Academics

Are classes for in person, online, or both?

MCPHS has established in-person academic plans for the 2022-2023 Academic Year. Some course components are offered online, and in some programs, students could choose some online courses as part of their course load. But the primary mode of delivery is in person. Fully online programs have continued to operate the same, with online instruction and support. For any professional programs with specialty accreditation requirements, students must meet the requirements in person. Accessibility needs will be accommodated.

How are lectures, demonstrations, and other instructional learning elements being delivered?

Course content for campus-based programs is primarily delivered in person. Courses within the programs, however, continue to utilize academic software to support and enhance in-person instruction. Technology is used to supplement the delivery of lectures, online discussion, course projects, labs, demonstration activities, and small-group work.

Are all lab courses and/or lab components of courses being delivered in person?

Whether a lab course and/or lab component within a course is offered in person or online with remote instruction is determined by its respective academic program. Most labs are delivered in person. Decisions regarding what is offered in person and what is delivered via technology are made by the program’s School, in alignment with best practices, specialty accreditation requirements, and best use of lab resources. Delivery of hands-on labs is conducted according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Public Health (DPH), and University requirements.

How are clinical rotations and clinic-based aspects of courses being decided and delivered?

Each academic program ensures that decisions regarding clinical education are in alignment with specialty accreditation and regulatory agency and clinical affiliate site requirements, as well as CDC, DPH, and state and local guidance. Each academic program determines the personal protective equipment needs of students based on the requirements of clinical affiliate sites and supports these needs.

All students are notified of site-specific requirements in advance of their clinical rotation assignments to ensure that they are prepared to follow the COVID-19 requirements. Students need to follow the clinical site’s requirements with respect to COVID-19 vaccination and other protocols.

The Clinical Education leadership team for MCPHS on-site clinics determines clinic-based education plans and patient care services based on CDC, DPH, and other relevant guidance (accreditation or regulatory).

What academic support resources are available?

The Center for Academic Success and Enrichment provides outreach and academic support services online; this includes academic advising, tutoring, academic coaching strategies, development of Academic Success Plans, peer mentor support for Introduction to the Major courses, and more.

Tutoring is offered via online platforms for Boston-based programs. For students in the Worcester/Manchester-based programs, online services as well as in-person peer tutoring and professional tutoring are available. Specialized tutoring is provided online by the Writing Center, the English Language Resource Center, and the Math/Physics Center. Individual faculty may be engaged to offer discipline-specific tutoring as needed.

What are the equipment and technology requirements for online classes?

To help you decide what computer to purchase for distance learning, MCPHS has created a list of minimum and recommended specs, for both Macs and PCs. All students are required to have access to a laptop that meets the required specifications. If you need help in obtaining a laptop, you may use the following link: Student Laptop Information. If you need assistance with meeting this requirement, you may contact Student Financial Services at 617.732.2864.

How are exams being administered?

Each program’s School is responsible for the administration of exams and determining their mode of delivery. Some exams are being administered in person, but online testing processes will continue to be utilized as well. This includes both proctored and unproctored testing tools, such as ExamSoft, Blackboard, and Respondus. To understand the exam administration processes for your School, please consult with your dean or program director.