The Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), continues to innovate in education by launching its Professional MPH Program. This initiative represents a strategic effort to expand access to graduate education for professionals and working individuals seeking to enhance their public health competencies without leaving their jobs.
Head of the Master of Public Health Program, Dr. Riris Andono Ahmad, MPH, PhD, explained that in its inaugural intake, the Professional MPH Program offers eight areas of specialization: Epidemiology, One Health, Environmental Health, Occupational Safety and Health, Public Health Nutrition, International Health, Maternal and Child Health, Reproductive Health, and Health Behavior and Promotion.
“The availability of these specialization tracks is expected to address the needs of society and the workforce for public health professionals who are adaptive, competent, and responsive to today’s global health challenges,” he said on Friday (June 5).
Although designed for professionals, the Professional MPH Program offers an academic experience comparable to that of the regular program. Students will receive a comprehensive learning experience, ranging from interactive coursework to internship placements in accordance with the requirements of each specialization.
“The program also emphasizes the development of both practical and academic competencies so that graduates can make meaningful contributions to society and the workplace,” explained Riris.
Unlike fully online or distance-learning programs, the Professional MPH Program adopts an integrated blended-learning approach. Students will participate in live learning sessions with lecturers and practitioners through interactive online meetings conducted via Zoom Meeting or similar platforms.
“This approach allows discussions to be more active, personal, and applicable to the needs of working professionals,” he said.
In addition, students and professionals enrolled in the program will receive intensive guidance and mentoring from experienced public health faculty members. These mentors include not only academics but also practitioners with extensive experience in addressing public health issues at both national and international levels. This mentoring approach is expected to help students develop their academic and professional capacities more effectively.
The Professional MPH Program is expected to serve as a platform for personal and professional development for professionals and workers with relevant experience in public health or related sectors.
“With flexible learning arrangements and consistently maintained academic quality, this program offers a graduate education alternative that is responsive to the demands of the times,” said Riris.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: MPH Program Documentation, FK-KMK UGM