How do concentration competencies differ from foundational?

The two sets answer different questions. Foundational competencies describe what every MPH graduate should be able to do. Concentration competencies describe what a graduate of your particular specialty, such as epidemiology or health promotion, should be able to do on top of that.

Foundational competencies

CEPH defines 22 foundational competencies that apply to all accredited MPH programs. They cover broad areas such as evidence-based approaches, planning and management, policy, leadership, communication, and interprofessional and/or intersectoral practice. The wording is the same no matter which school you attend, though CEPH revises its criteria periodically, so use the version in your program's handbook.

Concentration competencies

Your program writes its own concentration competencies for each specialty. They are usually narrower and more technical, for example applying a particular analytic method or designing a specific type of intervention. Because each school writes its own, two programs with the same concentration name can have different lists.

How they apply to your practicum

For the applied practice experience, CEPH expects you to address at least five competencies, and at least three of those must be foundational. The rest can be foundational or concentration competencies, depending on your program's rules. Many programs have additional requirements, so check your handbook for the exact mix.

Using one project for both

A single project can support both types when each claim focuses on a different aspect of the work. A program evaluation might show a foundational competency in selecting evidence-based methods and a concentration competency in a specialized evaluation technique. Foundational vs. concentration competencies explained gives more examples.

If your site only covers one type

If your placement offers plenty of foundational work but little tied to your concentration, raise it with your faculty advisor early. You may be able to add a targeted project, adjust your selections, or draw on another activity your program accepts.