Program Overview

Public Health, Certificate

The Public Health Certificate Program (PHCP) offers BGS biomedical science students an opportunity to learn more about public health.

Program Description

PHCP training includes formal coursework, the PHCP seminar series, and a public health project.

Formal Coursework

PHCP students will take public health courses in addition to their doctoral coursework. Students will complete most of the formal coursework during the first and second years of graduate school. In some cases, this may result in a student taking four courses plus a lab rotation in one or more semesters. However, students in the program may also take one public health course per semester in years three through five if necessary and with appropriate permission. Students in PHCP should expect to graduate on time.

PHCP Seminar Series

A seminal part of the PHCP program is the bi-weekly seminar series that brings in speakers from Penn and elsewhere to talk about their research and careers linking biomedical research and public health. This is also the forum in which PHCP students present progress reports and their final presentation on their public health project. Attendance is required for all PHCP students. In recognition of attendance and participation, students will receive credit for one semester (1 CU) of PUBH 5900 during their fourth or fifth year.

Public Health Project

PHCP students are expected to complete a short-term public health research project or independent study. Ideally, this project will focus on a question related to their PhD thesis, but that is not a requirement. Students can choose a public health advisor from the MPH faculty or they can substitute an alternative advisor with the permission of PHCP faculty directors. As discussed above, students will present their final project at the PHCP seminar series.

Course List

• Required Courses
  • PUBH 5020: Introduction to the Principles and Methods of Epidemiology (1 CU)
  • BIOM 6100: Foundations in Statistics 1 (1 CU)
• Elective Courses
  • Choose 3 CUs
    • PUBH 5040: Public Health Theories & Frameworks
    • PUBH 5050: Public Health Policy & Administration
    • PUBH 5060: Methods for Public Health Practice
    • PUBH 5070: Public Health Law & Ethics
    • PUBH 5190: Foundations of Global Health
    • Alternative MPH electives with advice or PHCP faculty advisors
• Total Course Units: 5

Non-Course Requirements

• PHCP Seminar Series: A seminal part of the PHCP program is the bi-weekly seminar series that brings in speakers from Penn and elsewhere to talk about their research and careers linking biomedical research and public health. This is also the forum in which PHCP students present progress reports and their final presentation on their public health project. Attendance is required for all PHCP students. In recognition of attendance and participation, students will receive credit for one semester (1 CU) of PUBH 5900 during their fourth or fifth year.
• Public Health Project: PHCP students are expected to complete a short-term public health research project or independent study. Ideally, this project will focus on a question related to their PhD thesis, but that is not a requirement. Students can choose a public health advisor from the MPH faculty or they can substitute an alternative advisor with the permission of PHCP faculty directors. As discussed above, students will present their final project at the PHCP seminar series.

Additional Information

Students interested in doing an analytic public health project are encouraged to take additional Biostatistics courses as necessary. Other public health courses across the University may be counted as electives, to be determined on a case-by-case basis with the permission of the PHCP faculty directors. The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.