College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Term of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Health Policy and Community Health

Committee Chair

William Mase

Committee Member 1

Linda Kimsey

Committee Member 2

Tishra Beeson

Abstract

Public health has long benefited from the relationship between postsecondary education, accreditation, and government employment. Assessment and accreditation are important tools in postsecondary education to ensure fiscal responsibility, professional competencies, and quality assurance. The competency standards implemented in post-secondary education are not under the direct control of the federal government; however, policy amendments aimed at specific accreditation criteria could result in changes to public health curriculum and create eligibility barriers for students who rely on federal financial support. The Central Washington University Public Health program has provided educational support in professional public health for decades, and there is an increased need to support and reinforce the public health workforce in the rural, frontier, and underserved communities of Washington State.

This applied practice Integrated Learning Experience project served to support and advance the 2024-2030 strategic plan of the Public Health Program at Central Washington University.

The core activity was the development and implementation of a post-graduate outcomes survey. This resulted in a repeatable process for data collection using the self-evaluation methods commonly used for accreditation. Two other interrelated deliverables were developed to support strategic planning goals, including the identification of a process to develop a Community Advisory Board and a marketing and communication plan to support student recruitment.

The process of self-study does not have to be tied to an accreditation agency to be valuable. Colleges and universities benefit from a clear understanding and awareness of postgraduate employment and career pathways for their alumni. This knowledge can support curriculum development and program expansion for current students as well as inform strategic planning that will impact education and workforce development for future public health leaders.

OCLC Number

1588664646

Research Data and Supplementary Material

Yes

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