School. On July 1, 2008, we joined UNR’s new Division of Health
Sciences, which also includes the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and
Social Work. The move to the new division is a significant step for
the School, which I expect will open the way to further growth in our
programs, and in all of the health sciences, and to expanded
opportunities for students and faculty.
We have also submitted an application for professional accreditation
of our Master of Public Health program by the Council on Education in
Public Health (CEPH). Accreditation by CEPH is an indication that an
educational program meets recognized standards of quality and that
graduates have the competencies needed to enter the public health
professions. From submission of the application to receipt of the
final, official notice, the accreditation process typically takes
18-24 months. According to that timetable, the MPH should be
accredited by the spring of 2011. If we are successful in earning
accreditation of the MPH, it will be a major accomplishment with
immediate and long-term benefits for students, faculty and alumni.
Among other things, MPH graduates will be able to sit for the new
national certification examination in public health when the program
becomes accredited.
The path to professional accreditation has required another change
that you have already seen on our web site. Under the criteria set by
CEPH, we cannot be called a school of public health while we are
pursuing accreditation of the MPH program. We have therefore changed
our name to the School of Community Health Sciences (public health) while we work to
accredit our programs. The new name reflects both the scientific
nature of public health and its historical focus on the well-being of
communities. Our mission hasn’t changed, however: the school will
continue to administer the Graduate Program in Public Health,
including the MPH and new doctoral degrees that are expected to go on
line in the coming year, as well as undergraduate majors and minors.
We remain committed to building strong academic and research programs
and to improving health and wellness statewide and worldwide.
Dana Loomis
Professor and Director