Social Determinants of Health

Worldwide, health disparities are a stark and persistent problem that, in some cases, seems to be growing worse. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that people with lower incomes have shorter lives and worse health than more affluent Americans, and gaps in life expectancy by socioeconomic status are increasing over time. Racial inequalities in health also persist: infants of black women are up to three times more likely to die than those born to women of other races.

Historically, understanding how health is impacted by social factors such as discrimination and stigmatization has been understudied. But today, an increasing focus on health disparities by governmental bodies calls for a new generation of professionals who can translate scientific findings on these issues into policy and practice.

The Social Determinants of Health Certificate provides a strong, interdisciplinary foundation in social theory as well as the methodological tools needed for individuals interested in having an impact in this area of public health.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for a variety of careers in policy development, research, and public health intervention.

Admissions Eligibility

Social Determinants of Health is open to Columbia MPH students in:

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

Learn More

Visit the School's Academics website for more information about Social Determinants of Health's required courses, certificate electives, and scheduling.