Columbia-on-the-Job (COTJ) students are employed individuals with at least one year of work experience. Much of the program is problem-based, using case studies and problem-solving exercises to encourage student participation and the exchange of ideas and insights. Students are exposed to concepts and practices of group processes that enhance peer interactions and help develop colleague support networks.
The COTJ program spans twenty-eight months, including weeknight and weekend classes. The course of study includes management and policy classes within a structured curriculum. COTJ students satisfy the practicum requirement through their work experience.
Competencies
Upon satisfactory completion of the MPH degree, graduates of the Columbia on the Job program will be able to:
- Describe the roles of major healthcare institutions and the government in formulating and implementing health policy both in the United States and in the international arena;
- Apply fundamental principles of research methods including quantitative methods, data management, and analysis using theory and methods drawn from health economics and organizational behavior to problems in health policy and management;
- Evaluate healthcare technologies, medical interventions, and public health programs;
- Apply the principles of accounting, budgeting, personnel relations, forecasting, and marketing to health service organizations;
- Analyze, select, and successfully manage health information systems;
- Apply analytic frameworks and organizational theories in formulating and implementing organizational strategy, policy, and programming;
- Demonstrate a mastery of leadership, communication, negotiation, and teamwork development skills, and
- Integrate experimental learning with previous knowledge, work experience, and course work to maximize one’s leadership, management, and policy responsibilities.
In addition to gaining the track-specific competencies listed above, graduates will also achieve both Department-wide as well as School-wide MPH competencies.