Program Overview

Program Overview

The Core Disciplines of Public Health Graduate Certificate is designed to provide students with a basis for understanding the breadth and scope of the public health field. Students gain competency in all of the core disciplines through taking these core courses: biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and management, social and behavior sciences, and environmental health sciences.

Program Details

• The program is offered online.
• Total credits required: 18
• Credit hour: $725
• Minimum duration: 1 year

Program Outcomes

Current public health professionals benefit by enhancing their existing skills and gaining an official credential. Medical students find this certificate enhances their education by learning the population-based side of medicine in addition to their traditional patient-centric training. Other professionals who also benefit from this certificate include nurses who want to broaden their clinical perspectives, accountants who work in health and want to gain a greater understanding of the health care industry, or an attorney who wants to utilize this certificate to help specialize in public health and health policy.

A Top-Ranked Education

• 29th among Best Public Universities in America U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency , 2025
• #54 in Public Health Programs U.S. News & World Report, 2025

Course Information

Core Courses

• PH 801 - Introduction to Public Health (3 Credits)
• PH 802 - Biostatistics for Public Health (3 Credits)
• PH 803 - Epidemiology for Public Health (3 Credits)
• PH 804 - Public Health Administration (3 Credits)
• PH 805 - Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (3 Credits)
• PH 806 - Environmental Factors of Health (3 Credits)

Key Dates

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: May 31st
• Summer Semester: February 28th
• Spring Semester: September 30th

Admissions and Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
• Résumé or CV
• Official transcript for each post-secondary institution attended
• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
• Personal statement discussing your interests and goals in public health
• Academic statement (optional)
• International Applicants Only: English language proficiency test scores

Tuition & Fees

• In-State Tuition: $725 plus university fees
• Out-of-State Tuition: $725 plus university fees

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University. As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.