The purpose of the UNMC/UNO Master of Public Health Program is to improve the health of a diverse
public by preparing students from Nebraska and the surrounding region to serve as ethically,
culturally, and scientifically competent practitioners.
MPH Vision
The UNMC/UNO Master of Public Health Program will be a highly respected program of education,
service and applied research that is a resource for the community and meets the needs of public
health practitioners and organizations in the region, nation and around the world.
Core Values & Principles of Conduct & Service
Public health professionals have a responsibility to use their knowledge and skills and high ethical
standards to assure conditions that protect and promote the health of populations, including working
collaboratively with community leaders, to eliminate disparities in public health.
The students, faculty, staff, Community Advisory Council members and others affiliated with the
UNMC/UNO Master of Public Health Program are dedicated to excellence, integrity and the highest
possible standards of conduct related to its operations and outcomes.
All professionals are expected to be aware of and abide by the codes of ethics for their respective
professions. The program’s core values and principles of conduct and service provide a shared framework
for all persons affiliated with the MPH Program. They provide guidance for the MPH Program’s internal
operations as well as for preparation of our graduates to function as competent, professional and
ethical public health practitioners.
Public Focus:
The aim and primary focus of public health policy and practice is the overall health of
the public.
We strive to eliminate or reduce barriers to educational opportunities.
We instill in our students the need to assure prevention services and access to care for
all populations.
We promote public health by participating in collaborative community service projects and
working to see that there is a variety of service learning opportunities for our students.
Justice:
We have a responsibility to practice justice, equality and fairness in all we do, using
our collective personal and professional efforts to actively and assertively advocate for
reform in policies/practices that conflict with these principles.
We honor the principle of treating individuals with dignity and respect and the practice of
actively engaging individuals in the decision and policy-making process within the MPH Program. We
trust that our graduates will take that value with them into their professional roles.
We embrace diversity and acknowledge that we all have a responsibility to pursue cultural
competence and to continually address racism and social injustice.
Integrity:
We have an obligation to act in ways that merit trust, confidence and respect, acting with
honesty and integrity and avoiding conflicts of interest.
We have a responsibility to maintain competence with regard to our work.
We have a responsibility to gather and use data effectively and honestly to make a positive
contribution to public health and to help our communities reach their stated goals.
We encourage a high level of professionalism, ideals and a spirit of dedication to service
and support students with knowledge, professionalism and mutual respect in addressing ethical
dilemmas and value conflicts as they arise in practice.
Leadership & Stewardship:
We will demonstrate trusteeship, stewardship and openness to new opportunities as effective
community leaders, innovative educators, and creative researchers.
We will demonstrate stewardship with respect to the public, private and environmental resources
at our disposal and to functioning efficiently and without waste.
We will help shape public policy in social, environmental, political and economic arenas that
impact public health.
We will demonstrate accountability and a commitment to continuous quality improvement in all
that we do.
Commitment to Learning:
We will provide an educational environment in which we model our values and principles of
conduct and service.
We will provide an educational environment of discovery, learning, rigorous academic preparation
and student engagement that is science-based and which prepares students to function as well-rounded,
competent public health professionals.
Students will be involved in planning, monitoring and evaluating all aspects of the MPH Program.
