Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of this program?
Depending on the electives selected, the program is available online, in-person, or a hybrid of both. Please contact the Office of Academic Assistance & Career Services (OAA) for more information.
How long will it take me to earn my certificate?
On average, students can complete the certificate program in two semesters. Students have up to three years to successfully complete the certificate program. Please contact the Office of Academic Assistance & Career Services (OAA) for more information.
Can I apply without a bachelor's degree?
No. Applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission.
What courses will I need to take?
Click here to review the curriculum for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health.
Can I continue to work full-time while I am in the certificate program?
Yes. The courses have been specially designed and developed for students working in public health or a related field who seek to maintain, upgrade or advance their public health knowledge and skills.
How flexible is the curriculum?
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health curriculum requires three core courses and two elective courses. Students may complete as few as two courses per year or all five courses in one semester. Click here to review the curriculum for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health.
What are the tuition and fees?
Click here to review the tuition and fees for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid may be available, and students may confirm their eligibility with Student Financial Services.
What will I learn upon completion?
- Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue.
- Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice.
- Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate.
- Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice.
- Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings.
- Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels.
- Apply principles of leadership, governance and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision making.
- Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges.
- Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence.
- Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes.
- Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations.
- Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity.
- Recognize the ways diversity influences public health education and training, policies, programs, services, and the health of the nearby community.
What can I do with the Graduate Certificate in Public Health?
As an enhancement to your previous education and current career, completing Georgia State University’s Certificate in Public Health program will prepare you for possible careers or advancement in the public health industry, in roles such as:
- Clinical Research Professional
- Community Wellness Administrator
- Environmental Scientist or Specialist
- Government Employee
- Health Educator or Community Health Worker
- Health Specialist
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Physician
- Public Health Nurse
- Public Health Social Worker
- Research Associate
- Urban Planner
Occupations by names and Standard of Classification (SOC) codes that the Graduate Certificate in Public Health begins to prepare students to enter or study further:
- 2201 Public Health, General
- 11-9111.00 Medical and Health Services Managers Bright Outlook
- 21-1091.00 Health Educators
- 21-1094.00 Community Health Workers
- 25-1071.00 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health will offer strong foundations in public health theory, research, and practice, for example:
- Community Health Practice and Research
- Program Planning, Management, and Evaluation
- Health Communication
- Health Promotion and Education
- Environmental Health
- Health and Human Rights
- Health Policies
NOTE: The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is not a credentialing or licensure program. If you are seeking information related to the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), please visit nchec.org.