Objective:Community-engaged learning is used in Master of Public Health programs to
enhance student training, connect with communities, help solve societal
issues, develop competencies, and build partnerships. However, it is unclear
how much community-engaged learning components supplement existing Master of
Public Health programs and prepare students in developing these
competencies. Thus, the aim of this study was to apply an explanatory
mixed-methods study design to evaluate a Canadian Master of Public Health
program’s community-engaged learning activities and propose recommendations
to strengthen public health training and course delivery.Methods:We conducted a questionnaire among Master of Public Health students
(n= 25), focus group discussion with a subset of these
students (n= 7), and one-on-one semi-structured telephone
interviews with community partners who had previously hosted Master of
Public Health students for practicum placements
(n= 11).Results:Community-engagement enhanced learning among Master of Public Health
students, with the practicum placement, and program development capstone
resulting in the largest self-reported development. Students in the focus
group indicated community engagement provided skill and professional
development, but also identified wanting additional curriculum coverage on
various statistical software and qualitative research methods. Interviews
with community partners revealed benefits of practicum placements such as
mutual knowledge transfer, increased organizational capacity, and
strengthened academic–community partnerships. Community partners also
commented on challenges with recruitment, training, and aligning
student–organization goals.Conclusion:The findings from this study suggest that an update to the Master of Public
Health program curriculum, its core competencies, a combination of
community-engagement activities, and future evaluations will be needed to
advance education delivery.