Collaboration and shared purpose were the focus as the Department of Public Health Sciences welcomed the undergraduate public health advising team for a meaningful exchange of ideas and strategies.
Focus on 4+1 Programs
On Tuesday, December 17, the department hosted a collaborative lunch with the undergraduate public health advising team. The gathering aimed to strengthen professional relationships, foster open communication, and enhance support for students navigating the department’s academic pathways.
A key focus of the meeting was the 4+1 programs, which offer students an accelerated path to earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in public health.
The School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) and the Department of Public Health Sciences jointly offer two dynamic 4+1 programs, designed to streamline the pathway from undergraduate to graduate public health education. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) or a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) alongside a Master in Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH).
These programs provide a rigorous, integrated curriculum that allows students to complete both degrees in five years, preparing them to tackle critical public health challenges with advanced training and expertise.
Graduate Programs staff collaborated with undergraduate advisors, including Pamela Salemi, Laura Gonzalez, Julia Cohen, and Evan McGrath, to discuss program processes, address challenges, and identify areas for improvement.
By fostering open communication between undergraduate and graduate advising teams, the meeting sought to create a seamless academic pathway for students transitioning into advanced public health programs.
Campus Tour Highlights Resources and Opportunities
A campus tour was organized where the group explored classrooms, research facilities, and communal spaces where students engage in their final year of graduate coursework. This tour provided a clearer understanding of the resources available to students and showcased the dynamic environment in which they complete their graduate training.
Ginelle Solis, EdD, MPA, director of admissions and recruitment for Graduate Programs, shared her appreciation for the meeting: “We truly appreciate the undergraduate public health advising team for visiting our campus and connecting with us. It was a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate on ways to best serve our students as they navigate their academic journeys.”
The collaborative lunch also served as a platform to discuss broader strategies for enhancing student advising and support services. By aligning efforts between undergraduate and graduate advising teams, the department aims to create a unified approach to addressing student needs, fostering mentorship, and promoting academic and professional growth.
Both teams expressed enthusiasm for future initiatives that would further enhance the academic experience for public health students, particularly as the department continues to expand its programs and partnerships. By strengthening relationships between undergraduate and graduate advising teams, the department ensures that students benefit from cohesive guidance and a supportive academic experience as they advance in their studies.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on January 24, 2025.
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