Public Health Informatics

During the past ten years there has been explosive growth in the health information economy, with unparalleled investments in mobile technology and electronic medical records. Public health leaders worldwide increasingly recognize the enormous potential of information technology as a tool to safeguard the health of populations, strengthen public health systems, and improve the reach and effectiveness of health promotion and disease prevention programs.

The power and speed of technological innovation has fueled an increasingly urgent need for training in public health informatics - a need that has been cited in recent reports from the Institute of Medicine, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations. The field needs tech-savvy experts who have the vision and skills to exploit the capacity of new technologies and fulfill their promise to contribute to a healthier world.  This Certificate program is intended to meet that need.

The Certificate in Public Health Informatics is designed to produce professionals who can drive the systematic application of information technology to public health practice, research, and learning.

Graduates will be positioned to enter this burgeoning field, not only in the U.S. but in many other countries where informatics has become a focal point and there is a growing unmet need for trained personnel.

Admissions Eligibility

Public Health Informatics is open to Columbia MPH students in:

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

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 Informatics' required courses, certificate electives, and scheduling.