Culminating Experiences

The multi-semester Culminating Experience is the centerpiece of the Case Western Reserve MPH program. A public health field Practicum and multi-semester Capstone project are required of all MPH students. This two-course sequence (9 credits total) places students in health related settings to work on projects of mutual interest to the agency or organization and the student. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their Practicum and Capstone as a single Culminating Experience, with a proposal that describes both the Practicum and Capstone project. The manner in which credits are allocated between semesters is flexible and is determined by the student and their advisor. Projects must be relevant to the student’s chosen concentration.

Download the Guide to the Culminating Experience

Public Health Practicum (MPHP 650) Requirements:

  • A structured, individually arranged Practicum Learning Agreement with a community or campus partner that describes the nature of the Practicum experience, including public health competencies addressed, completed prior to beginning the project
  • A minimum of 120 hours (3 credit hours) engaged in experiential education with a community or campus partner organization
  • An identified Practicum preceptor, who also may serve as a member of the Capstone Committee when the Public Health Capstone is done with the same organization
  • Creation of at least two deliverables (concrete products) of use to the partner organization that demonstrate student attainment of competencies
  • Evaluation of the student completed by the Practicum preceptor
  • Evaluation of the Practicum site completed by the student
  • Poster presentation at the biannual Public Health Innovations Conference 

The Public Health Practicum Kit offers more detail.

Public Health Capstone (MPHP 652) Requirements:

  • A minimum of 240 hours (6 credit hours) dedicated to a Capstone project involving a scholarly project of mutual benefit to the student and the partner
  • Preparation and submission of a Capstone essay of publishable quality
  • Presentation of Capstone project at biannual Innovations in Population Health Conference
  • Evaluation of the Capstone essay and Capstone presentation from at least 3 members of the Capstone Committee

The Public Health Capstone Kit offers more details and includes all forms needed.