Cert in Public Health

This certificate introduces students to health science with attention to both personal and population health. Students choose from a range of courses that explore the biopsychosocial model, the factors that shape health, and ways to narrow health gaps between communities. Coursework asks students to estimate the burden of disease in a population and to examine worldwide health issues through a social justice lens. It also looks at how environment, income, politics and culture shape health systems. The plan of study spans two semesters, starting with core courses in personal health and introductory public health, followed by restricted electives in public health and social science. Learning goals include analyzing disparities with evidence-based methods and identifying effective interventions. The catalog encourages students to meet with a college counselor to plan the order of courses, check prerequisites and confirm that the pathway fits their career or transfer goals.