A young person studying a series of epidemiological data analysis graphs.

Certificate of Graduate Study

HIV Studies

Request InformationApply NowSchedule a Visit

Advocate for HIV Prevention and Education

Learn to address the public health and social justice challenges in persons at risk for or living with HIV infection and related diseases.  

In the graduate certificate program in HIV Studies at UAlbany, you will study HIV transmission, impact and clinical concerns. You will also explore public health approaches and strategies that work to address drug abuse and addiction, which have been linked to the HIV epidemic since it began.

With the skills you acquire in epidemiology and public policy, you will be equipped for public health positions in local, state and federal government, as well as non-governmental agencies and public health research focused on HIV, HCV, drug-user health and related issues.

Program of Study

programofstudy

The HIV Studies certificate program, hosted by the Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Policy and Practice (CCHRPP), is open to students enrolled in graduate degree programs or as a self-standing program with a minimum of 12 credit hours. 


Required Courses (6 credits)

  • AIDS Epidemiology
  • Addiction and Public Health

Tracks (6 credits)

You will choose from one of the two tracks below based on your interests and career goals. 


Additional Information


See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Tomoko Udo at [email protected].

Tracks
Applied Track

The Applied track provides you with the skills to work with communities and be a public health leader or skilled manager.


Required Course
  • Community Based Public Health

Electives

Choose at least ONE:

  • Quantitative Methods in Epidemiology
  • Health Policy Analysis
  • Principles of Health Organization Management
  • Program Evaluation
  • Strategy and Leadership Applications in Health Management
  • Public and Nonprofit Financial Management
  • Data, Models, and Decisions
  • Politics and Policy
  • Inequality and Public Policy
  • Nonprofits and Social Transformation
  • Public Budgeting
  • Public Health Politics and Policy: Domestic and Global Perspectives

Note: You may request to substitute this elective for another graduate-level course subject to approval by the course instructor and the HIV Studies certificate program director.

Research Track

The Research track prepares you with additional methodological expertise in quantitative or qualitative research.


Electives

Choose at least TWO: 

  • Quantitative Methods in Epidemiology
  • Program Evaluation
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Public Health
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Qualitative Methods
  • Data, Models, and Decisions
  • Statistics for Public Managers and Policy Analysts

Note: You may request to substitute this elective for another graduate-level course subject to approval by the course instructor and the HIV Studies certificate program director.

Experiential Learning

experiential

The HIV Studies certificate program demonstrates how to apply your public health skills through the lens of HIV by working directly with practitioners and researchers.

In addition to taking courses, you will have opportunities to attend CHHRPP-hosted seminars and presentations on topics around HIV and related issues, including social justice and health disparities.

You will also have internship and career networking options that are coordinated by the School of Public Health and the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute.

A hospital administrator conducts a staff meeting

Career Paths

careers

The certificate program in HIV Studies will enable you to work effectively in HIV/AIDS public health organizations, community-based health organizations, AIDS service organizations, preventive medicine and HIV/AIDS research.

Our unique position in the New York State capital offers employment options with many governmental and non-governmental public health organizations and organizations with specific focus on HIV and drug-user health.

Potential job titles include:

  • Epidemiologist 
  • Public Health Program Manager
  • Community Health Program Manager 
  • Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Director 
  • Research Scientist 

Potential employers include:

  • New York State and other State Departments of Health (NYSDOH; e.g., AIDS Institute), Office of Mental Health, Office of Addiction Services 
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 
  • County and City Health Departments 
  • Healthcare Network
  • Community and National Non-profit Organizations 
  • Colleges and Universities 

Admission Requirements

admissions
Deadlines

Rolling Fall, Spring, Summer

Certificate in HIV Studies 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
  • Undergraduate coursework must include at least one course in mathematics (algebra or pre-calculus) or statistics

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].


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. 

One letter of recommendation

Personal Statement

  • Why do you wish to pursue this certificate and why are you interested in your chosen area of concentration?  The statement must include a discussion of two issues related to health disparities in the contemporary US
  • 1500 word limit

CV/Resume

Application Information for Current UAlbany Students

Current UAlbany students should login to MyUAlbany and follow these steps to apply:

  1. In the MyUAlbany portal, select the Graduate Education tab at the top of the page.
  2. At the bottom left of the page under Application and Graduation Information, select Supplemental Degree Application.
  3. Click on the Supplemental Degree Application icon.
  4. Click the Add To Cart button.
  5. Fill out the form. Select your current degree level and current program name. Make sure to enter "Graduate Certificate in HIV Studies" in the Requested Supplemental Degree Program Name field and select CGS in the Requested Supplemental Degree dropdown menu.
  6. Click Continue to submit your supplemental application form.
  7. Select Checkout to submit your payment information.


×
Loading...
Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

CGS

Students who complete the graduate certificate in HIV Studies will be able to demonstrate:

  • Basic knowledge of key HIV content areas, including:
    • Epidemiology of and surveillance methods used for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hepatitis C (HCV) in the United States and New York State
    • Issues related to persons who use drugs
  • Additional knowledge in at least one area important for work in HIV studies, such as program evaluation, data analysis, health policy, project management, and community engagement
  • Increased proficiency in at least one communication-related public health competencies, applied specifically to HIV
  • Recognition of the range of career opportunities, work settings, and professional roles available working on HIV and related issues, including opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration
slo