to 18 months; they can enroll part-time and complete the program in 24 months; they also can take part in a 12-month accelerated program, and a combined degree program where current SHU undergrads can earn both a bachelor’s degree and MPH in five years.
For SHU to apply and qualify for accreditation, a full class must graduate. The process began in 2020, when the program underwent a self-study. An external council evaluated all courses, and professionals in the field came in to review the facilities.
The CEPH also requires that 80% of graduates must be employed or enrolled in further graduate programs within a year of graduating. In SHU’s most recent graduating class, 100% met the qualification within six months of graduating.
“We are pleased the MPH program has received full accreditation from CEPH. This accreditation affirms we offer the highest quality in public health programming. Our graduate outcomes are a testament to the impact the program has on the community,” said Maura Iversen, dean of the College of Health Professions.
“Unlike other programs, we know our students will have the tools they need to get jobs and be prepared to be the change-makers that will make our world a healthier place,” Vernarelli said.
The CEPH website describes its mission as assuring “quality in public health education and training to achieve excellence in practice, research and service, through collaboration with organizational and community partners.” Its vision is to “create excellence in public health education for a healthier world,” according to its website.
Visit the MPH program webpage to learn more.