The Best Public Health Certificate Program for You: How to Navigate the Options for the Right Outcome

Before starting the process of selecting a public health certificate program, it is crucial to engage in some self-reflection about your personal preferences and learning style. Think about your academic experiences to date and ask yourself what you liked and didn’t like. Some people thrive in traditional classroom settings, while others prefer the flexibility of online learning. Consider whether you like working independently on your own schedule or if you like the partnership of working closely with others. Perhaps you like some of both of those aspects. Think about whether you learn best through structured lectures, hands-on practical experiences, or collaborative group work. There’s no right or wrong way to do your coursework in a certificate program, but understanding your preferred learning environment will help narrow down the options of programs to pursue and ensure a successful educational experience.

Start by researching the overall reputation of the program and consider factors such as faculty expertise, alumni success, and MPH program rankings. There are many factors to consider when evaluating program rankings as there is more than meets the eye. Then check out the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) website where you can either search for a program to check whether it is accredited or go directly to CEPH’s list of accredited schools and programs². Accreditation is not some standard that doesn’t matter or should be ignored, as it speaks to the quality of a program. Being accredited by CEPH means that a program has met standards related to the coverage of its curriculum, quality of faculty and their research, graduation rates, and alumni impressions including post-graduation outcomes (i.e., employment)³. Additionally, you might only be able to receive a federal student loan if you chose an accredited program which is important to consider given the cost of tuition⁴. Check out our deep-dive on the benefits of accreditation here.

While the CEPH standards cover many areas related to faculty, it’s important to do your own additional assessment on the faculty. Look into the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members within the program. While it can be hard to know what you’re looking for in this respect if you’re just starting out in public health, you want to see experienced faculty with diverse backgrounds and a variety of research interests across the faculty. These factors can enhance your experience and provide valuable mentorship opportunities.

Analyze the curriculum of each program to ensure it covers the core domains of public health and that, if you know your professional objectives, that it aligns with them. Here we offer a deep-dive into the areas of public health to accompany your assessment of programs. Consider the availability of elective courses that allow for customization of your educational experience and specialization. Since a certificate doesn’t take many credits to complete compared to a BPH or an MPH, you’ll want to decide at the outset whether you’re looking for a general certificate in public health or if you want one with a specific focus like epidemiology or environmental health.

Especially with the increase in online learning opportunities following COVID-19 as well as the recent widespread adoption of tools that promote online learning, you have more options than even just five years ago for the format of your coursework. Consider whether you’d prefer a traditional on-campus program, a hybrid on-campus/online format, or a fully online format. Having the option to complete your certificate or degree program online is a great option for working professionals who need to do work at night and allows for completing a certificate program somewhere far away. The downside is that you lose opportunities for face-to-face connections with faculty and peers. It’s not impossible to develop connections that may help you find a job or help with professional opportunities without this, but something to consider. Hybrid programs offer the benefits of both in-person interaction and flexibility for working professionals or those with other commitments.

Budget plays a significant role in determining the feasibility of pursuing a public health certificate program. It is essential to assess the financial implications of undertaking this type of program and to set a realistic budget. How do you do this? Start by researching various programs to determine the tuition and course credit fees, then add additional costs such as textbooks or a laptop if you don’t have one you can use already. Then build in any potential financial aid or scholarships available. Here we offer a longer explanation of different types of financial support available to MPH students, some of which (like the need-based FAFSA also are available to undergrad students).. Considering your budget in this way might be the first time you’ve had to do something like this, but it will allow you to make an informed decision about where to complete a certificate without having long-term negative financial implications.

Depending on where you are in your own educational and professional journey, thinking about career and networking may seem far off from where you are today. Some people might tell you that it’s important to align your certificate program with your professional objectives, but it might be too soon for that. Public health encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including epidemiology, health policy, global health, and environmental health. If you don’t have a sense of your career aspirations yet, try to choose a certificate that will give you a broad overview and set you up for success if you decide to get an MPH or have diverse professional options. If you do have a set professional goal, think about the specific skills and knowledge you’d like to gain from the program. This will guide your research and ensure that the program you choose aligns with your professional goals. Research the program's alumni network and the support offered by career services. A robust network and career services can facilitate internship and job placements, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

As mentioned previously, most certificates are in the 12-18 credit range which likely translates into one or two semesters if you’re a full-time student. Finding out whether being a full-time student is required is an important step or if there’s an overall time frame from when you start your certificate that it must be completed. It’s also worth looking into whether there are any hands-on requirements like internships, which give you a practical application of theoretical knowledge and help build a professional network.