Certificates

The Columbia MPH includes a Certificate program that provides training in a second, more focused area of expertise besides your discipline and leads to a Columbia University approved credential.* The School will offer over 20 Certificate programs in 2012. These programs have been developed in consultation with employers of public health professionals and other key stakeholders and therefore reflect today’s most sought-after skills and knowledge.

Many of the Certificates focus on interdisciplinary topics such as global health, chronic disease, aging and the life course, health management, and public health research methods. Other options offer deeper training within a discipline, for example, advanced epidemiology, toxicology, policy analysis, and applied biostatistics.

You may apply to a Certificate program when you apply to the School or you may wish to apply midway through your first semester. Applicants can indicate one degree and department choice and a first and second Certificate choice. 

Prerequisites for the School’s programs vary. Coursework takes place primarily in semesters 3 and 4, though you may elect to begin work in your second semester.

Certificate faculty will host brown bag lunches throughout the year to create a shared experience and encourage informal discussion and inquiry into the topic.

*Approval by the New York State Department of Education is pending

* Health Policy and Management (HPM) students interested in certificates besides Comparative Effectiveness Outcomes Research or Health Policy Analysis must be in residence for four semesters.

** Students from departments other than those listed as compatible may still be able to do specific certificates, but should be aware it will be more challenging to complete the coursework in a timely manner.