Undergraduate Certificate in Public Health
The Undergraduate Certificate in Public Health at the University of Memphis provides students from a wide range of majors with a strong foundation in public health concepts and practice. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students examine the societal, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health and quality of life while developing practical skills in communication, data analytics, and evidence-based problem-solving, locally and globally.
What will you learn?
Students in the program develop essential public health competencies, including:
- Understanding how social, behavioral, and environmental factors influence health outcomes
- Examining health disparities and their impact on communities
- Interpreting and applying health data to support decision-making
- Developing skills in health communication and health literacy
- Evaluating prevention and health promotion strategies
- Exploring emerging public and population health challenges from local and global perspectives
- Collaborating with peers and professionals to address real-world public health issues
Career and Academic Pathways
A certificate in public health strengthens your academic profile and broadens career opportunities in community health, health education, outreach, wellness programming, healthcare organizations, nonprofit agencies, and public health settings. The program also provides a strong foundation for advanced study, including medical school, nursing, physician assistant programs, public health graduate programs, healthcare administration, and other health-related fields.
Why choose this certificate?
A distinct feature of the program is its emphasis on experiential and collaborative learning. Students have opportunities to:
- Engage with national and international public health experts
- Explore emerging public and population health issues
- Apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges
- Build professional networks across disciplines
- Exchange ideas with peers from diverse backgrounds and communities
Curriculum
The certificate consists of five courses (15 credit hours):
- PUBH 3120 – Climate and Environmental Health
- PUBH 3130 – Social Determinants and Health Disparities
- PUBH 3150 – Health Data Analytics and Informatics
- PUBH 3160 – Public Health In-Action
- PUBH 3170 – Health Crises and Milestones in Global Public Health
Courses are offered online, providing flexibility for students to earn an additional credential while staying on track for graduation.
Make an impact
Public health is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities. Through this certificate, students gain the knowledge and skills to contribute to meaningful change through community-based initiatives, advocacy, research, and policy at the local, national, and global levels.
Connect With Our Admissions Team
Rebecca Kronenberg, MPH
Undergraduate Advisor
rkrnnbrg@memphis.edu
Phone: 901.678.8243
Briana McNeil, M.Ed.
Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator
sphadmissions@memphis.edu
Phone: 901.678.3740
Lori Ward, PhD, MS
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
lward8@memphis.edu
Phone: 901.678.1867