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Certificate of Graduate Study

Public Health Fundamentals and Principles

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Meet the Rising Need for Public Health Professionals in Your Community

If you want to increase your knowledge of interdisciplinary public health topics, but aren’t ready to commit to a degree program, the fully online graduate certificate in public health fundamentals may be a good choice for you.

The online certificate comprises six foundational public health courses. Taught by leading public health practitioners, the program covers basic concepts and pressing problems across public health domains.

Program of Study

Coursework can be completed part-time and entirely online. Rolling admission allows you to start in spring, summer, or fall. The graduate public health certificate does not require an internship.


Principles and Methods of Epidemiology I

Master epidemiologic investigation by learning how to describe patterns of illness in populations, research disease etiology, quantify public health risks, and calculate rate standardization.


Principles of Public Health

Learn how to assess public health needs, develop prevention and control initiatives, and create campaigns and programming for diverse populations. This course covers the basics of epidemiology, biostatistics, health care planning and administration, policy creation, and community organization.


Principles of Statistical Inference I

In this descriptive statistics course, you calculate central tendency and variability, probability distributions and confidence intervals, and learn how to test hypotheses. Course material also covers statistical computing.

Health Care Organization Delivery and Financing

Examine how health care services are planned, organized, delivered, financed, and measured for efficacy. Topics include government policies that ensure access, contain costs, and assess quality of care.


Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health

Analyze the social, cultural, psychological, behavioral, and demographic factors that impact public health. Explore the ways they increase or decrease population vulnerability to disease, mortality rates, and community wellness.


Introduction to Environmental Health

Survey the ways environmental contaminants and pollutants are transmitted from source to subject, and learn how to reduce their impact on human populations by effectively managing environmental risks.

 

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Online Education at [email protected].

Content

Pathway to the Master of Public Health

The graduate certificate credential can help you gain employment or promotion in public health fields before earning a Master in Public Health (MPH). Completing the fundamentals of public health certificate fulfills most of the core coursework for the MPH program at UAlbany.

Tuition Assistance for Public Health Employees

If you work in a county health department in New York State or for the NYS Department of Health, you may be eligible to receive tuition assistance through the Public Health Leaders of Tomorrow program at UAlbany.

The fundamentals certificate has given me confidence to go for my career goals and continue furthering my education by earning my master’s in public health. With my background in the Office of Sponsored Programs and an advanced degree, I can see myself in a position where I can directly improve the health and well-being of our community and other populations.

- Lindsey Laniewski, Grant Administrator, NYS Department of Health and Health Research, Inc.

Admission Requirements

Deadlines

Rolling Fall, Spring, Summer

Certificate in Public Health Fundamentals & Principles Application

The application and all supporting materials must be submitted directly to The Graduate School at the University at Albany.


Application Requirements

  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing
  • An undergraduate level course in mathematics (algebra or pre-calculus) or statistics with a grade of B or higher

For application specific questions, contact us at [email protected].


International Requirements

  • International students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 98 or IELTS score of 7.0. We will only accept official scores sent by the testing institution.
  • UAlbany SOPHAS TOEFL code is 2532. We do not use department codes. For electronic IELTS score results reporting, provide the following information to your test center:
    University at Albany (SUNY)
    1400 Washington Avenue
    Albany, NY 12222
  • The TOEFL or IELTS is not required for international students who have completed at least four semesters of full-time study within a four-year time frame from time of application, and maintained at least a B average at a college or university in the United States or a country from an approved list.  For questions regarding English Language Proficiency waivers, please email Soha Acosta at [email protected].
  • Applicants on an F1 or J1 visa are not permitted to enroll in a fully online program, due to visa restrictions.


Required Application Materials

Official transcripts

  • Official transcripts from EVERY post-secondary academic institution attended, including college coursework completed during high school, must be sent directly from the institution to University at Albany Office of Graduate Admissions. You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. 

Personal Statement

  • Why do you wish to pursue this certificate and what are your career goals?
  • 1500 word limit

CV/Resume



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