Public Health and Humanitarian Assistance

Among the greatest challenges to ensuring the health of populations are natural and manmade catastrophes. Tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes - some of which are driven by long-term climate change -have displaced millions in recent years. Armed conflicts continue to destroy communities, wreaking havoc on food, sanitation, and supply chains, and propelling survivors into fragile refugee camps and crowded urban areas. Increasingly, humanitarian responders are also asked to promote health systems development in fragile states and post conflict scenarios.     

Across all continents, there is a critical need for technically competent public health professionals who understand the global dynamics of acute and complex emergencies, including the continuum from prevention and risk reduction to emergency response, and the transition to development. The Mailman School is internationally renowned for the depth and strength of its training in this field.  Our new certificate builds upon the strengths of Program on Forced Migration and Health and prepares students to work in natural disasters, complex emergencies, and post-conflict settings.  Taking a pragmatic, interdisciplinary, and human rights-based approach, it equips graduates with the skills necessary to gather, analyze, and disseminate knowledge needed to implement health-related programs and systems in humanitarian settings.

Students will learn the most up-to-date needs of international humanitarian organizations and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in complex emergencies, fragile states and post conflict environments. The interdisciplinary education will ensure that our graduates are prepared to lead in the field for many years to come. 

Admissions Eligibility

Public Health and Humanitarian Assistance is open to Columbia MPH students in the following departments:

Environmental Health Sciences
Epidemiology
Health Policy and Management
Population and Family Health
Sociomedical Sciences

Students who select the Department of Population and Family Health as their concentration will receive a program that is tailored to those with previous experience and a strong commitment to this field of practice.  For students in other departments the certificate will offer valuable introductory training.

Note that given the required classes, the program may be most compatible for students enrolled in Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Population and Family Health, or Sociomedical Sciences.

Learn More

Visit the School's Academics website for more information about Public Health and Humanitarian Assistance's required courses, certificate electives, and scheduling.