PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michelle Thompson
703-993-3485
mthomp7@gmu.edu
Mason becomes first academic institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia to offer a CEPH-accredited undergraduate degree
Fairfax, VA --The George Mason University College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) announced today that its BS in Community Health has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). With this announcement, the College’s CEPH-accredited program of public health now includes its existing Master of Public Health (MPH) with seven highly specialized concentrations in addition to the newly accredited BS. Mason is the first and only academic institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia to offer a CEPH-accredited undergraduate degree program.
“This additional accreditation by CEPH demonstrates George Mason University’s commitment to providing high quality public degree health programs that prepare undergraduate and graduate students with the foundational public health knowledge, competencies, and specialized skills required to address the most pressing and emerging public health problems here in Virginia and beyond,” said Dr. Robert M. Weiler, chair of the Department of Global and Community Health.
“Our programs are designed to develop the next generation of public health practitioners, researchers, and leaders—those who want to not only participate in a national dialogue about population and global health, but to help shape it. In keeping with a Mason education, our students are career-ready and graduate with real-world experience that they can apply immediately to a variety of high-impact careers,” said Weiler.
The accreditation process includes a multi-level review to ensure the program meets the nationally recognized standards developed by public health academics and practitioners. Curriculum is aligned to the current workforce and public health needs so that students graduate well-prepared for a fulfilling career.
CEPH reports that the practical implications of earning a public health degree from an accredited program include consideration for select opportunities that may only be open to graduates from accredited programs such as employment, fellowships, and advanced credentials.
The CHHS Department of Global and Community Health accepts student applications for degree programs throughout the year, depending on the program. Applications for graduate programs are due March 1 to begin the following fall semester, and undergraduate applications follow the George Mason University calendar. The Department also participates in public health admissions fairs and information sessions throughout the year. Those interested in more information can contact Kelly Beckwith, MPH Program Coordinator, at kbeckwi2@gmu.edu.
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About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia's largest and most diverse public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 37,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. For more information, visit https://www2.gmu.edu/.
About the College of Health and Human Services
George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) prepares students to become leaders and shape the public’s health through academic excellence, professional service, and innovative practice and research initiatives. CHHS enrolls 1,917 undergraduate students and 950 graduate students in its nationally-recognized offerings, including: 5 undergraduate degrees, 12 graduate degrees, and 11 certificate programs. CHHS is moving toward the goal of becoming a global college of public health in the near future. For more information, visit https://chhs.gmu.edu/.