The Capstone Paper will serve as a valuable tool for self-assessment of students’ competency levels across the eight domains of the core competencies for Public Health Professionals .

The Capstone Paper is an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their competency levels across the eight domains of the core competencies for Public Health Professionals. The eight domains are:

1. Analytic/Assessment Skills: The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to develop public health strategies and policies.
2. Policy Development/Program Planning Skills: The ability to develop, implement, and evaluate public health policies and programs.
3. Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups using various channels and formats.
4. Cultural Competency Skills: The ability to understand and work effectively with diverse populations.
5. Community Dimensions of Practice Skills: The ability to identify and address community health needs, resources, and systems.
6. Public Health Sciences Skills: The ability to apply knowledge of the biological, environmental, social, and behavioral sciences to public health practice.
7. Financial Planning and Management Skills: The ability to manage and allocate financial resources effectively.
8. Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills: The ability to lead and work collaboratively in teams, use systems thinking to address public health issues, and engage in continuous quality improvement.

The Capstone Paper allows students to showcase their proficiency in these domains through the application of learned knowledge, skills, and strategies to a real-world public health issue. By assessing their competency levels across the eight domains, students can identify areas for further development and improvement, ultimately improving their effectiveness as public health professionals.