| Field Epidemiology Certificate: FAQs |
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How do I get technical assistance? Answer: Technical assistance is available through the University's ATN department at 962-HELP or go to help.unc.edu to use live chat support or to submit a support request online. You can also go through the course faculty and teaching assistants. If you are uncertain as to where to turn for assistance, feel free to email me and I will forward your information to the most appropriate person. (back to top) How many courses can I take each semester? Answer: This program was designed for a cohort model. Thus, the ideal schedule is one course each fall and spring semester. This program is designed for working professionals with full time jobs and family responsibilities. These are demanding graduate level courses that typically require 10-12 hours of course work per week. (back to top) Do I have to take all four courses, or can I just take the ones I want? Answer: The courses in the Certificate Program in Field Epidemiology are not available on an individual basis. (back to top) How many hours a week do the courses take? Answer: Obviously, this varies from student to student. These are demanding graduate level courses. Many students have said that they were not prepared for the time commitment and had to adjust their time accordingly. The average number of hours per week/per course is 10-12. For some it is more and for others less. (back to top) Do I have to submit a residency form (NC students) every semester? Answer: No, as long as you remain a continuing studies student. If you choose to take either the spring or fall semester off you will need to submit a new form. (back to top) Can I get financial aid? Answer: Unfortunately, there is no financial aid for the certificate program at this time. Here are a few websites that you may be able to get information regarding scholarships and loans:
Will the certificate program accept third party payments? Answer: The cashier office will not process third party payments. If the student's tuition is going to be paid via their employer, an invoice can be created in our office and sent to the employer/student or the student will need to pay the tuition and seek reimbursement directly from their employer. A receipt can be sent for reimbursement from our office. Tuition must be paid before a student can be registered for their course. (back to top) Do I have to take all four courses to get the certificate? I have already taken an introductory epidemiology course. Answer: To get the Certificate, you must complete all four courses; however, one course may be transferred in from another institution, provided it was taken within the past three to five years. If you would like to transfer a course in, you need to submit your syllabus to the registrar who will get it approved by the faculty member. If the syllabus indicates that the course you took meets the requirements of the current course, you will need to have your transcript mailed to us. The other three courses must be taken through this program. Also, please note that you cannot transfer in your last course. (back to top) I have never taken an online course, what is it like? Do I have to be online at a certain time? Answer: No, you do not need to be online at a certain time. There are, however, specific activities that must be completed by a certain time. Each course consists of a mix of readings, group assignments through a discussion forum, individual assignments and audio/visual lectures. (back to top) Do students have access to Online Library Materials? Answer: The UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries license and provide access to many electronic databases and journals for the use of UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, staff, and students. Most electronic resources are accessible both on campus and from off campus locations. The resources are accessible from on-campus computers without a login and password. Click here for information on off-campus access. (back to top) Will I be able to ask questions? Answer: All courses have a faculty member and teaching assistants that are very accessible via phone or email. (back to top) After I complete the certificate program, can I put some credentials (initials) after my name indicating my training? Answer: The short answer to this question is no. UNC does not confer a degree on certificate graduates, but rather a Certificate in Field Epidemiology. You should put this on your resume/CV however as part of your education and training, since it is a program you have completed and training/expertise you've developed. In general credentials or initials after one's name are reserved for nationally recognized and standardized academic programs. Nationally, certificate programs vary widely in the type of training, number of hours, whether graduate credit is offered, etc., therefore there are no universally recognized and accepted initials which are appropriate to signify the completion of a certificate program. (back to top) Will the certificate be listed on my transcript? Answer: Yes, after you complete the program, your transcripts will indicate not just your completed course work but also that you have earned this certificate. Completing the Field Epidemiology Certificate represents a significant amount of work and 12-hours of graduate credit. It is an impressive accomplishment of which you should be very proud. We are pleased that UNC will similarly acknowledge your accomplishment on your transcripts. (back to top)
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| Last updated January 28, 2008 |
