MPH Program Capstone Project Guide

School of Community & Environmental Health Master of Public Health Programs 4608 Hampton Blvd. Room 3134 Norfolk, VA 23529 hs.odu.edu/commhealth

Capstone Project Guide

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3 Capstone Project Length, Credits, and Grades ............................................................................ 3 Step 1 Topic Selection for Capstone Project ................................................................................ 3 Step 2 Capstone Committee Selection ......................................................................................... 4 Step 3 Submitting Capstone Project Proposal for Approval ......................................................... 6 Step 4 Submitting Final Capstone Research Project Research Paper ........................................ 6 Step 5 Progress Reports of Meetings ........................................................................................... 7 Step 6 Capstone Project Final Presentation ................................................................................. 7 Step 7 Capstone Project Paper Submission ................................................................................. 8 Step 8 Evaluation at Mid-point and End of the Capstone Project ................................................ 8 Contacts for Capstone Project........................................................................................................ 8 Forms ............................................................................................................................................. 9

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Capstone Project Guide MPH Program

Introduction The capstone project is a culminating project in the MPH program that requires students to demonstrate the application and mastery of the program competencies. The project provides a real-world experience for students in community work using the knowledge and skills obtained in the MPH program. A culminating experience is a required component in the MPH programs by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the accrediting agency for the programs of public health. The students work collaboratively with community organizations or agencies and Old Dominion University during the practical experience. The supervised capstone project provides an opportunity for students to work closely with different community members. The project also provides a leadership experience in public health settings and exposure to organizations in the region. Capstone Project Length, Credits, and Grades The capstone project (3 credit hours) may begin after completion of the MPH core courses and during the last semesters of the specialty track core courses. Students usually begin the project during one semester and finish the project during the next semester. Students are required to enroll in MPHO 689, Capstone Project, for the first semester. The earned grade is recorded as pass (P) or fail (F) in the final semester after completion of the capstone project.
Milestone Tasks Capstone project proposal and capstone project proposal form submitted Project work Capstone project paper submitted to committee Oral presentation Final capstone project paper submitted to committee and MPH office after revisions Semester Early first semester First and second semester No later than one month prior to end of semester No later than three weeks prior to end of semester No later than 2 weeks prior to the end of semester

Step 1. Topic Selection for Capstone Project In the beginning of the capstone project, students identify their topic selection for the practical field experience. Students are encouraged to begin thinking of topics for the capstone project

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early in their program. Students learn about different health promotion programs and activities offered in the community through different courses in the curriculum, guest speakers, research of faculty members, and student volunteer work. The topics may be based on their areas of interest in health. Students may also link the capstone project with the internship, their employment work, or prior work in a course that can be expanded for a final capstone project. If the project is part of the internship, students may discuss the opportunities for additional work with the internship site and the MPH program advisor. If the project is part of employment work, additional hours to work on a special work related projects are possible. From prior course work, students may expand the course paper with additional information and references. Opportunities for capstone projects are available in different settings for healthcare organizations, non-profit organizations, state agencies, local government agencies, and community coalitions. Students may have an interest to work with minority health agencies in our region for a focus on minority health. There may also be an interest to work on a capstone project outside the region. In this case, students are required to discuss this opportunity with the MPH program director. The project is not necessarily a research project. The project may include: new health trends using technology worksite wellness use or design of Web sites for health promotion access to care for vulnerable population development of a policy position paper program implementation program design for an organization or agency needs assessment for community supporting other researchers in program development, implementation, or evaluation Step 2. Capstone Committee Selection The capstone committee members include the student, preceptor, MPH program advisor, and MPH program director. Students identify a health topic for the capstone project collaboratively with the committee members. The preceptor works with the student on a regular basis to develop, implement, and complete the capstone project. The MPH program advisor is involved in guiding the student for site selection, progress in the program, and completion of the MPH program. The MPH program advisor also serves as the liaison to the program, students, and organizations. The MPH program director may advise students during the culminating experiences in the program. Preceptor Selection Students identify a preceptor to work in close collaboration during the capstone project. Qualifications for preceptors may include skilled practitioners with:

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solid experience in a related discipline experience as a supervisor or mentor time commitment dedicated to helping student skills in providing guidance for students during the project current experience in specific community health issues or programs

Students and preceptors meet regularly to discuss progress, problems, and time lines for completion. The MPH program director may send the preceptor an introductory letter and Capstone Project Guide with comprehensive information for the students completion of the capstone project. Preceptors provide assistance throughout the field experience and help students build skills based on the program competencies. Preceptors also help guide students to determine measurable program objectives for their project. Roles and Responsibilities of Students, Preceptor, MPH Advisor, and MPH Director Expectations of students include: Identify preceptor to work with student during the capstone project Identify agencies or organizations as potential sites Develop proposal following guidelines with preceptor Develop timeline for completion of capstone project with preceptor and MPH program advisor Develop project using a theoretical framework (if applicable) Meet regularly with preceptor Submit progress reports after meetings to MPH program advisor Identify research guidelines involving protection of human subjects and the Institutional Review Board procedures (if applicable)* Submit proposal form and proposal to the committee (preceptor, MPH program advisor, and MPH program director for approval) Submit mid-point program student evaluation Complete a final capstone project paper following guidelines Submit project paper to committee for review Coordinate a time for capstone project presentation for committee Present the project to the committee and other students using a PowerPoint presentation Complete and submit a final capstone project paper based on recommendations of revisions by the committee * Most projects may not require the submission of an IRB packet. If your project involves human subjects, follow the guidelines for submitting an IRB packet for the IRB process. Expectations of the preceptor include: Guide the student through the process of completing the project Help to build students skills necessary for the completion of the capstone project Introduce student to organizations department and community members if applicable Meet regularly with student (may include email or telephone meetings) Submit a mid-point student evaluation to MPH program advisor Assist students in the preparation of the final paper and presentation

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 Evaluate the progress of student in the middle and end of the project Evaluate students oral presentation at the end of the capstone project Expectations of the MPH program advisor include: Provide guidance during the proposal planning stages Evaluate the progress of students during the capstone project Evaluate students oral presentation at the end of the capstone project Expectations of the MPH program director include: Send introductory letter and Capstone Project Guide to preceptor Provide final approval for the capstone project completion Evaluate students oral presentation at the end of the capstone project Step 3. Submitting Capstone Project Proposal for Approval After identifying the preceptor and topic, students submit a proposal form and proposal to their committee. Students submit the original form with signatures to the MPH Office. Students and preceptors keep a copy of the form for their files. APA format is required for the proposal document (see www.apastyle.com). The description of the proposed plan is written using future tense. The proposal format includes the scope of work as described below. cover sheet with your name, date, MPH Program, and capstone project paper title (page 1) brief description of the agency or organization (1/2 page) identification of the preceptor as supervisor (1/2 page) goal and objectives for the capstone project* (1/2 page) summary of research design with materials or methods (1/2 page) summary of anticipated outcomes as a result of your project and public health relevance (1/2 page) timeline for capstone project completion (1/2 page description using bullets, tables, or Excel spreadsheet) summary of how the MPH competencies will be aligned with the capstone project (1/2 page) *Guidelines for writing goals and objectives are important in the proposal. Goals are general statements for the desired program outcomes. Goals are written using verbs such as to increase, improve, decrease, or develop. For example, a goal may be to increase the awareness of breast cancer for minority women in health ministries in 2008. Writing objectives may include measurable and realistic objectives. For example, an objective may be to analyze community programs ... Students also align the capstone project with the program and specialty track competencies during the project planning. The worksheet under Forms page 9 serves as a guide for the summary of skills building. Step 4. Submitting Final Capstone Research Project Research Paper The APA format for the final project research paper includes:

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Title Page (name, title name of sponsoring organization, and date) 1. Introduction Description of the health issue with relevant data Purpose for the study 2. Background Literature Review of previous studies addressing the health issue 3. Project Design Methods, materials, design, setting, etc. Theoretical framework Sample population or approach to be used Outcome measures 4. Data Analysis and Interpretation 5. Conclusions What future studies or efforts are suggested How does the new knowledge contribute to public health 6. References (examples are peer reviewed journals and Web sites) Step 5. Progress Reports of Meetings Students are required to submit progress reports to the MPH program advisor after each meeting with the preceptors. The communication of progress is important for assessment of the students work to finish the capstone project within the estimated timeline. If there is a barrier for completion of the project, preceptors may use this form to report any delays to the MPH program advisor. Students will be able to discuss the concerns by the preceptors with the MPH program advisor. Solutions are reviewed and adopted for the students to complete the capstone project. Step 6. Capstone Project Final Presentation Students are required to give an oral presentation at the end of the capstone project. Students submit their PowerPoint presentation (maximum 12 slides) to their preceptor for review prior to delivery of the oral presentation. The 15-minute presentation is followed by a short 10-minute question and answer period. The format for the presentation follows the format of the capstone project paper. For example, a research project paper presentation follows the outline of the requirements for writing research articles. At the end of the presentation, students summarize how the MPH competencies were aligned with the capstone project. The MPH program advisor and MPH program director attend the oral presentation and evaluate the presentation. The preceptor is highly encouraged to attend and evaluate the presentation. Students are required to coordinate: room, time, and location for the oral presentation with the preceptor and other committee members availability of AV equipment handouts for the committee and guests copies of the presentation evaluation form for the committee members
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Students adhere to typical business attire at the oral presentation. Step 7. Capstone Project Paper Submission After the oral presentation, students submit the revised capstone project paper for approval based on the recommendations by the committee during the presentation. The paper is submitted no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester. Grading of the final capstone project paper is submitted as pass (P) or fail (F). Students are encouraged to submit their project papers for publication and present the research at regional or national conferences. They work on the manuscript submission and poster abstract submission with their preceptors. Appreciation Letter Students are required to send the preceptor an appreciation letter at the end of the capstone project. A sample letter is located under Forms page 9. They may outline their opportunity for skills building during the capstone project and the valuable mentoring received from the preceptor. Step 8. Evaluation at Mid-point and End of the Capstone Project Mid-point and final evaluations are scheduled during the culminating project. Feedback from students and preceptors is valuable for updating and maintaining a successful capstone experience. Mid-point student and preceptor evaluations are required to assess the progress, obstacles, and areas for improving communication between Old Dominion University, students, and preceptors. Final student and preceptor evaluations provide feedback concerning the site, field experiences, or suggestions for improvements. Now students are ready for graduation! Contact for Capstone Project Jim English, MSc., REHS C&EH Department Chair / MPH Program Director [email protected]

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School of Community & Environmental Health MPH Program Old Dominion University To: From: James English, Department Chair / MPH Program Director Date: RE: Preceptorship for Capstone Project We are very pleased that you will serve as a capstone project preceptor for our student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at Old Dominion University. We look forward to working with you for a rewarding capstone project experience. The MPH program covers coursework in five disciplines of epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, public health administration, biostatistics, and environmental health. The additional courses include specialty track courses for health promotion and education or environmental health, an internship, and a culminating capstone project. The Capstone Project Guide outlines the expectations of the student, preceptor, MPH program advisor, and MPH program director. For example, the roles of the preceptor outlined in the guide include: Guide the student through the process of formulating a project topic Help to build students skills necessary for the completion of the capstone project Introduce student to organizations department and community members if applicable Meet regularly with student (may include email or telephone meetings) Submit a mid-point student evaluation to MPH program advisor Assist students in the preparation of the final paper and presentation Evaluate the progress of student in the middle and end of the project Participate at the students oral presentation at the end of the capstone project The completion of the capstone project milestones are listed below.
Milestone Tasks Capstone project proposal and capstone project proposal form submitted Project work Capstone project paper submitted to committee Oral presentation Final capstone project paper submitted to committee and department after revisions Early first semester First and second semester No later than one month prior to end of semester No later than three weeks prior to end of semester No later than two weeks prior to end of semester Semester

If you have any questions during the capstone project, please contact Professor James English, [email protected].

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ODU MPH Program Capstone Proposal Form Directions: Student: Faculty Advisor: Agency/Address (street, city, state, zip): Complete all fields and submit form with original signatures to MPH Program Advisor. Students keep a copy of this form in their personal files. Student email/phone: Faculty advisor email and phone:

Preceptor:

Preceptor email and phone:

Project Title: (attach project proposal based on description in this guide) Project Start Date: Project End Date:

_____________________________________ Student Signature _____________________________________ Preceptor Signature _____________________________________ MPH Program Advisor Signature _____________________________________ MPH Program Director Signature

_____________________________________ Date _____________________________________ Date _____________________________________ Date _____________________________________ Date

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MPH Program Core Competencies and Specialty Track Competencies

How Capstone Project Contributes to Skills Building

ODU MPH Program Core Competencies

1. Utilize analytical skills necessary to acquire, interpret, and apply data using statistical methods for addressing population based health issues Apply epidemiological methods to public health problems for identifying and employing appropriate interventions to target populations Apply appropriate theories and models including social and behavioral determinants and an ecological perspective for solutions to health issues Analyze health problems and hazards associated with chemical, physical, biological, and social factors affecting environmental health Apply effective communication approaches using public health principles across different sectors of health professionals and lay people Employ high ethical principles for professional practice and research activities Assess factors for culturally relevant interventions for diverse community-based settings with practice and research Employ leadership skills using effective management approaches for collaborative partnerships in public health

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

ODU ENVH Specialty Track Competencies

How Capstone Project Contributes to Skills Building

1. 2.
3.

Assess environmental sampling, measurement methods, and interpretation of data for work environments Analyze sources of man-made or natural chemicals affecting environmental or human health Utilize theoretical frameworks for practical applications of environmental health principles Utilize research skills for the development and design of research projects Analyze scientific literature for solutions to environmental health problems Assess standards, laws, and regulations to ensure the protection of humans and environments and reduction to exposures

4.
5.

6.

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ODU HPRO Specialty Track Competencies

1. Analyze appropriate methods for planning, implementation, and evaluation of health education programs using theories or models Analyze needs assessment for individuals or communities at multiple levels including intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy levels Assess research results and interpretation for program evaluation Apply effective health communication strategies for program methods and materials Utilize health policy planning and health advocacy skills for improvements of health interventions Analyze social and cultural factors during planning, implementation, and evaluation of heath programs for diverse populations

How Capstone Project Contributes to Skills Building

2.

3. 4.

5.

6.

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Student/Preceptor Meeting Progress Report ODU MPH Program Directions: Students submit report after each formal meeting with preceptor (this does not include email correspondence). Complete all fields and submit form electronically to the MPH program advisor. Meeting Date: Student: Faculty Advisor: Agency/Address (street, city, state, zip): Student email and phone: Faculty advisor email and phone: Agency phone:

Preceptor:

Preceptor email and phone:

Project Title: Project Start Date: Project End Date:

Discussion: (what is working well as progress and what are some barriers anticipated or unanticipated?)

Any changes: (revised time line if needed)

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Sample of Student Thank You Letter

Date

Preceptor Organization/Agency Address City, State, and Zip Dear : You provided an excellent opportunity during my capstone project at ______________ as part of my graduate work experience. Thank you for your time, mentoring, and support. It was a valuable experience as I prepare to graduate from the Master of Public Health program with a Health Promotion and Education Specialty Track. Each step of the project was successful with your guidance and expertise. We were able to complete the project with timely submissions of reports and final paper. Preparation for my oral presentation included your assistance in reviewing the PowerPoint presentation and providing feedback. Thank you again for participating as my preceptor in the MPH program. In the future, I may submit the project as a research poster presentation for a conference or submit a manuscript for publication. I am very pleased that we contributed to the knowledge base in public health with the completion of this project. Sincerely,

Your Name Address City, State, and Zip cc: James English, MPH Program Director

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Capstone Oral Presentation Evaluation Form By Preceptor, MPH Advisor, & MPH Director ODU MPH Program
Directions: 1. 2. 3. Students distribute their capstone project paper to committee members prior to the presentation. On the day of the presentation, students provide handouts of the presentation and evaluation forms for the committee members. The MPH program advisor collects the evaluation forms after the presentation for the MPH Office record files.

Students Name: Date: Capstone Project Title: Evaluator and Role: (Preceptor, MPH Advisor, MPH Director)

Directions: Select the category that applies to the evaluation of the students oral presentation 1. Content Organization: presentation included format listed in preceptor guide to include background, methods, and materials 2. Delivery: presenter was poised and spoke clearly with no slang 3. Visuals: presenter prepared appropriate PowerPoint visuals to support presentation 4. Content: presenter covered project with a knowledge of material 5. Results: presenter discussed recommendations, limitations, and conclusions clearly; presenter explained how the project adds to the knowledge base for public health 6. Responsiveness: presenter responded to the comments or questions posed by the audience 7. Personal Appearance: presenter followed guidelines for wearing business attire 8. Objectives Met: presenter met the goal and objectives of the capstone project

Inadequate

Acceptable

Proficient

Outstanding

Student has met the requirements for the capstone project

Yes No

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Student Self-Evaluation of Capstone Project ODU MPH Program

Student: Date: Preceptor and Agency:
Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree

Mid-Point Evaluation or Final Evaluation

1. The capstone project is well organized by the university. 2. The preceptor is available when I have questions.

3. The preceptor is providing sufficient

supervision for my work. 4. The preceptor is providing timely communication as I worked on my project. 5. The preceptor encourages me to apply knowledge and skills from the coursework.

6. Positive experiences about the capstone, the organization, or the preceptor.

7. Suggestions for improving the capstone project.

8. Areas you needed more coursework in preparation for this capstone project.

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Preceptor Evaluation of Student during Capstone Project ODU MPH Program

Student: Date: Preceptor and Agency:
Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree

Mid-Point Evaluation or Final Evaluation

1. The student works well with staff.

2. The student is responsible to complete

segments of the capstone project on time. 3. The student maintains a high level of professionalism. 4. The student takes initiative to identify information for the capstone project to be wellprepared. 5. The student accepts feedback to follow instructions and directions.

6. Strengths and weaknesses of student during capstone project.

7. Suggestions for improving the capstone project to overcome any difficulties or better meet your organizations needs.

8. Description of how the capstone project was rewarding for you.

9. Other comments.

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