Council on Education for Public Health

Council on Education for Public Health

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency recognized by the United States Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs offered in settings other than schools of public health. The primary goal of CEPH is to enhance health in human populations through organized community effort. This is achieved by ensuring that schools and programs provide quality education that prepares graduates for entry into the public health profession.

History

CEPH was established in 1974 by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). The creation of CEPH was driven by the need for a specialized accrediting body that could focus on the unique aspects of public health education.

Accreditation Process

The accreditation process involves a rigorous review of the school's or program's mission, goals, evaluation, planning, resources, faculty, curriculum, and student services. The process includes the following steps:

• Self-study: The institution conducts a comprehensive self-assessment.
• Site visit: A team of peer reviewers visits the institution to validate the self-study and gather additional information.
• Review and decision: The CEPH Board of Councilors reviews the findings and makes an accreditation decision.

Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation by CEPH ensures that public health programs meet established standards of quality and effectiveness. It provides assurance to students, employers, and the public that the program has undergone a rigorous evaluation and meets the standards necessary to prepare competent public health professionals.

Related Organizations

• American Public Health Association
• Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
• United States Department of Education

Related Pages

• Public health
• Accreditation
• Higher education accreditation in the United States
• American Public Health Association
• Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health