- Is a certificate in public health worth it?
- Public health certificate programs can help working public health professionals increase their expertise in the field and stay current, which can expand your options for promotion and advancement. If you are considering a career in public health and looking to apply to a master’s in public health program, certificates in public health can serve as a post-baccalaureate to give you a competitive advantage when applying to MPH programs. Up to 12 units may be applied to the UC Davis Master’s in Public Health Program. If you are considering an MPH program at another institution, you should verify acceptance of credits before applying.
- Who is the Public Health Certificate Program designed for?
- This certificate in public health is designed for current public health professionals looking to advance in their careers, including medical and health services managers, health education specialists, and community health workers, as well as public sector health leaders. This program also meets the needs of future public health professionals interested in gaining a competitive advantage before applying to a master’s in public health program and recent graduates needing graduate-level coursework to serve as a post-baccalaureate for competitive MPH programs.
- Are there any prerequisites for the program?
- It is strongly recommended, though not required, that students have a bachelor’s degree and basic introductory level statistical knowledge prior to applying. Familiarity with SAS Programming is also recommended.
Please review these preparatory resources on Statistics and SAS Programming to make sure you are comfortable with the content before beginning this certificate and enrolling in Introduction to Health Science Statistics.
- How long will it take to earn the Public Health Certificate?
- The certificate program can be completed in as little as 12 months. In order to earn your certificate, it must be completed within five years from the day you enroll in the first course.
- Once I complete the certificate program, will I automatically be accepted to the UC Davis Masters in Public Health program?
- No, completion of the UC Davis CPE Public Health Certificate Program does not guarantee acceptance into the UC Davis Masters in Public Health Program; however, if you are accepted, up to 12 units of credits will transfer. For a list of all requirements, visit the UC Davis MPH admissions page.
- Can I transfer my public health certificate credits to any MPH?
- While this certificate program is designed to help you master the competencies required for accredited Master of Public Health degree programs, we cannot guarantee that credits will transfer. Please check with your graduate degree program institution to verify acceptance.
- What does it mean to be certified in public health?
- A certification in public health is a credential demonstrating that you can meet and maintain a national standard in public health through continuing education. To become certified in public health you must pass the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) Certified in Public Health Exam. Learn more about the eligibility requirements to sit for the CPH exam.
- Will this program prepare me for public health certification?
- Yes, our Public Health Certificate Program prepares you for certification in public health with relevant coursework that fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the NBPHE Certified in Public Health Exam.
- Where can I work with a certificate in public health?
- Careers in public health are extremely diverse and range from generalist to expert roles. A foundational understanding of public health can help you determine which area of the field you are most interested in working, such as mental health, public policy, research, education, environmental health, global health or community health.
Jobs in public health are available in local, state and federal public health agencies, as well as in the private sector. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, public health jobs which are in particularly high demand include epidemiologist (+26% growth projected from 2021-2031), health education specialists and community health workers (+12%), mathematicians and statisticians in health care—otherwise known as biostatisticians—(+31%), and medical and health services managers (+28%). - How much time can I expect to spend on coursework?
- For 3-unit classes, you can expect to spend about 9 hours per week, including recorded lectures, assignments, reading and studying. For 4-unit classes, you can expect to spend about 12 hours per week.
- Do I need to take the required courses in a specific order?
- No, courses can be taken in any order, and you are welcome to start the program in the quarter the best suits your schedule.
- How many academic credits will I earn upon completion?
- Upon successful completion of the four courses in this certificate program, you will earn a total of 14 units of academic credit.
