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UTEP's Public Health Sciences Program Achieves CEPH Reaccreditation

Last Updated on October 16, 2018 at 12:00 AM

Originally published October 16, 2018

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

The University of Texas at El Paso's Master of Public Health Program (MPH) has been fully reaccredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for the maximum period of seven years.

Public Health Sciences Department Chair Maria Duarte-Gardea, Ph.D.
Public Health Sciences Department Chair Maria Duarte-Gardea, Ph.D. and MPH Program Director Carla Campbell, MD.

Accreditation demonstrates that the MPH program in the College of Health Sciences has met standards in more than 20 areas to ensure quality in public health education and training to achieve excellence in practice, research and service. 

“This is of great importance to our students to be attending a program that it is CEPH accredited,” said MPH Program Director Carla Campbell, MD. “It is extremely important for their careers in public health to graduate from a program that has met CEPH standards of academic excellence. It will certainly continue to draw more applicants to our program, primarily from our region.”

The MPH program first received accreditation in 2013. It has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025.

UTEP’s MPH program prepares future public health leaders through innovative teaching, research and service by providing educational excellence and access consistent with the mission of the University and college.

“Our graduates are well-positioned and advancing key public health issues at community agencies locally, statewide and across the nation,” said Public Health Sciences Department Chair Maria Duarte-Gardea, Ph.D. “Others are furthering their education and are currently pursuing Ph.D. degrees.”

The MPH program’s key accomplishments include:

  • The development and delivery of an MPH program that provides access and excellence in public health education for the predominantly Hispanic population of the Paso del Norte border region.
  • The development and delivery of a unique MPH program concentration that prepares students for effective public health practice in Hispanic and border communities.
  • The development and delivery of an MPH program designed to meet the needs of working professionals in the Paso del Norte border region.
  • The development and delivery of a 15-hour Public Health Graduate Certificate Program.
  • A robust faculty and student research program focused on improving health, eliminating health disparities, and increasing health equity among Hispanic and border populations in the U.S., Mexico, and Latin American countries.
  • The development of strong faculty and student ties with Hispanic communities on the U.S. - Mexico border and in Latin America.

Since 2008, the MPH program has graduated 80 students. Graduates are eligible to take the national Certified in Public Health exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.

Graduates will qualify for jobs that require graduation from CEPH-accredited programs. They also are eligible for public health internships and fellowships sponsored by federal agencies, as well as student assistance resources that are available only through CEPH-accredited institutions. 

CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs offered outside schools of public health.