Table 1.

Learning competencies for the doctor of public health degree, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health^a

Area of Competency	Stated Competencies
Core knowledge	a. Apply lessons to current conditions and challenges from the history and development of human health, public health, and health systems.b
Theories and concepts	Define, distinguish, and develop interpretation based on underlying theoretical paradigms, research and analytical methods, and their application from multiple distinct disciplines in the biological, social, and managerial sciences. Analyze the state of and determinants of population health outcomes and strategies for their improvement using a multidisciplinary perspective that includes theories and conceptual frameworks from biology, social and behavioral sciences, economics, politics, and management.
Values	Apply ethical theories and viewpoints to assess public health issues, policies, and strategies. Use ethical principles in public health research.
Methods	Define a feasible and relevant research question, and formulate an appropriate study design to provide a valid answer to this question. Collect evidence from either primary or secondary sources for research and policy and program development or evaluation. Apply appropriate methods to analyze evidence gathered using rigorous quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches grounded in relevant disciplines.
Translation	Design a strategic plan for public health action (intervention, program, and/or policy) applying theories and concepts, research methods, program knowledge and skill, and policy development. Identify, coalesce, and guide a team of public health professionals, administrators, and support personnel to develop and implement the strategic plan, and then assess outcomes. Identify stakeholders and persuade and negotiate with them on the design and implementation of a strategic plan. Interpret and communicate methods and findings to the public, policy makers, and professionals.c Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of a strategic plan (both formative and summative), including analysis, recommendations for improvement, and a process for implementation.
Management	Analyze an organization’s structure, operations, planning and decision-making processes, and financial budgeting and control systems to identify potential organizational problems and opportunities. Assess alternative action plans to reach outcomes that gain all parties’ support and acceptance. Implement appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals toward goal achievement; modify behavior to accommodate the tasks, situations, and individuals involved. Establish procedures to monitor the results of coworkers, assignments, or projects; take into consideration the skills, knowledge, and experience of the assigned individual and characteristics of the assignment or project. Create a sense of ownership of jobs or projects by providing clear expectations, control of resources, responsibilities, and coaching (offer help without removing responsibility).
Leadership	Create a vision and energize a change process that brings systemic change. Translate a vision and strategy into authentic and strategic action. Create a climate that values community members from all backgrounds and provides an energizing environment for collaboration. Recognize the impact of one’s leadership position on others. Engage in ongoing improvement of one’s leadership capabilities and the capabilities of others in an organization.
Communications	Persuade the public, professionals, policy makers, and other key constituents on public health issues using scientific evidence, stakeholder input, public opinion data, and other key sources of information. Lead the design of effective communication campaigns and message strategies that address public health issues using theories of health communication and the social/behavioral sciences. Create high-impact messages using appropriately written oral, visual, and social media for external and internal communications. Lead the development and evaluation of a communication strategy for an organization. Design and deliver effective teaching to lay and professional students.
Innovation	Create novel solutions to public health problems by formulating linkages from one situation to another through synthesis of data and collaboration with others. Identify what is wrong with the current situation (“status quo”) and think in an original way (“outside the box”). Draw on disparate disciplines and people of diverse backgrounds to create novel solutions to public health problems. Cultivate in others the ability to discover new connections, new solutions, and new ways of addressing public health issues. Assess situational forces that are promoting and inhibiting ideas for change in an organization. Determine strategic priorities and allocate limited resources to achieve them.

^a Data source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.²³

^b Includes historical changes and current patterns of fertility, mortality, causes of death, and the burden of disease, and the development of health and medical interventions and institutions with a global perspective.

^cIncludes technical reports, journal articles, and public communications, among other communication strategies.