Program Overview
The Certificate in Health Equity Science at Auburn University is an undergraduate program that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and health disparities. Through coursework and practical experiences, students learn to analyze health equity issues, develop evidence-based interventions, and advocate for policies that promote health equity. Graduates are prepared for careers in public health, healthcare administration, community health, and other fields where they can work to improve health outcomes for all populations.
Program Outline
Certificate in Health Equity Science at Auburn University
Degree Overview:
The Certificate in Health Equity Science (CHES) is an undergraduate program administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Science in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University. This certificate program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and health disparities between different populations. It explores how social contexts influence the distribution of disease risks and health outcomes, and translates this knowledge into effective health-promoting policies and community-level interventions.
Outline:
- Structure: The CHES requires 12 semester hours of coursework, including at least 6 hours at the 3000-level or higher.
- Content: Courses cover topics such as:
- Social determinants of health and health disparities
- Health policy and interventions
- Health and social justice
- Research methods in health equity
- Specific health issues impacting different populations (e.g., HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, chronic diseases)
- Modules: Courses offered include:
- HUSC/HDFS 5930: Society and Health (3 hours)
- HUSC/HDFS 5950: Seminar on Health Ecology and Equity (3 hours)
- A variety of elective courses focusing on health equity and social inequality (6 hours)
- Elective Courses:
- Specific elective courses offered vary annually.
- Courses with substantial content on health equity or social inequality are typically eligible.
- Students should email course syllabuses to ches@auburn.edu for approval.
- Alternatives to Elective Courses:
- Thesis (2-6 hours) on a health equity topic
- Practicum (1-6 hours) in a health equity setting
- Internship (12 hours) in health equity
Assessment:
- Assessment methods vary depending on the specific courses chosen.
- Common assessment methods include:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
- Assessment criteria generally focus on students' ability to:
- Critically analyze the social determinants of health and health disparities
- Apply knowledge of health equity to practical problems
- Communicate effectively about health equity issues
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for health-promoting policies and interventions
Teaching:
- The program is taught by faculty in the Department of Human Development and Family Science who have expertise in health equity research and intervention.
- Teaching methods vary depending on the specific course format but may include:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Group projects
- Field experiences
- The program utilizes a student-centered approach, encouraging active learning and engagement.
Careers:
- Completion of the CHES prepares students for a variety of careers in the health field, including:
- Public health
- Healthcare administration
- Community health
- Policy advocacy
- Research
- Education
- Graduates may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, academic institutions, and community-based organizations.
Other:
- Completion of the CHES appears on the official Auburn University transcript.
- Questions about the certificate program can be directed to ches@auburn.edu.
- Information is current as of November 2023.