Development Of Strategy Of A University MPH Program Based On SWOT Analysis

[Background]In order to initiative our academic degree and postgraduate education to meet the demands of socio-economic development of the high-level application-oriented talents, the governmental education departments have actively adjusted the structure of postgraduate education and implement the professional degree education. Among these professional degrees, MPH program has been established since 2002.[Objective]The main purpose of this study is, based on the principle of combinatorial matrix, to propose the strategic target of Master of Public Health (MPH) educational program in a University. By the means of strategic analysis of the current condition, identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of this MPH program and reorganization of current problems, the suggestion of development strategy and specific measures were present.[Methods]Firstly, the research methods and research contents were clearly introduced. Then search background, including the information on MPH in US, was fully searched, collected and discussed. The most important method, SWOT, is to be clarified. Secondly, the theories of Master of Public Health educational program, the development history of this professional degree education were summarized while the strategic management theory was outlined. Thirdly, the internal and external development environments of MPH program in a University were evaluated in detail with the method of SWOT. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of this MPH program were determined and the development orientation of MPH program in a University was proposed. Finally, a clear strategic target of MPH program in a University was present. The specific development strategies were outlined to help improve sustainable development of this MPH Program, based on the principle of combinatorial matrix.[Result and Conclusion]MPH program in this university is at a critical stage of development. The most appropriate developmental strategy for MPH program is strengths-opportunities (SO) strategy. At this stage, it is very important for this university to take full advantage of the favorable external environment and to seize the opportunities that the government pay more attention an support to this program. The university should give full play to his advantages and train more and more high-quality public health expertise for the government departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the hospitals, the governmental quarantine departments and other health-related agencies.