The West Virginia University School of Public Health has been reaccredited through December 2027, making it one of 67 schools to receive national accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health.
The Council on Education for Public Health is the nationally-recognized accrediting body for schools of public health and public health programs.
“The invaluable contributions of West Virginia University’s School of Public Health have never been more relevant than during the coronavirus pandemic,” President Gordon Gee said. “They underscore the fidelity to service, education and access to quality health care that define who we are as Mountaineers.”
Attending a CEPH-accredited institution ensures the degree programs have completed a multi-level review and were found to meet the standards developed by public health academics and practitioners. Additionally, CEPH-accredited institutions gain access to a wealth of resources, including exclusive scholarships; faculty, staff and student awards; national and international collaborations; and a cadre of educational workshops and trainings.
“Our reaccreditation is a testament to the outstanding work of our faculty and staff and their commitment to our students, as well as to our mission: ‘Improve the quality of life for West Virginians and all who call Appalachia home’,” Dr. Jeffrey Coben, associate vice president for health affairs and dean of the School of Public Health, said.
“Since our School’s establishment in 2012 and initial accreditation in 2015, we’ve continued to grow and implement new initiatives and programs, expanding our reach and strengthening our partnerships across the state while upholding a ‘student-first approach’ that ensures the delivery of quality educational experiences for all students,” Coben added. “This milestone is, yet again, another launch point for continued growth and improvement.”
As part of the CEPH Board of Councilors’ assessment, the School’s bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs were evaluated, which include:
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Health Services, Management and Leadership
Master of Science in Biostatistics
Master of Public Health
Master of Health Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Sciences
“I’m proud of the faculty, staff, students and alumni in our School of Public Health and their leadership in earning the designation of the only CEPH-accredited school in the state,” Dr. Clay Marsh, vice president and executive dean for Health Sciences, said. “As a Health Sciences Center that serves the state’s citizens, the School of Public Health plays a critical role in fulfilling our land-grant mission of working relentlessly to address West Virginia’s most pressing public health issues.”
The CEPH Board of Councilors acted at its November 19-20 meeting to accredit the School of Public Health for the seven-year term – the maximum accreditation period possible – with an interim report to be submitted in fall 2021.
Additionally, since the site visit occurred via distance technology to accommodate COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the accreditation term is contingent on the program hosting an on-campus visit no later than Nov. 20, 2021, to validate the program’s continuing eligibility for accreditation.
The School of Public Health Self Study is available to the public. The official accreditation report will be made available in the coming weeks. In the meantime, to request a copy of the report please contact Crystal Rhodes.
