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Public Health

At a Glance

  • Online and flexible learning formats
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Courses focused on real-world application

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Advance Your Career. Improve Community Health.

Public health professionals play a critical role in improving health outcomes, shaping policy and strengthening communities. UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s public health courses help you build practical, job-relevant skills you can apply immediately.

Whether you’re entering the field or expanding your current role, you’ll gain knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact on community health. A global pandemic, an aging population, advancing climate change and growing social inequities are fueling unprecedented demand for public health workers. By some estimates, an 80% workforce increase in state and local governmental public health departments is needed.

What Courses Are Included?

Courses can be taken individually, but the Public Health Certificate offers a more comprehensive path—building a complete, job-relevant skill set across core public health areas.

The certificate includes:

  • Introduction to Health Science Statistics
  • Epidemiology for Health Professionals
  • Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health
  • Health Services Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where can this take you?

  • These skills are in demand across government agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofits and private organizations, preparing you for roles such as public health analyst, program coordinator or manager, community health specialist, health educator and policy or research positions.

    Taking the full certificate can also help you prepare for Certification in Public Health (CPH), strengthen your application to competitive Master of Public Health (MPH) programs and offers up to 12 transferable units toward an MPH.

  • Is this program focused on clinical or non-clinical careers? 
  • Public health focuses on population health, prevention and systems-level impact rather than direct patient care. As a result, CPE’s Public Health Certificate prepares students for non-clinical careers.
  • Can I take these courses while working full time? 
  • Yes. Courses are designed for working professionals with flexible formats.
  • Can I transfer my public health certificate credits to any MPH?

  • While this 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.

    Additionally, completion of this program does not guarantee acceptance into the UC Davis Master's 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.

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