Master of Public Health

Culminating Experience

The Culminating Experience, required for all MPH students, showcases mastery of core and track-specific competencies through a final project—either a mentored thesis using secondary data or a capstone focused on a student’s chosen area of interest.

Culminating Experience Options

Thesis

The thesis is an original scholarly work synthesizing MPH coursework and practicum experience. It’s student-driven, faculty-guided, and distinct from the practicum. Format varies by track, and publishing in journals is encouraged.

Capstone 

The Capstone is an original project and e-portfolio that integrates public health and focus area coursework. Students choose their focus area with advisor guidance in Year 1, building skills and fulfilling educational and professional goals.

Selection

Before submitting their selection, students should meet with their academic adviser to discuss which option is best suited for their specific educational and professional goals. They should also discuss potential research areas of interest and mentors (Thesis), focus areas, competencies, and courses (Capstone) with their academic advisor and mentoring committee. 
  
After submitting their selection, the student’s track director will review and approve their selection for the Culminating Experience. 
  
Because there are required courses associated with both options, this selection will be considered final after the registration period for the upcoming Fall term has ended. 

  • Thesis

    Required Courses

    Epidemiology Track

    • PUBH 5527 Protocol Development I (1 hr)
    • PUBH 5330 Protocol Development II (1 hr)
    • PUBH 5599 Thesis Research I (2-4 hrs)
    • PUBH 7999 Thesis Research II (2-4 hrs)

    Global Health Track

    • PUBH 5527 Protocol Development I (1 hr)
    • PUBH 5599 Thesis Research I (3-5 hrs)
    • PUBH 7999 Thesis Research II (2-4 hrs)

    Health Policy Track

    • PUBH 5527 Protocol Development I (1 hr)
    • PUBH 5599 Thesis Research I (3-5 hrs)
    • PUBH 7999 Thesis Research II (2-4 hrs)

    Final Deliverables

    Final written product: Based on their research topic, students should develop an original scholarly work that is formatted and ready for submission to a peer-reviewed journal for publication consideration with the assistance and guidance of their faculty advisers and thesis readers. Regardless of the chosen publication, the student must apply critical thought, systematic analysis, and clear presentation. 

    Final oral presentation: 15-minute presentation with 5-minute Q&A 

    Student Assessment

    Drafts and other deliverables are assigned in the MPH Protocol Development courses. The final written deliverable is submitted in the student’s final term before graduating (typically the Spring term of the final year). The oral presentation will take place in the Spring term of the student’s final year.

    The final written product and oral presentation are reviewed by the Thesis director, the MPH track directors(s), and the student’s thesis readers. The Thesis director compiles the feedback from the faculty reviewers and assigns a final grade. They also send the student a written summary of the feedback on their performance.

    Previous MPH Thesis Topics 

  • Capstone

    Required Courses 

    • PUBH 5531 Capstone ePortfolio Development, Part 1 (0 hrs) 
    • PUBH 5532 Capstone ePortfolio Development, Part 2 (1 hr) 
    • Capstone Content Courses (at least 9 credit hours) 

    Final Deliverables 

    Final written product: Based on their content course work, students should develop and hone either a resource tool kit or a specific tool for an external organization. Either option should be accompanied by a formal paper describing the development process and the impact of the tool(s) for a community or the organization. Examples of public health tools include, but are not limited to, a needs assessment, monitoring and evaluation plan, program evaluation report, strategic plan, training manual, policy statement, grant, capital campaign, and curriculum. 
     
    Final oral presentation: 15-minute presentation with 5-minute Q&A 

    Student Assessment 

    Most drafts and other deliverables are assigned as part of the PUBH 5531-01 Capstone ePortfolio Development course. The final written deliverable is submitted in the student’s final term before graduating (typically the Spring term of the final year). The final oral presentation will take place in the Spring term of the student’s final year. 
      
    The final written product and oral presentation are reviewed by the Capstone adviser, the MPH track director(s), and any additional faculty reviewers. The Capstone adviser compiles the feedback from the faculty reviewers and assigns a final grade. They also send the student a written summary of the feedback on their performance. 

    Previous MPH Capstone Topics

Culminating Experience Handbook

This handbook guides students in planning and completing a culminating experience that meets Vanderbilt MPH program standards and CEPH accreditation requirements. 

View the Handbook