Key Aspects of Modernizing Public Health Doctoral Program at The University of Georgia

Abstract

Structured Doctoral Program of Public Health has been modernized from “consultation” to combined “Multi-methods” teaching module at the University of Full PhD program consists of 180 ECTS, 3 years for the full-time, and maximum of 7 years for the part-time. The programme consists of 60 teaching and 120 ECTS Research component. Doctoral student, together with a supervisor, starts working on his/her dissertation from the 1st academic year/semester of enrollment Transition from “consultation” model to the “combined multi-methods” model advances the learning outcomes, straight research skills, internationalization, modern professional communication. PH PhD Program aims to prepare a public health researcher who will be able to identify and solve public health issue/problem, produce the best evidence possible and make an evidence-based decisions, create a novelty, and expand the knowledge borders of public health. Self-administrated semi-structured questionnaire were used: How much “consultation” model is effective? What kind of skills are is necessary for scientific carrier?Focus-group discussion was conducted with PhD program graduates. Questions discussed: How you applied acquired skills and knowledge to your work/practice?In focus group discussion employers were asked to discuss what skills and knowledge they are requiring from the employees, if they are considering involvement of local and International experts in teaching process. 98 % of questionnaire students underline the Combined multy- methods with intensive theoretical and practical teaching with international activities. The deep knowledge of scientific methods and project writing skills are very important. Results of researches must be presented at the international scientific conferences and published. Research methods course was improved (amounts of credits was increased 2 times).The frame of teaching is Combined multy-methods with internationalization involvement and with intensive timeline. Key messages The learning process consist of Combined multy-method, with deep research methods and internationalization activities. The elements of Research component starts from the 1st semester. Result Internationalization.