Advanced Certificate in Public Health

The Advanced Certificate in Public Health program offers graduate-level courses administered entirely online to equip professionals with essential knowledge and training in core public health concepts. After completing the certificate program, you have the foundations you need to begin the Master of Health (MPH) degree program at NYU, or you may be eligible to take the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam.

Who Should Enroll?

The Advanced Certificate in Public Health is targeted to public health practitioners who are working in local, state, and federal departments of public health, as well as health related professionals working in community and non-governmental agencies, hospitals, and other health care facilities.

The certificate is also appropriate for students who are interested in the NYU Master of Public Health (MPH) degree but are unable to enroll in or attend an in-person program at this time. Students in the advanced certificate who move onto the NYU MPH program will have all their credits (of a C- or better) earned transferred into their MPH degree.  In addition, GPH Bioethics (MA) students are eligible to do this certificate. Upon completion, they should have a total of 38 credits. The certificate is 15 credits, and a total of 9 credits may be double-counted with the MA (32 credits, which includes 9 double-counted credits, plus 6 additional credits).

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Advanced Certificate in Public Health, students will be able to:

  1. Identify basic theories, concepts and models from a range of social and behavioral disciplines that are used in public health research and practice;
  2. Identify the causes of social and behavioral factors that affect health of individuals and populations;
  3. Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes;
  4. Calculate basic epidemiology measures;
  5. Describe the roles biostatistics serves in the discipline of public health;
  6. Apply common statistical methods of inference;
  7. Describe federal and state regulatory programs, guidelines ad authorities that control environmental health issues;
  8. Describe the direct and indirect human, ecological and safety effects of major environmental and occupational agents;
  9. Identify the main components and issues of the organization, financing and delivery of health services and public health systems in the US;
  10. Apply the principles of program planning, development, budgeting, management and evaluation in organizational and community initiatives.

Courses

The Advanced Certificate in Public Health program consists of 6 core courses (15 credits) offered online, which form the foundation of the NYU Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. The suggested course sequence of the 15 credits is as follows:

  • GPH-GU 5140 Global Issues in Social & Behavioral Health (3)
  • GPH-GU 5153 Global Environmental Health (3)
  • GPH-GU 5110 Health Care Policy (1.5)
  • GPH-GU 5112 Public Health Management and Leadership (1.5)
  • GPH-GU 5106 Epidemiology (3)
  • GPH-GU 5995 Biostatistics for Public Health (3)

These courses are offered via Brightspace, NYU's online learning system. You will cover the same learning objectives, foundation knowledge and critical thinking skills as the same courses taught on the NYU campus, but the components, syllabus, lectures, exams, and projects will be revised utilizing a variety of interactive methods:

  • Video lessons with embedded graphics and visuals

  • Instructor/student threaded discussions to allow instructors to respond to students' questions as well as provide peer interaction

  • Interactive case studies

  • Live faculty office hours and sessions using the synchronous meeting tool, Zoom

  • Self-assessment lesson quizzes with immediate feedback

The Advanced Certificate in Public Health program is offered during the fall, spring, and summer terms and follows the NYU academic calendar.

Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam

After completing the NYU GPH Advanced Certificate in Public Health, you may be eligible to take the Certified Public Health (CPH) exam. The Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam is the only credential of its kind for public health that demonstrates not only your knowledge of key public health sciences, but also your commitment to the field through continuing education. Learn more about the CPH exam from the National Board of Public Health Examiners.

How Do I Apply?

Applications for non-GPH students must be submitted online through SOPHAS Express, the common application for schools and programs of public health. GPH students may apply through this application. In order to be eligible for the certificate, you must hold the following:

  • Bachelor's degree or US equivalent from an accredited institution

  • Minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA

To apply, you must submit your application as well as the following materials:

  • Scanned copies of transcripts for all post-secondary education completed, regardless of whether a degree was awarded

  • Resume or CV

  • Personal statement of no longer than 1200 words expressing a rationale for pursuing the certificate

  • 1 letter of support from either a professional or academic reference

The Advanced Certificate in Public Health program is offered during the fall, spring, and summer terms and follows the NYU academic calendar.

For More Information

Please email us at gph.admissions@nyu.edu with any questions you may have.

Financial Aid

You may be eligible for federal financial aid and/or private educational loans to pursue the certificate program. Learn more about your options for aid from GPH’s Office of Financial Aid.

Online Learning at GPH

The School of Global Public Health is dedicated to providing a connected, professional, and scholastic environment for our online courses. 

If you’re ready to kickstart your public health career, apply for the Advanced Certificate in Public Health today!