The University offers certificates through a number of different host departments. In some disciplines, a certificate is akin to a professional credential, while in others, a certificate is recognition of competence in a given skill, practice, or field of study. Most certificates range from 11 to 15 credits.

 

The School of Public Health offers the following certificates:

The Global Health Certificate prepares students to work in changing environments, with diverse populations, and to respond competently to the challenges presented by permeable geographic and cultural boundaries. The Certificate complements departmental requirements by offering courses, seminars, and fieldwork or internships that provide a comprehensive understanding of global health conditions, needs, and solutions that cross borders in both developing and industrialized countries and regions.

Certificate in Interdisciplinary Health Communication prepares graduate students to use theory-informed health communication strategies in applied practice, academic and research settings. Students select one of two specialized tracks, complete three graduate level courses (three credits each), participate in a year-long colloquia series on emerging issues in health communication, and receive guidance on conducting health communication research for their theses or dissertations.

Interdisciplinary Certificate in Health Disparities is a 10 credit program that trains health professionals to support a long-term and sustained public health effort toward addressing, and ultimately eliminating disparities. Despite significant progress, there are continuing disparities in morbidity and mortality experienced by African- Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, compared to the U.S. population as a whole. Not only does basic science need to be conducted in many health areas to understand what the contributors to the disparities are, but that information also needs to be translated into specific interventions to counterbalance the effects of these contributors.

There are several other certificate programs in different University schools that public health students have pursued, including:

• Certificate in Cultural Studies
• Certificate in International Development
• Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program
• UNC Chapel Hill Interdisciplinary Certificate in Aging