The public health needs of rural Northern Arizona are immense. Tribal and non-tribal communities in Northern Arizona experience severe health disparities that are linked to chronic illness. Individuals from these rural communities aspire to serve the health needs of their communities, but may find relocation a barrier to attending higher education opportunities. This Graduate Certificate in Public Health prepares students for careers in public health and can support career advancement for individuals who are already employed in the public health field. The certificate prepares students for professional practice in public health, providing specific skill development in health policy and management, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology, and the consideration of social and structural determinants of health when planning public health interventions.
Pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Public Health is ideal for those currently in the workforce (clinics, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, laboratories) who are interested in strengthening their public health knowledge to support program development, management and evaluation. Earning a Graduate Certificate in Public Health may qualify professionals for more advanced leadership roles, as well as prepare individuals for a MPH program.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 12 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Public Health is to prepare students for professional practice in public health, providing specific skill development in health policy and management, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology, and the consideration of social and structural determinants of health when planning public health interventions. This graduate certificate program prepares students for careers in public health and can support career advancement for individuals who are already employed in the public health field. Residents of Native American reservations and other rural communities are best suited for the Graduate Certificate Program in Public Health.
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.