The Integrative Learning Experience (ILE, formerly called Culminating Experience) is a project that synthesizes and integrates the knowledge and competencies that students acquire during their coursework. All students in MPH and MSPH programs at the SPHTM must complete a culminating experience. The ILE project results in a high-quality document that could be used in the workplace or with external partners. Some PHA projects may result in publication in a journal.
Options for the ILE
- Public health analysis--Online programs use the public health analysis (PHA) option for the ILE. All online MPH and MSPH students are advised to complete a PHA on a topic of their choosing, as outlined below.
- Comprehensive exam (not available in all programs)
- Capstone course or integrated seminar (being developed by some programs)
Integrative Learning Experience Requirements
- All options must integrate and apply the core and program competencies in the project.
- Students produce a high-quality written document that could be used by external partners.
- Students must do an oral presentation of either the culminating experience or the practicum.
The Public Health Analysis, or PHA, is a planned project that addresses public health issues and solutions. Students select a project in an area of interest or of use in their workplace. The PHA requires literature research into the issue, analysis and application of knowledge and findings to develop recommendations to address the problem. The PHA is very flexible in format and may address an issue relevant to the student’s career goals. The final product may take many forms including:
- Investigating and proposing solutions to a public health problem
- Conducting a program evaluation or intervention
- Developing a training manual
- Critical review of a public health issue
- Policy statement based on a critical analysis
Online students should consult with the online program manager to discuss ideas and approaches for a public health analysis, and she will assign a faculty advisor with relevant expertise. The ILE will consist of three specific objectives for the completed document that will demonstrate program competencies from the student’s studies. The faculty advisor will work with the student to outline the project and develop an assessment rubric to determine the successful completion. Students should consult with the faculty advisor regularly and provide updates throughout the project.
Upon completion of the PHA, the student submits a high-quality written document. The PHA is evaluated using the rubrics outlined in the Integrative Learning Experience Handbook or the project-specific rubric as developed in collaboration with the faculty advisor.
The comprehensive exam is specific to each program and may be given in two formats: an essay exam with at least five questions that require in-depth responses integrating and applying the competencies; or an analysis of a case study designed to demonstrate the integration and application of program competencies. The comprehensive exam is generally an all-day exam.
A department may offer a semester-long course or integrative seminar investigating public health and professional issues. The course or seminar will be program-specific, based specifically on program competencies.
Download the Integrative Learning Experience Handbook
