Mason now offers five CEPH-accredited degree programs, including offerings at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels
Fairfax, VA --The George Mason University College of Health and Human Services announced today that its PhD in Health Services Research with concentrations in Health Systems and Policy and Knowledge Discovery and Health Informatics have been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). With this announcement, the College’s five CEPH-accredited programs now include its existing PhD in Public Health with two concentrations, Epidemiology and Social and Behavioral Sciences; a Master of Public Health (MPH) with seven highly specialized concentrations; a Master of Science in Global Health; and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health. Mason is the first institution in Virginia to offer CEPH-accredited programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
“Accreditation of the PhD in Health Services Research by CEPH demonstrates Mason’s continued commitment to preparing the next generation of public health academicians, researchers, practitioners, and leaders. This is an important milestone as the College of Health and Human Services completes its transition to become a College of Public Health,” said Dr. Germaine Louis, Dean.
“The College’s degree programs deliver high-quality public health education by a dedicated and student-focused faculty. Our high-caliber, career-ready graduates enter the workforce with the public health knowledge, competencies, and specialized skills needed to address today’s existing and emerging public health challenges,” said Dr. Robert M. Weiler, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Mason’s PhD in Health Services Research matriculated its first cohort of students in August 2015 and currently enrolls more than 40 students across both concentrations. The newly accredited PhD complements the existing public health-related doctoral program offerings in the College by providing a public health doctoral degree option that focuses on specialized research methods for systems analysis, health informatics and health policy, including innovative analytics applying machine learning and artificial intelligence.
“The newly accredited Health Services Research PhD extends Mason’s high-quality public health education offerings and affirms our commitment to deliver comprehensive academic public health at our university and in the Commonwealth,” said Provost Dr. Mark Ginsberg.
The CEPH criteria and accreditation process ensures that academic programs meet the nationally recognized standards which are aligned with current workforce and public health needs so that graduates will be well-prepared for a productive and rewarding 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.
Learn more about the PhD in Health Services Research, including details about the curriculum, program FAQs, and admissions. Those interested in more information may email hap@gmu.edu, or call (703) 993-1929.
About George Mason
George Mason University, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more at www.gmu.edu.
About the College of Health and Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and to shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence, community outreach, and interprofessional clinical practice. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in its nationally-recognized offerings, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 6 certificate programs. The college is transitioning to a college of public health in the near future. For more information, visit chhs.gmu.edu.