Program Overview

Public Health Communication

Overview

The Public Health Communication graduate certificate program prepares recent college graduates and mid-career professionals in public health and journalism fields to effectively communicate scientific evidence for public health policies and interventions with lay and professional audiences.

Program Details

• Total Credit Hours: 15
• Certificate Description: The certificate equips students with the principles of public health knowledge, the foundations of social and behavioral science in public health, understanding and skills related to public health in news and reporting, and audience engagement.
• Program Structure: The certificate consists of 15 credit hours, including three core courses and two elective courses.
• Duration: Students can finish the program in a year by taking two courses in two semesters and one in the other.
• Applicability to MPH Degree: Students may apply courses from the certificate to an MPH degree.

Admission Criteria

Application Deadlines

• Fall: June 1
• Spring: November 1
• Summer: Not Accepting Applications

Required Application Materials

• Completed Baccalaureate or Advanced Degree: From an institutionally accredited institution.
• GPA Requirement: Not considered for graduate certificate programs.
• Application Process: Begins in SOPHAS (Centralized Application Service for Public Health Programs).
• Additional Requirements:
  • Completed Graduate School online application (after acceptance to the Public Health program)
  • Unofficial Transcripts: Upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application.
  • Official Results of English Proficiency Exams: Required for international applicants.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to work in health education, hospital public relations, governmental public health administration, non-profit organizations, and a variety of other settings.