Introduction

Northeastern’s Public Health Graduate Certificate is designed to meet the needs of professionals seeking to gain supplemental knowledge in public health. With a unique emphasis on health disparities and health equity, the certificate prepares learners to collaborate with, conduct research in, and work in a variety of public health settings. In addition to the four core courses, students take two elective courses across disciplines to personalize their professional development.

The program offers:

  • Essential public health knowledge and skills to support current and future job functions and goals.
  • A pipeline into the Master of Public Health program if interested in pursuing the degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate foundational public health knowledge in:

  • The profession and science of public health. 
  • Factors related to human health.

Students will demonstrate foundational public health competencies in:

  • Evidence-based approaches to public health
  • Public health and health care systems
  • Planning and management to promote health
  • Policy in public health
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Interprofessional practice
  • Systems thinking

Credit hours required: 18

Required core courses (12 credits):

  • PH 400 Introduction to Public Health
  • PH 440 Health Disparities and Health Advocacy
  • PH 405 Social and Behavioral Health Theory & Practice
  • PH 410 Epidemiology

Elective courses (6 credits):

  • Any two courses approved by Public Health Coordinator

Admission Information

The program admits students for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

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Program Benefits

The Public Health Graduate Certificate offers:

  • Hybrid classes (on-campus and online learning).
  • An interdisciplinary approach taught by a team of highly qualified faculty. 
  • Electives focused on topics related to public health, such as sociology, gerontology, counseling, social work, justice studies, economics, and more. 

Upon completion, students will demonstrate proficiency in the following foundation competencies:

  • Evidence-based approaches to public health
  • Public health and health care systems
  • Planning and management to promote health
  • Policy in public health
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Interprofessional practice
  • Systems thinking

In addition, Northeastern offers an array of flexible day, evening and weekend classes with an affordable tuition and convenient urban locations accessible by car or public transportation.

Career Options

The Public Health Graduate Certificate can serve as a first step towards work in a variety of public health settings including public and private health care organizations, health research facilities, social service and environmental health agencies, and government institutions. Jobs titles include, but are not limited to:

  • Community/public health educator
  • Public health program coordinator
  • Health services manager
  • Public health researcher
  • Public health policy analysis or advisor
  • Public health information officer
  • Public health advocate

For more detailed career information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Academic Catalog Information

Take a closer look at the Public Health Graduate Certificate and the courses offered toward the certificate.

Public Health Graduate Certificate

Department and Contact Information

If you are interested in the program or have questions, please contact Health Sciences and Physical Education at (773) 442-5581 or email Dr. James Ball, Chair and Program Coordinator, at jwball@neiu.edu.

HSPE Department Homepage

About Northeastern

Northeastern Illinois University is home to students from all corners of the world and is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Our small class sizes, flexible schedules and dedicated faculty can help you succeed in your studies. We offer an education with value.

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