Curriculum and Program Requirements
The Certificate in Foundations of Public Health (CFPH) is a four-course, 12-credit option that introduces students to the core disciplines of public health. Graduate and professional students in medicine, dental medicine, law, nursing, social work, pharmacy, business, and the social sciences seeking to augment their perspective with in-depth understanding of issues and opportunities in population health are invited to apply. Junior and mid-career public health practitioners, as well as persons considering a career in public health also are encouraged to consider our certificate program.
To earn a Certificate in the Foundation of Public Health, students must complete two required and two selective courses, earning grades of B or better.
A student may enroll in a certificate program on either a part-time or a full-time basis, but the student must complete the requirements for the certificate within three (3) years of initial enrollment.
Please note: students in Certificate Programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Required Courses
PUBH 5408 Epidemiology and Biostatistics I (3 credits) First of a two-course sequence introducing students to concepts and methods of epidemiology, biostatistics and public health research.
PUBH 5409 Epidemiology and Biostatistics II (3 credits) Continuation of the two-course sequence on basic epidemiology, biostatistics and public health.
Selective Courses
(two from among the following options):
PUBH 5403 Health Administration (3 credits) Examination of past, present and proposed approaches to the organization and management of health care services.
PUBH 5404 Environmental Health (3 credits) Explores the policy, political and public health implications of environmental issues such as air pollution, drinking water, exposure to hazardous chemicals, food protection, lead poisoning, etc.
PUBH 5405 Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health (3 credits) An introductory survey emphasizing basic social science concepts in the analysis of public health including orientations toward health, disease and health care, the origins and distribution of health care resources and the role of social movements and research in improving public health.
PUBH 5406 Law and Public Health (3 credits) An introduction to the American legal system as it relates to public health.
Admissions
Application deadlines: July 10th for matriculation of the following Fall semester. November 10th for matriculation of the following Spring semester.
How to Apply
Applicants for the certificate will be evaluated regarding their academic ability to complete course requirements, interest in working in community to advance public health and goals (e.g., anticipated benefit of certificate on career).
Applications will be reviewed upon completion of the online application which includes:
- A brief personal statement (not to exceed 300 words) that describes their personal and professional interest in the field of public health. Most importantly, applicants should also describe their interests/reasons for obtaining a Graduate Certificate in the Foundations of Public Health.
- Current resume or CV.
- One letter of reference from an individual who can address the candidate’s potential for success in the Graduate Certificate in the Foundations of Public Health.
- Unofficial transcripts of all collegiate work which should be uploaded.
- The GRE is not required.
- Official transcripts of all collegiate work (including UConn) which should be mailed to the Graduate School. Please send in one envelope to:
Whetten Graduate Center
University of Connecticut
438 Whitney Road Ext., Unit 1152
Storrs, CT 06269-1152
The completed online application form should have the program name, Certificate in the Foundations of Public Health, selected. Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) on the application are required fields.
If you have any questions on how to use the online application system, please email The Graduate School at gradadmissions@uconn.edu.
International Students
Pursuant to U.S. immigration regulations, the University of Connecticut may not sponsor F-1 and J-1 visas for the purpose of coming to the U.S. for enrollment in this certificate program.
Program Contact
Contact us at 860-679-1510 or publichealth@uchc.edu to learn about how to apply and for other program information.