Program Overview

Public Health, Undergraduate Certificate

The undergraduate certificate in Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is designed for individuals interested in applying public health concepts, methods, approaches, and skills in their current or future career. This certificate is ideal for those who want to make a difference in the health and well-being of communities.

Overview

Public health works to improve the health of people and the communities where they grow, live, work, play, and age. Instead of treating individual patients, public health scientists and practitioners prevent disease before it starts. They work in and with communities to foster health and well-being for everyone.

Outcomes

Graduates of the certificate program will be able to:

• Explain the core values and functions of public health in society.
• Respect the dignity of individuals and communities across cultures.
• Explain basic methods and tools of public health data collection and analysis.
• Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information.
• Describe key determinants of health.
• Outline screening, prevention, and control of infectious and chronic diseases in populations.
• Outline evidence-based public health approaches for health promotion.
• Explain policy approaches to solving population health issues.
• Communicate public health information.

Requirements

Students must declare their intent to pursue this certificate. The curriculum consists of three required core courses (9 credits) and three elective courses (9 credits) for 18 credits total.

• Core courses (9 credits):
  • PH 101: Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
  • PH 304: Foundations of Epidemiology 1 (3 credits)
  • Select one of the following (3 credits):
    • PH 142: Exploring Global Environmental Health
    • NURS 301: Introduction to Global Health 2
• Electives (9 credits): Select three courses from the list below:
  • PH 201: Public Health from Cells to Society I
  • PH 202: Public Health from Cells to Society II
  • PH 302: Health and Disease: Concepts and Contexts
  • PH 303: Climate Change, the Environment and Human Health
  • PH 306: Adolescent Health & Development
  • PH 319: Introduction to Health Disparities
  • PH 327: Foundations for Action in Public Health
  • PH 346: Environmental Health and Disease
  • PH 355: Public Health Research Methods I
  • PH 375: Topics in Public Health
  • PH 408: Comparative Health Systems: A Social Determinants Approach
  • PH 410: True Lies: Consuming and Communicating Quantitative Information
  • PH 427: Strategies for Action in Public Health
  • PH 428: Program Implementation & Evaluation for a Healthy Society
  • PH 455: Public Health Research Methods II
  • PH 478: Public Health Research Using Social Media
  • PH 699: Independent Study (maximum of 3 credits)
  • Other Study Abroad public health courses approved by Zilber School academic advisor
  • Other public health courses approved by Zilber School academic advisor

Continuation and Exit Requirements

To obtain the certificate, the student must complete, with a minimum grade point average of 2.500, at least 18 credits in approved Public Health Certificate courses, of which 12 must be earned in residence at UWM. A maximum of 3 credits of PH 699: Independent Study may count toward Certificate requirements. Certificate courses may not be taken on a credit
o credit basis.

Transfer Credit

Credits earned at other accredited institutions within the last three years that are shown to be equivalent to courses in the Certificate program may be accepted in partial fulfillment of the program requirements, subject to review by the Zilber School academic advisor and/or Undergraduate Program Director.

Awarding the Certificate

Students currently involved in baccalaureate studies who successfully complete the requirements of the program will be awarded the Certificate at the time of graduation. Non-degree students or those who already have a bachelor's degree will receive the Certificate upon completion of the program requirements. Awarding of the certificate program will be noted on the student's official transcript.

Admission

The Public Health Certificate is available to all UWM students seeking a bachelor's degree who have a current overall GPA of 2.0, to students who previously received a bachelor's degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university, and to those who do not plan to pursue a college or university degree (non-degree students) but want to gain skills and knowledge in public health. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid and must meet University admission requirements.