D628 is the final course of WGU's Master of Public Health. Students investigate a public health issue in their local or home community and recommend new approaches to address it.
The guide says students control the process from research and discovery to program design, then justify the approach to stakeholders. The challenge is ownership: choosing a focused issue and keeping research, program and communication aligned.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University |
| Course code | D628 |
| Level | Graduate, competency-based |
| Program | Master of Public Health (MPH), capstone |
| Credit | 3 competency units |
| Focus | A program that improves public health through education |
What D628 Covers
| Competency (summarized) | In practice |
|---|---|
| Analyze data results from research on a community need, program or policy | Describe the problem and its drivers with evidence |
| Communicate verbal and non-verbal public health content appropriate to the audience | Presentations, visuals and plain language |
| Design a program using evidence-based solutions to educate a target audience | Objectives, activities, materials and evaluation |
Choosing and Framing Your Issue
A Focused Question
Narrow the topic to a defined community, condition and behavior. A broad topic such as diabetes becomes workable as improving diabetes self-management among adults in one neighborhood.
Example: Local data shows low childhood immunization rates in two zip codes. The capstone investigates barriers through data and community input, then designs an educational program for caregivers using trusted community messengers and clear schedules for clinics.
Drawing on Earlier Courses
The capstone brings together assessment and planning, determinants of health, epidemiology and biostatistics, policy, communication and finance. Cite those frameworks where they strengthen the design.
Justifying to Stakeholders
Stakeholders want to know the need, the evidence behind the approach, the cost and how success will be measured. Anticipate their questions in your presentation.
Planning the Deliverables
| Part | Include |
|---|---|
| Research and discovery | Data, community context, determinants and gaps |
| Program design | Goals, objectives, educational content, delivery methods |
| Evaluation | Indicators, data sources and review points |
| Communication | Audience-appropriate presentation and materials |
Using Data to Support the Program
Data should justify the need and the design. Combine national or state statistics with local figures and community perspectives, and state limitations such as small samples or older data.
| Data type | Use in the capstone |
|---|---|
| Rates and trends | Show the size of the problem and its direction |
| Demographics | Define the target audience |
| Determinants | Explain why disparities exist |
| Community input | Check that the program is acceptable and feasible |
Presenting to Stakeholders
Stakeholders are busy. Open with the problem and the proposal, show two or three key figures, and keep detail for questions. Verbal and non-verbal elements matter, so practice pacing, clear slides and plain language.
Example: A slide titled "Two zip codes have vaccination rates 15 points below the county average" with a simple bar chart communicates the need faster than a table of ten indicators.
Where Students Get Stuck
- A topic that is too broad. Define population, place and behavior.
- Education only. Address barriers beyond knowledge, such as access.
- Weak data. Use credible sources and note limitations.
- Presentation as an afterthought. Plan the audience-appropriate delivery early.
Study Tips for D628
- Start with data and community need, not a favorite intervention.
- Keep a source list with notes as you research.
- Write objectives that can be measured.
- Rehearse the presentation with someone outside public health.
How We Help with D628
Send your topic, data, rubric and draft. We can help you scope the issue, structure the work, review your writing, or prepare a custom outline. The research, design and submission remain yours.
GradeEssays is independent of Western Governors University. We provide free revisions within the scope of your original request and a full refund if late. We never take assessments on a student's behalf.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The capstone of the WGU Master of Public Health, centered on a community health issue and an educational program.
The guide says students investigate an issue in their local or home community, so topic selection is part of the work. Follow your course instructions for approval.
The guide describes designing a program that improves public health through education, using evidence-based solutions.
One competency covers audience-appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication.
Assessment and planning, determinants of health, epidemiology, biostatistics and communication.
No. We offer tutoring, outlines and feedback only.