Why is accreditation important for a Master of Public Health?

The best way to be sure that the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program or school you choose will meet the standards in the industry is to ensure it has the accepted US accreditation. There is only one national accrediting body for MPH degrees, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), but there are several regional bodies that issue accreditation that indicate a university complies with standards within different states.

The CEPH is an independent accreditation agency for public health programs and schools of public health officially recognized by the United States Department of Education. They evaluate public health schools and programs to make sure they meet the standards of the public health industry in the USA. If the school or program is accredited by the CEPH, one can rest assured that it meets stringent quality standards.

This means not only that the course will be top notch, but also that potential employers will know that it meets the best possible professional standards. This will give students an advantage over applicants who have studied at schools, or enrolled in programs that are not accredited.

Also, the CEPH, the US Department of Education recognizes six regional associations that do regional accreditation. These bodies do accreditation according to physical locations within the US, to ensure that institutions offering public health programs meet acceptable industry standards. They do not accredit public health programs.

Regional Associations Recognized by the US Department of Education:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Northwest Accreditation Commission
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

There is also a Council on Education for Public Health that accredits public health programs and schools of public health in the US (including those offering “distance education”), at baccalaureate and graduate degree levels for participation in Title IV programs.

These programs are authorized under the Higher Education Act, and they provide federal student aid including loans and grants, as well as federal work-study.

Sources:

http://www.careersinpublichealth.net/resources/how-choose-best-mph-degree
http://ceph.org/constituents/students/faqs/#3