Public Health Advanced Graduate Certificate
“We need to better understand health care disparities and the social determinants of health because those are the things that will actually improve our health outcomes for the better.” --Kenyani Davis, Health Services Administration MPH
The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Public Health allows you to learn foundational public health skills in as little as one year. This certificate can be completed online or on campus.
About the program
The certificate program is designed for individuals who want to gain foundational public health knowledge. It can be completed fully online, or on campus through seated courses on a full-time or part-time basis.
If you find that public health is your passion, and you wish to complete the full master of public health (MPH) degree, certificate courses can seamlessly transfer into UB’s MPH program.
UB's courses attract a diverse student body. You will learn in a collaborative environment that includes public health professionals as well as individuals from across the health care landscape. Courses are taught by faculty who are experts in their field.
The program is designed for:
- People who wish to take a few courses before enrolling in an MPH program
- Working professionals who want to gain practical public health skills
- Current UB students interested in the bigger picture of health care in the U.S.
- People who want to transition into or advance in the field of public health
- Students who need the flexibility of online courses or in-person options
The School of Public Health and Health Professions is a CEPH-accredited school of public health.
Apply for Admission
July 15 for the Fall
Dec. 15 for the Spring
Our Students
Advanced Graduate Public Health Certificate Procedures
Academic Deficiency
Grades are reviewed after each semester. If a student’s overall certificate GPA drops below 3.0 or they earn an “F,” the student will receive a “Letter of Academic Deficiency”.
- Any student with a GPA below a 3.0, will be reviewed the following semester. If their GPA continues to be below a 3.0, they may be placed on academic probation, which may lead to dismissal.
- Any student that earns a grade below a “C” in an individual certificate course will be allowed to retake that course one more time. If they are unable to earn a “C” or better in the course after their second attempt they will be academically dismissed from the program.
- Any student who earns a grade below GPA requirements for the program can retake the course one time; the student must earn the required grade for the course to meet program GPA requirements on the second attempt to remain in the program.
Academic Dismissal
A student may be academically dismissed from the certificate program for any of the following reasons:
- Has earned less than a “C” in the same course at least twice.
- Failed to meet the conditions of their conditional acceptance.
- Failed to meet the written terms of their academic probation.
- Failed to earn a required grade in a course to maintain requirements of the Certificate program after retaking that course. (Students can take a required course a maximum of two times.)
Academic Probation
A student may be placed on academic probation if they continue to be academically deficient. Once a student is placed on academic probation they will have written terms set forth for them that they must meet. Failure to meet the written terms will automatically result in academic dismissal from the program.
Conditional Acceptances
Any student conditionally accepted into the program must meet the conditions of their acceptance. Failure to meet said conditions will automatically result in academic dismissal from the program.
Program Requirements
- All students must complete the program within 4 years of their program start date.
- All students must earn at least a 3.0 overall certificate GPA to graduate from the program.
- The lowest grade students can earn in any of the certificate courses is a “C” in order to graduate from the program. Please note that a "C minus" does not meet this requirement.
- Any student that wishes to transfer their certificate courses in the MPH must earn a 3.0 GPA (B) or better in each course.
Taking MPH Courses During the Certificate Program
Certificate students who have earned a grade of B or better in each certificate course they completed may take other MPH courses that are approved by their advisor. Please discuss course options with your advisor.
Students who have a grade below B in any certificate course may not take other MPH courses during the Certificate program.
Please see other policies of the University at Buffalo Graduate School.