school of public health alumni survey report 2010 · the 2010 school of public health alumni survey...

School of Public Health Alumni Survey Report

2010

Classes of 1998, 2003, 2007

Office of Institutional Quality Assurance

Charles E. Amos, Jr., DrPH, Manager Henry E. James, Jr., BS, Administrative Analyst

Shirley J. Mayes, Executive Assistant

Table of Contents Page Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 1 Demographics and Employment ...................................................................................................... 6 Academic Outcomes ....................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Programs, Experiences and Services ............................................................................. 18 Comments ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Employer Questionnaire .................................................................................................................. 27 Appendices: Appendix 1: Crosstabulations ...................................................................................................... 31 Appendix 2: 2010 School of Public Health Alumni Survey ....................................................... 61

School of Public Health Alumni Survey Report 2010

Office of Institutional Quality Assurance 1

Executive Summary Study Objectives: The objectives of the study are to collect and analyze alumni perceptions of their educational experience and professional preparation at the University of Texas-School of Public Health (UT-SPH), and to collect and analyze career path, work setting and occupational responsibilities of graduates. Sample and Methodology The 2010 School of Public Health Alumni Survey was a mail based survey of alumni in the graduating classes of 1998, 2003 and 2007. Alumni Affairs at the School of Public Health provided the addresses for the mailing. For each address, the first mail out was sent on April 12, 2010. The first mailing contained the survey instrument and cover letter from the Dean of the School of Public Health explaining the intent of the survey. The second mailing of a post card reminder was sent out on April 26, 2010 to those alumni who had not returned a completed survey. A third mailing of a survey and cover letter were sent out on May 17, 2010 to alumni who had not responded to the first or second mailings. A total of 242 alumni were mailed surveys. A total of 38 surveys were completed and returned by mail. Taking into consideration that 54 surveys were returned unopened because of an incorrect address, the response rate was 20.2%. Results Degree and Employment Information A total of 38 surveys were completed and returned. The largest percentage of returns are from the 2007 class (50.0%), followed by the 2003 (31.6%) and 1998 (18.4%) classes. The majority of respondent received an MPH (73.7%), followed by PhD (13.2%), DrPH (7.9%) and MS (5.3%). Community Health Practice was the most frequently cited major of primary work (28.9%), and Behavioral Science was the most frequently cited disciple of primary focus (18.4%). UT-SPH Houston was the campus at which 73.7% of respondents took the majority of their course work towards the completion of their degrees, and most of the respondents (65.8%) have not pursued further health education since graduating from UT-SPH. The majority of respondents (73.3%) are currently employed full-time. When asked to describe their present occupation, 22.9% reported that they were “Epidemiologists” and 14.3% are “not in Public Health”. The median salary of respondents was between $60,000 and $69,999. Academic Outcomes – Major or Discipline Most respondents agreed that the UTSPH program in their major prepared them for the public health workforce at the time of their graduation (65.8%), and prepared them for continuing to learn and develop skills (76.3%). Most respondents (76.3%) felt qualified to work in their specific area of concentration. Most respondents agreed that the UTSPH program in their concentration prepared them for the public health workforce at the time of their graduation (71.4%), and prepared them for continuing to learn and develop skills (85.7%). Most respondents (76.9%) felt qualified to work in their specific area of concentration.



Academic Outcomes – Interdisciplinary Learning in the Five Public Health Core Disciplines Most respondents (78.9%) agreed that the UTSPH program in their major area prepared them to understand and integrate basic knowledge in the five core public health disciplines at the time of graduation. Most respondents also agreed that their major prepared them for continuing to learn and develop new skills in the five public health disciplines (78.9%). The majority also agreed (76.3%) that at this point in their career; they are able to integrate knowledge from the five public health disciplines. Academic Outcomes – Public Health Practice and Career Skills Most respondents agreed that the UTSPH prepared them to join the public health workforce with good oral communication skills (68.4%), written communication skills (73.7%), program management skills (55.3%), program planning skills (55.3%), and skills to evaluate and use scientific literature (81.6%). The majority also agreed that their UTSPH education prepared them to meet the demands of their first job (73.7%), and current job (68.4%). Seventy-three percent of respondents agreed that the culminating experience/thesis/dissertation helped to prepare them for a public health career. Academic Outcomes – Research Synthesis, Application, and Practice Most respondents agreed (81.6%) that their UTSPH program provided skills and experience in applying public health concepts to the solution of community health problems. Seventy-eight percent agreed that they have applied their education to the solution of public health problems, and 81.6% agreed that their research or culminating experience improved their knowledge of how to plan and conduct research/inquiry in an academic field or practice setting. Academic Programs, Experiences and Services The majority of respondents agreed that the academic standards of the UTSPH were about right in terms of rigor (68.4%), all courses necessary to meet degree programs were provided (63.2%), there were sufficient courses at the upper level of heir major or discipline (50.0%), and classes in their major were taught to make them think about public health problems in a new way (76.3%). The majority also agreed that teachers provided timely, useful feedback in their classes (76.3%), advisors helped to plan and execute an appropriate course of study to meet their goals (76.3%), and courses were available so that they could finish their program in a timely manner (65.8%). Sixty-eight percent of respondents agreed that the school provided them with adequate research opportunities. Most respondents agreed that their research or culminating experience supervisor helped them to learn the skills needed to conduct the project (65.8%), and helped them complete the project in a timely manner (63.2%). Seventy-eight percent agreed that their research experience provided them with research ethics training. Of all respondents, 76.3% agreed that they had a practicum or other community experience that afforded them the opportunity to put their learning into practice. Also, 71.1% agreed that courses were available to them at convenient times, and 73.7% agreed that they were able to register in their preferred semester for courses needed for their program.



When respondents were asked about interactive television (ITV) and whether learning outcomes in classes with ITV were good educational experiences, 52.6% agreed the experience was good if they were at the site with the instructor, but only 28.9% agreed the experience was good if they were at the site without the instructor. Also, 80.0% of respondents agreed that their learning outcomes in classes taught primarily online were good. Of all respondents, 65.8% agreed that their degree took longer than anticipated. General Satisfaction The majority of respondents (81.6%) reported that they would recommend UTSPH to others interested in obtaining a public health degree. Thirty-six percent report that they would be interested in participating in Alumni activities. Employers Questionnaire Eight employers returned completed questionnaires. When asked to rate their employees preparation in each of 5 public health disciplines, the majority of them rated their employees Excellent or Good in Biostatistics (66.6%), Environmental Sciences (20.0%), Epidemiology (75.0%), Behavioral Sciences (40%), and Administration (60.0%). The majority (85.8%) also rated their employees Superior or Excellent when compared to other employees with similar work experience.



Demographics and Employment

0%

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50%

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70%

80%

90%

100%

MPH MS DrPH PhD

1998

2003

2007

Highest Degree completed at SPH

1998=7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The majority of respondents (73.7%) have an MPH as their highest degree earned from the School of Public Health. This is followed by PhD (13.2%), DrPH (7.9%) and MS (5.3%).

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100%

MPH MS DrPH PhD

MaleFemale

Highest Degree completed at SPH by Gender

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

Females make up the majority of the sample (65.8%). Males and females are fairly closely represented across the different degrees.



0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Community Health Practice

Disease Control Health Promotion / Health Education

Health Services Organization

International & Family Health

1998

2003

2007

Major of your primary work at UT-SPH

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

Community Health Practice is the major with the largest percentage (28.9%) of respondents report as the primary module of their degree. Disease Control (30.8%) is second, and Health Services Organization and International & Family Health are (11.5%) third.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Behavioral Sciences Biological Sciences Environmental Sciences

Epidemiology

1998

2003

2007

Concentration of your primary work at UT-SPH

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

Behavioral Science is the disciple of primary focus for 18.4% of respondents. This is followed by Biological Sciences (2.6%), Environmental Sciences (2.6%) and Epidemiology (2.6%). The majority of respondents (73.7%) did not report a Concentration.



0%

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30%

40%

50%

60%

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80%

90%

100%

Houston Brownsville El Paso San Antonio

1998

2003

2007

Campus of your primary work at UT-SPH

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The majority of respondents did their primary work at the UTSPH Houston campus (73.7%). This was followed by Dallas (7.9%), El Paso (5.3%), and San Antonio (5.3%). Only 7.9% did not answer this question.



0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

No Yes (degree sought) Yes (non-degree)

1998

2003

2007

Have you pursued further education since graduating from UT-SPH?

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The majority of respondents (65.8%) have not pursued further education since graduating from UT-SPH. There is no difference in further health education across graduating years.

0%

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30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

SPH Career Info Network

UTSPH Practicum Other UTSPH resources

Alumni Other

1998

2003

2007

Which of these did you find helpful in finding your first job after leaving UT-SPH?

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

23.7% of the respondents answered “Other” when asked what was the most helpful in finding a job after leaving UT-SPH. The UTSPH Practicum was helpful in locating a job as 21.1% reported.



0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Full-time Part-time Unemployed by choice

Unemployed but looking

Student

1998

2003

2007

What is your current employment status?

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The majority of respondents (73.3%) answering this question are currently employed full-time. When looking at employment by graduation year, 2007 graduates had the largest percents of reported full-time employment responses (88.9%).

Which of the following best describes your present occupation? Occupation 1998

n (%) 2003 n (%)

2007 n (%)

Total Population n (%)

Behavioral or social scientist 0 (0%) 2 (16.7%) 1 (5.9%) 3 (8.6%) Biostatistician 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 1 (5.9%) 2 (5.7%) Epidemiologist 2 (33.3%) 1 (8.3%) 5 (29.4%) 8 (22.9%) Health Educator 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 2 (11.8%) 2 (5.7%) Public or Community Health Physician or Dentist

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 1 (5.9%) 1 (2.9%)

Nurse 0 (0%) 3 (25.0%) 1 (5.9%) 4 (11.4%) Physician 1 (16.7%) 0 (0%) 2 (11.8%) 3 (8.6%) Health Planner or Policy Analyst 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 0 (0%) 1 (2.9%) Environmental Health Specialist 1 (16.7%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 1 (2.9%) Industrial Hygienist or Safety Specialist

0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 1 (5.9%) 2 (5.7%)

Laboratory Scientist 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 0 (0%) 1 (2.9%) Other Public Health Occupation 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 2 (11.8%) 2 (5.7%) Not in Public Health 2 (33.3%) 2 (16.7%) 1 (5.9%) 5 (14.3%) The most frequent answer in describing present occupation is “Epidemiologist” (22.9%), followed by “Not in Public Health” (14.3%) and “Nurse” (11.4%).



What responsibilities related to public health do you have in your present job? (Check all that apply)

Occupation 1998 n (%)

2003 n (%)

2007 n (%)


Monitoring community health status

1 (14.3%) 3 (25.0%) 4 (21.1%) 8 (21.1%)

Investigating community health problems and hazards

2 (28.6%) 6 (50.0%) 7 (36.8%) 15 (39.5%)

Educating the public about health issues

2 (28.6%) 3 (25.0%) 3 (15.8%) 8 (21.1%)

Organizing community groups to solve health problems

0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 1 (5.3%) 2 (5.3%)

Developing community health policies and programs

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 1 (5.3%) 1 (2.6%)

Achieving healthy and safe work conditions

0 (0%) 2 (16.7%) 3 (15.8%) 5 (13.2%)

Providing personal health services

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 3 (15.8%) 3 (7.9%)

Educating health personnel 1 (14.3%) 2 (16.7%) 2 (10.5%) 5 (13.2%) Evaluating personal and community health services

0 (0%) 4 (33.3%) 8 (42.1%) 12 (31.6%)

Conducting research 3 (42.9%) 3 (25.0%) 4 (21.1%) 10 (26.3%) None related to public health 3 (42.9%) 0 (0%) 1 (5.3%) 4 (10.5%) The most frequently reported responsibility related to public health is “investigating community health problems and hazards” (39.5%). “Evaluating health personnel and community health services” increased from 1998 to 2007. “Conducting research” also changes greatly when viewed across the years.

Current Salary Range Salary 1998

n (%) 2003 n (%)

2007 n (%)


$20,000 - $29,999 0 (0%) 2 (16.7%) 0 (0%) 2 (6.1%) $30,000 - $39,999 0 (0%) 2 (16.7%) 0 (0%) 2 (6.1%) $40,000 - $49,999 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 3 (18.8%) 4 (12.1%) $50,000 - $59,999 0 (0%) 3 (25.0%) 5 (31.3%) 8 (24.2%) $60,000 - $69,999 1 (20.0%) 1 (8.3%) 5 (31.3%) 7 (21.2%) $70,000 - $79,999 1 (20.0%) 1 (8.3%) 1 (6.3%) 3 (9.1%) $80,000 - $89,999 1 (20.0%) 0 (0%) 1 (6.3%) 2 (6.1%) $90,000 – $99,999 0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 0 (0%) 1 (3.0%) $100,000 - $124,999 1 (20.0%) 1 (8.3%) 0 (0%) 2 (6.1%) $125,000 - $149,999 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 1 (6.3%) 1 (3.0%) $150,000 and above 1 (20.0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 1 (3.0%) The median salary category is $60,000 to $69,999. Respondents who graduated in 1998 are the top earners, followed by 2007and 2003.



Academic Outcomes – Major or Discipline

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for the public health workforce at the time of

graduation

The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for continuing

to learn and develop skills

At this point in my career, I feel qualified for work related to my

major or discipline

1998

2003

2007

Academic Outcomes – Major or Discipline(Percentage Strongly Agree/Agree)

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for the public health workforce at the time of my graduation. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 65.8% of respondents in the overall sample. Responses range from 77.8% in the 2007 cohort to 63.8% of the 2003 cohort. The UTSPH program in my major are prepared me for continuing to learn and develop skills. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Responses range from 94.4% of the 2007 cohort to 57.1% in the 1998 cohort. At this point in my career, I feel qualified for work related to my major or discipline. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Responses range from 84.2% of the 2007 cohort to 57.1% in the 1998 cohort.



Academic Outcomes – Graduates with concentrations in Global Health, Health Disparities, Maternal and Child Health, or Leadership

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

The UTSPH program in my concentration prepared me for the public health work force at

the time of graduation

The UTSPH program in my concentration area prepared me

for continuing to learn and develop skills

At this point in my career, I feel qualified for work in the specific

area of my concentration

1998

2003

2007

Academic Outcomes – For Grads with concentrations in Global Health, Health Disparities, Maternal and Child Health, Leadership

(Percentage Strongly Agree/Agree)

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The UTSPH program in my concentration prepared me for the public health workforce at the time of graduation This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 71.4% of respondents with the above stated concentrations. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (83.3%), followed by the 1998 group (66.7%) and the 2007 group (60.0%). The UTSPH program in my concentration area prepared me for continuing to learn and develop skills This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 85.7% of respondents with the above stated concentrations. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 group (100%), followed by the 2003 group (83.3%) and the 2007 group (80.0%). At this point in my career, I feel qualified for work in the specific area of my concentration. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.9% of respondents with the above stated concentrations. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (100%), followed by the 2007 group (60.0%) and the 1998 group (50.0%).



Academic Outcomes – Interdisciplinary Leaning in the Five Public Health Core Disciplines

0%

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50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

The UTSPH Program in my major prepared me to understand and integrate basic knowledge in all

5 core PH disciplines

The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for continuing to learn and develop skills in the

5 public health disciplines

At this point in my career, I am able to integrate knowledge

from the 5 public health disciplines

1998

2003

2007

Interdisciplinary Learning in the Five Public Health Core Disciplines

(Percentage Strongly Agree/Agree)

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me to understand and integrate basic knowledge in the five core public health disciplines at the time of graduation. (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Sciences, Health Services Administration, Social and Behavioral Sciences) This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 78.9% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (94.1%), followed by the 2003 group (75.0%) and the 1998 group (71.4%). The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for continuing to learn and develop new skills in the five public health disciplines. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 78.9% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (94.1%), followed by the 2003 group (75.0%) and the 1998 group (71.4%). At this point in my career, I am able to integrate knowledge from the five public health disciplines. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (88.2%), followed by the 2003 group (83.3%) and the 1998 group (57.1%).



Academic Outcomes – Public Health Practice and Career Skills

0%

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40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Oral communication

skills

Written communication

skills

Program management skills

Program planning skills

Skills to evaluate and use scientific

evidence

199820032007

The UTSPH prepared me to join the health workforce with good:(Percentage Strongly Agree/Agree)

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good oral communication skills. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 68.4% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (84.2%), followed by the 1998 group (57.1%) and the 2003 group (50.0%). The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good written communication skills. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 73.7% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (84.2%), followed by the 2003 group (66.7%) and the 1998 group (57.1%). The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good program management skills. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 55.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (63.2%), followed by the 2003 group (54.5%) and the 1998 group (42.9%).

The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good program planning skills. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 55.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (68.4%), followed by the 2003 group (45.5%) and the 1998 group (42.9%).



The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good skills to evaluate and use scientific evidence. This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 81.6% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (84.2%), followed by the 2003 group (83.3%) and the 1998 group (71.4%).

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

My UTSPH education has prepared me to meet the

demands of my first public health job after leaving the

UTSPH

My UTSPH education has prepared me to meet the

demands of my current public health job

The culminating experience or thesis or dissertation helped

prepare me for a public health career

199820032007

Public Health Practice and Career Skills(Percentage Strongly Agree/Agree)

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

My UTSPH education has prepared me to meet the demands of my first public health job after leaving UTSPH This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 73.7% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (88.2%), followed by the 2003 group (75.0%) and the 1998 group (66.7%). My UTSPH education has prepared me to meet the demands of my current public health job This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 68.4% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (94.1%), followed by the 2003 group (72.7%) and the 1998 group (50.0%). The culminating experience/thesis/dissertation helped to prepare me for a public health career This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 73.7% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (78.9%), followed by the 2003 group (75.0%) and the 1998 group (66.7%).



Academic Outcomes – Research Synthesis, Application, and Practice

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

My UTSPH program provided skills and experience in applying

public health concepts to the solution of community health

problems

I have applied my UTSPH education to the solution of

public health problems

My research or culminating experience improved my

knowledge of how to plan and conduct research/inquiry in an

academic field or practice setting

199820032007

Research, Synthesis, Application and Practice(Percentage Strongly Agree/Agree)

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

My UTSPH program provided skills and experience in applying public health concepts to the solution of community health problems This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 81.6% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 group (85.7%), followed by the 2007 group (84.2%) and the 2003 group (81.8%). I have applied my UTSPH education to the solution of public health problems This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 78.9% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (90.9%), followed by the 2007 group (78.9%) and the 1998 group (71.4%). My research or culminating experience improved my knowledge of how to plan and conduct research/inquiry in an academic field or practice setting This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 81.6% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (91.7%), followed by the 2007 group (84.2%) and the 1998 group (66.7%).



Academic Programs, Experience and Services

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

The academic standards at the UTSPH were

about right in terms of rigor

The school provided all the courses necessary

to meet my degree program objectives

There were significant courses at the upper level of my major or

discipline

Classes in my major taught me to think about public health

problems in new ways.

199820032007

Academic Programs, Experiences and Services(Percentage Strongly Agree/Agree)

1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

The academic standards at the UTSPH were about right in terms of rigor This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 68.4% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (83.3%), followed by the 1998 group (80.0%) and the 2003 group (58.3%). The school provided all the courses necessary to meet my degree program objectives This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 63.2% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 group (71.4%), followed by the 2007 group (63.2%) and the 2003 group (58.3%). There were sufficient courses at the upper level of my major or discipline This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 50.0% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 group (57.1%), followed by the 2007 group (52.6%) and the 2003 group (41.7%). Classes in my major taught me to think about public health problems in new ways This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (83.3%), followed by the 2007 group (78.9%) and the 1998 group (57.1%).



0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Teachers provided me with timely, useful feedback in class

My advisor helped me to plan and execute an appropriate course of

study to meet my goals

Courses were available so that I could finish my

program in a timely manner

The school provided adequate research

opportunities for me

199820032007


1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

Teachers provided me with timely, useful feedback in my classes This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (84.2%), followed by the 2003 group (75.0%) and the 1998 group (57.1%). My advisor helped me to plan and execute an appropriate course of study to meet my goals This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 group (85.7%), followed by the 2003 group (81.8%) and the 2007 group (73.7%). Courses were available so that I could finish my program in a timely manner This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 65.8% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 group (71.4%), followed by the 2007 group (68.4%) and the 2003 group (58.3%). The school provided adequate research opportunities for me This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 68.4% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (73.7%), followed by the 1998 group (71.4%) and the 2003 group (58.3%).



0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

My research or culminating experience supervisor helped me to learn the skills needed to conduct the project

My research or culminating experience supervisor helped me to complete my project in

a timely manner

My research experience provided me with

research ethics training

I had a practicum or other community experience that afforded me the

opportunity to put my learning into practice

199820032007


1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

My research or culminating experience supervisor helped me to learn the skills needed to conduct the project This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 65.8% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (73.7%), followed by the 1998 group (66.7%) and the 2003 group (58.3%). My research or culminating experience supervisor helped me to complete my project in a timely manner This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 63.2% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (68.4%), followed by the 2003 group (58.3%) and the 1998 group (57.1%). My research experience provided me with research ethics training This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 78.9% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 group (100%), followed by the 2007 group (78.9%) and the 2003 group (66.7%). I had a practicum or other community experience that afforded me the opportunity to put my learning into practice This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 76.3% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (91.7%), followed by the 2007 group (84.2%) and the 1998 group (40.0%).



0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Courses were available to me at convenient

times

I was able to register in my preferred semester for courses needed for

my program

My learning outcomes in classes taught with

ITV were good educational experiences

when I was at a site with an instructor

My learning outcomes in classes taught with

ITV were good educational experiences

when I was at a site without an instructor

199820032007


1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

Courses were available to me at convenient times This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 71.1% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (75.0%), followed by the 1998 group (71.4%) and the 2007 group (68.4%). I was able to register in my preferred semester for courses needed for my program This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 73.7% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 1998 and 2003 groups (83.3%), followed by the 2007 group (76.5%). My learning outcomes in classes taught with interactive television (ITV) were good educational experiences when I was at a site with an instructor This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 52.6% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (86.7%), followed by the 1998 group (66.7%) and the 2003 group (50.0%). My learning outcomes in classes taught with interactive television (ITV) were good educational experiences when I was at a site without an instructor This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 28.9% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2003 group (55.6%), followed by the 2007 group (54.5%) and the 1998 group (0.0%).



0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

My learning outcomes in classes taught primarily online were

good

My degree took me longer than I anticipated

I would recommend UTSPH to others interested in obtaining a

public health degree

199820032007


1998 = 7 2003 = 12 2007 = 19

My learning outcomes in classes taught primarily online were good This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 80.0% of respondents who took online classes. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (88.9%), followed by the 2003 group (80.0%) and the 1998 group (0.0%, n=1).

My degree took me longer than I anticipated This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 65.8% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (73.7%), followed by the 1998 group (66.7%) and the 2003 group (58.3%).

I would recommend UTSPH to others interested in obtaining a public health degree This question receives a rating of agree/strongly agree from 81.6% of respondents in the overall sample. Percentage agreement was highest among the 2007 group (89.5%), followed by the 2003 group (75.0%) and the 1998 group (71.4%).

I am interested in participating in Alumni activities. In the overall sample, 36.8% answered “yes”. The 2003 cohort had the highest percentage of “yes” responses with 54.5%, followed by the 2007 (50.0%) and 1998 cohorts (28.6%).



Comments My degree took me longer than I anticipated Of those who responded to this statement (n=37), 67.6% of respondents agreed that it did take them longer to get their degrees than anticipated. The majority of 2007 (73.7%), 2003 (58.3%) and 1998 (66.7%) graduates reported that receiving their degrees took longer than anticipated. Overall Sample

My degree took longer than I anticipated

Count Percent

Agree 25 67.6% Neutral 1 2.7%

Disagree 11 29.7% By Graduating Year Cohort

Graduating year Agree n (%)

Disagree n (%)

1998 4 (66.7%) 2 (33.3%) 2003 7 (58.3%) 5 (41.7%) 2007 14 (73.7%) 4 (21.1%)

All Years 25 (67.6%) 11 (29.7%) p=.68 By Degree Type

Degree Agree n (%)

Disagree n (%)

MPH 18 (66.7%) 8 (29.6%) MS 2 (100%) 0

DrPH 2 (66.7%) 1 (33.3%) PhD 3 (60.0%) 2 (40.0%)

All Degrees 25 (67.6%) 11 (29.7%) p=.96 What would have helped you complete your degree sooner?

• My advisor & faculty member on my thesis board were slow to respond to my needs. • Cooperation from faculty • More hands on mentoring • I think a pre-thesis course in the first year would be helpful. Have students research

datasets and explore topics. • Advisors not leaving • Finding thesis topic/integrating thesis with curriculum! • Being able to obtain data for my thesis • I am a single mom and was also doing two fellowships at the Medical School, so don’t

think those was anything that could have sped up the process. • CE Proposal writing courses/workshop • Finding a relevant thesis subject which could be also my job.



• Better engagement by supervision prof for thesis • A little more involvement by advisors about process involved in developing research

questions leading to thesis. • Choosing a different thesis topic & graduate thesis advisor. • A better advisor, more student oriented faculty, Dean must be in touch with students. • More support & direction from my thesis advisor. • Not working full time. I worked all through my degree program. • My reasons for taking longer to complete school were not school related. • More concrete direction from my committee. • Greater availability of courses (less so now), particularly advanced courses. • Using date gathered during an NCI fellowship is thesis material.

What skills acquired at UTSPH have been most useful in your career?

• Statistics • Though I learned in class + put those things to good use in interviews + practice, the most

valuable experiences were w/my advisor Dr. Cynthia Chappell. Working in her lab + focusing my thesis on Lab Sciences w/her were the most valuable components of my education. I also took a great deal from my practicum at Harris County HD.

• Research methods • Epidemiological Research • All of the skills that I acquired through my thesis/project (research, writing, critical

thinking). Imo. The thesis should be a requirement, not an option. It is such a valuable experience.

• Biostatistics and health Promotion Planning. • Data Analysis • Proposal writing • Biostatistics, Health promotion, ability to utilize the health research concepts, such as

assessment, planning, implementation of interventions and evaluation. • Good knowledge of Public Health & Policy • Management-health and safety • Way of thinking and exploring • Analytical and research • Analytical/writing/presenting • Statistics & epidemiology & my thesis in genetic epidemiology. • Critlque journel articles for Evidence Based Medicine. • Team Skills • Procedures used when conducting studies & writing the findings and final report. • Thesis prep. • Biostatistics/epidemiology health promotion/health behaviors. • My own experience is practical training.



• Health disparities-understanding them. Basic epidemiology understanding, program planning management, administration.

• Program evaluation, epidemiology • Epi, * Management Policy • Critical timing, writing • Statistics, Research methods • Flexibility – team work – project planning • Epidemiology approach, discerning good research science.

What aspects of public health practice or research were not adequately addressed in your program at UT SPH?

• Grants and modern research realities • Informatics • I believe more emphasis should be placed on mgmt & administration b/c those are the

skills that can have immediate real world possibilities. • My Environmental Health class was ITV. I feel weak in that area. I wish the MCH

concentration had been there in my time. • Higher level epi classes • Reality • Information pertaining to different public Health careers. • Management & Economics • Health Policy – it was an elective but imp in my opinion • More projects provided by SPH professors for thesis would be very useful. • Finding work in my field. • Health Policy • I need more public health research – process + development. How to IRB publicize a

paper, etc… after you leave the school. • I wish I had taken more evaluations admissions courses. • Research Theory • All aspects were very adequately addressed for my interests • Program management planning love courses isn’t enough. • I should have taken more courses in EPI & Statistics

Which courses and instructors at UTSPH have had an enduring positive impact on your public health practice or research career?

• Stock, Morandi, Cooper and especially whitehead • Advances Epi methods, Dr. Cynthia Chappell and my practicum experience. • Lu Ann Day’s courses – lasting impact • It was all good. • Server was excellent. • Publishing Research • Behavioral Science predoc-postdoc seminar



• Lawrence Whitehead (Industrial Hygiene); original research project/thesis. • Karen Goodwin, Sharon Cooper • Field epi, Advanced epi I, Dr. Selwyn, Dr. Day, Dr. Coker, & Dr. Hacker • Luann Aday’s survey design and SS research course. • Dr. Doyles, Dr. Sever • Dr. Susan Tortolero, • Course on writing Policy Briefs. • Dr. Thomas Stock, Dr. Larry Whitehead • Dr. Al Holguin; Dr. Frank I. Moore’ Dr. Shannon Marquez • Maria E. Fernandez, Guy Parie. • Biostatistics – Robert Hardy- Epidemiology- Dr. Lowell MPH thesis-James Hixson, PHD

& David Smith,PhD. • Dr. Aragaki • Kay Bartholomeo, Theresa Byrd, Osama Mikkail. • Drs Melcher Ortiz, Victor Cardenas, Jim Van Deslice, David Buchmeuler. • Dr. Holgrim, Dr. Frank Moore, Dr. Herhold, Dr. Perkins, But I don’t have a Ph career. • Dr. L. Sever – All Epi. Instructors. • Dr. Raul Caetano, Dr. T. Robert Harris, Dr. Scott Walters • Dr. BB Seluya, Dr. Tom Matney, Dr.m. Ross, Dr. Jack Haynes • Dr. Tortillero (the lady), Mike Ross, Health Disparties course • Beatrice Selwyn & Dr. Robert Hardy • Glasser – Biostats; Swang-evaluation Theory, Grimes – Organization theory, Walter-

Behavior Change Theory • Eric Boewinkle/Craig Harris/Sue R. Day + Ann Coker and many others. • Epidiemiology. • Dr. Robert Roberts, Dr. Kay Bartholomew, Dr. Susan Tortolero • Dr. Robert hardy, Dr. Yunxin Fu



Employer Questionnaire

Q1. Which of the following best describes your organization? Organization Frequency Percent College or University 2 25.0% Local Public Health Agency 1 12.5% State Public Health Agency 3 37.5% Federal Public Health Agency 1 12.5% No Answer 1 12.5% Q2. How many University of Texas School of Public Health graduates do you currently employ? Number of Employees Frequency Percent 1 6 75.0% 8 1 12.5% 25 1 12.5% Q3. How many of your current employees have the following degrees from the University of Texas School of Public Health? MPH – 29 DrPH – 4 MS – 2 PhD – 6 Q4. Which of the following were helpful in locating our graduates? (check all that apply) Resources Frequency Percent UTSPH Career Information Agency Newsletter

0 0%

Other UTSPH Resources (faculty, students, alumni, posted job notices, etc.)

0 0%

Other 6 75.0% No Answer 2 25.0% Other, specify:

• Met at a conference sponsored by CDC • News paper add • Chronicle of Higher Education • Personal meeting • She applied to an open position • Utah Department of Health job listing



Q5. Please rate our graduates’ overall preparation in each of the following core public health disciplines. Public Health Area Excellent

n (%) Good n (%)

Fair n (%)

Inadequate n (%)

Not observed n (%)

Biostatistics 2 (33.3%) 2 (33.3%) 1 (16.7%) 1 (16.7%) 0 Environmental Sciences 0 1 (20.0%) 1 (20.0%) 0 3 (60.0%) Epidemiology 4 (50.0%) 2 (25.0%) 2 (25.0%) 0 0 Behavioral Sciences 1 (20.0%) 1 (20.0%) 1 (20.0%) 1 (20.0%) 1 (20.0%) Administration 2 (40.0%) 1 (20.0%) 1 (20.0%) 0 1 (20.0%) Q6. Please rate our graduates’ ability to function in their area of expertise. Area of Expertise Excellent

n (%) Good n (%)

Fair n (%)

Inadequate n (%)

Not observed n (%)

Biostatistics 1 (100%) 0 0 0 0 Environmental Sciences - - - - - Epidemiology 3 (100%) 0 0 0 0 Behavioral Sciences - - - - - Administration 2 (100%) 0 0 0 0

Q7. In general, how would you rate the ability of our graduates to perform their jobs as compared with other employees with similar work experience? Frequency Percent Superior 3 42.9% Excellent 3 42.9% Good 1 14.3% Poor 0 0

Appendix 1: Crosstabulations

Appendix 2: 2010 School of Public Health

Alumni Survey



ALUMNI SURVEY 1. UT-SPH degree(s) MPH Year Completed DrPH Year Completed MS Year Completed PhD Year Completed

2. Module, regional campus, or discipline of your primary work at UT-SPH (Mark all that apply) Majors Concentrations Campus Health Promotion/Behavioral Sciences

Epidemiology Biostatistics Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Management & Policy Sciences—Community Health Management & Policy Sciences—Management Management & Policy Sciences—Policy Management & Policy Sciences—Economics

Global Health Maternal and Child Health Leadership Health Disparities

Houston Brownsville Dallas El Paso San Antonio Austin

3. Have you pursued further education since graduating from UT-SPH? No Yes (degree sought) __________ Yes (non-degree) 4. Which of these did you find helpful in finding your first job after leaving UT-SPH? UTSPH Career Information Network or JOB OPS online career services

UTSPH Practicum Other UTSPH resources __________________________ Alumni

UTSPH Alumni website Other

5. What is your current employment status? (Check all that apply) Employed full-time Employed part-time Unemployed by choice Unemployed but looking Student Retired Fellowship 6. What is your current job title, and the name and location of your place of employment? (If unemployed, skip to question 12)

Your title, rank, etc. Name of Company/Agency/Institution Department/Division

Street Address/P.O. Box City State Zip Code

7. Of the following types of organizations, which one best describes your current place of employment? Government Educational Institution Local public health or other health agency

State public health or other health agency Federal public health or other health agency US military (Branch) _____________________ Other government agency __________________

College or university School of public health School of another health profession ________________ Other educational institution _____________________

Hospital or other health care provider Self employed Private industry or firm Consulting Firm Private, non-profit International agency Other ______________________ CBO or NGO

8. Which of the following best describes your present occupational focus? Behavioral or social scientist

Biostatistician Epidemiologist Health Educator Public or community health nurse Public community health physician, dentist Nurse Physician

Health planner or policy analyst Health services administrator Environmental health specialist Industrial hygiene, safety specialist or occupational health professional Laboratory scientist Other public health occupation ___________________ Not in public health



9. What responsibilities related to public health do you have in your present job? (check all that apply) Monitoring community health status

Investigating community health problems and hazards Educating the public about health issues Organizing community groups to solve health problems Developing community health policies and programs Achieving healthy and safe work conditions

Providing personal health services Educating health personnel Evaluating personal and community health services Conducting research Other ______________________________________ None related to public health

10. Prospective students often ask about the range of salaries available to graduates in the many public health disciplines. If you would indicate your current annual salary range below, it would help us inform these graduates.

Less than $10,000 $10,000 - $19,999 $20,000 - $29,999 $30,000 - $39,999 $40,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $59,999 $60,000 - $69,999

$70,000 - $79,999 $80,000 - $89,999 $90,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $124,999 $125,000 - $149,999 $150,000 and above

The remaining questions are about your educational experience at UTSPH. Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements. (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) ACADEMIC OUTCOMES Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree 1 2 3 4 5 Major or Discipline 11. The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for the public health workforce at the time of

graduation. 1 2 3 4 5 12. The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for continuing to learn and develop skills. 1 2 3 4 5 13. At this point in my career, I feel qualified for work related to my major or discipline. 1 2 3 4 5 Answer only if Applicable: Formal Concentration (Global Health, Health Disparities, Maternal and Child Health, Leadership)

14. The UTSPH program in my concentration prepared me for the public health workforce at the time of graduation. 1 2 3 4 5

15. The UTSPH program in my concentration area prepared me for continuing to learn and develop skills. 1 2 3 4 5

16. At this point in my career, I feel qualified for work in the specific area of my concentration. 1 2 3 4 5 Interdisciplinary Learning in the Five Public Health Core Disciplines

17. The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me to understand and integrate basic knowledge in all five of the core public health disciplines at the time of graduation. (Biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental sciences, health services administration, social and behavioral sciences).

1 2 3 4 5

18. The UTSPH program in my major area prepared me for continuing to learn and develop skills in the five public health disciplines. 1 2 3 4 5

19. At this point in my career, I am able to integrate knowledge from the five public health disciplines. 1 2 3 4 5 If you were unequally trained in the 5 core disciplines, please comment here. I was well trained at an introductory level in: _________________________________________________________ I was less well trained at an introductory level in: _____________________________________________________



Public Health Practice and Career Skills 20. The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good oral communication skills. 1 2 3 4 5 21. The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good written communication skills. 1 2 3 4 5 22. The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good program management skills. 1 2 3 4 5 23. The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good program planning skills. 1 2 3 4 5 24. The UTSPH prepared me to join the public health workforce with good skills to evaluate and use

scientific evidence. 1 2 3 4 5 25. My UTSPH education has prepared me to meet the demands of my first public-health job after

leaving the UTSPH. 1 2 3 4 5 26. My UTSPH education has prepared me to meet the demands of my current public-health job. 1 2 3 4 5 27. The culminating experience/thesis/dissertation helped to prepare me for a public health career. 1 2 3 4 5

Research, Synthesis, Application, and Practice 28. My UTSPH program provided skills and experience in applying public health concepts to the

solution of community health problems. 1 2 3 4 5 29. I have applied my UTSPH education to the solution of public health problems. 1 2 3 4 5 30. My research or culminating experience improved my knowledge of how to plan and conduct

research/inquiry in an academic field or practice setting. 1 2 3 4 5 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS, EXPERIENCES AND SERVICES Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree 1 2 3 4 5 31. The academic standards at the UTSPH were about right in terms of rigor. 1 2 3 4 5 32. The school provided all the courses necessary to meet my degree program objectives. 1 2 3 4 5 33. There were sufficient courses at the upper level of my major or discipline 1 2 3 4 5 34. Classes in my major taught me to think about public health problems in new ways. 1 2 3 4 5 35. Teachers provided me with timely, useful feedback in my classes. 1 2 3 4 5 36. My advisor helped me to plan and execute an appropriate course of study to meet my goals. 1 2 3 4 5 37. Courses were available so that I could finish my program in a timely manner. 1 2 3 4 5 38. The school provided adequate research opportunities for me. 1 2 3 4 5 39. My research or culminating experience supervisor helped me to learn the skills needed to conduct

the project. 1 2 3 4 5 40. My research or culminating experience supervisor helped me to complete my project in a timely

manner. 1 2 3 4 5 41. My research experience provided me with research ethics training. 1 2 3 4 5 42. I had a practicum or other community experience that afforded me the opportunity to put my

learning into practice. 1 2 3 4 5 43. Courses were available to me at convenient times. 1 2 3 4 5 44. I was able to register in my preferred semester for courses needed for my program. 1 2 3 4 5 45. My learning outcomes in classes taught with interactive television (ITV) were good educational

experiences when I was at a site with an instructor. 1 2 3 4 5 46. My learning outcomes in classes taught with an interactive television (ITV) were good educational

experiences when I was at a site without an instructor. 1 2 3 4 5 47. My learning outcomes in classes taught primarily online were good. 1 2 3 4 5 48. My degree took me longer than I anticipated. 1 2 3 4 5 49. I would recommend UTSPH to others interested in obtaining a public health degree 1 2 3 4 5



COMMENTS 50. If your degree program took longer than you anticipated, what would have helped you complete your degree in less time? 51. What skills acquired at UTSPH has been most useful in your career? 52. What aspects of public health practice or research were not adequately addressed in your program at UT SPH? 53. Which courses and instructors at UTSPH have had an enduring positive impact on your public health practice or research career? 54. I am interested in participating in Alumni activities. Yes No If yes, what is your email address:_________________________________ DEMOGRAPHICS 55. What is your gender?

• Male • Female

56. Are you Hispanic/Latino? • Yes • No

57. What is your ethnicity? • American Indian or Alaska Native • Asian • Black or African American • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander • White

58. What is your age? •

59. What is your marital status? • Single, never married • Separated • Divorced • Widowed • Married • Significant other relationship

school of public health alumni survey report 2010 · the 2010 school of public health alumni survey...

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