Skip to Main ContentSkip to Footer
University of Memphis Logo
ApplyVisitEventsAthleticsNewsGiveumMailMyMemphis
UofM Global

Undergraduate Certificate in Public Health

tnstudent

The Undergraduate Certificate in Public Health at the University of Memphis provides students with 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.

Taking LOCAL Impact to GLOBAL Change

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  
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.

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   

 

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. 

Credit Hours: 15

Courses are offered online, providing flexibility for students to earn an additional credential while staying on track for graduation. The certificate consists of five courses:

  • 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

Careers in Public Health

Public health careers increasingly intersect with data analysis, epidemiology, health analytics, occupational health, and evidence-based decision-making. Quantitative skills and practical field experience can help graduates prepare for roles that address complex population health challenges.

pic

Employment Outlook

An undergraduate certificate in public health can help individuals strengthen their qualifications for support and entry-level roles in community health, health outreach, wellness programming, and public health administration. Employment for community health workers is projected to grow 13% through 2035, substantially faster than the 3.5% projected growth across all occupations, with approximately 7,000 annual openings. The certificate can also complement existing education or professional experience, helping individuals expand their opportunities within healthcare organizations, government agencies, and community-based programs.

Earning Potential

Earning potential for individuals with an undergraduate certificate in public health varies based on prior education, professional experience, industry, and job responsibilities. Related public health occupations offer competitive earning opportunities: community health workers earn a national median annual salary of $51,850, while health education specialists earn $64,070, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although these salary figures represent occupations rather than certificate-specific earnings, an undergraduate public health certificate can strengthen existing qualifications, develop workforce-relevant skills, and support career advancement in community health, healthcare outreach, health promotion, and public health services.

pic2
pic

Roles Related To This Degree

  • Community Health Worker

  • Public Health Assistant

  • Community Outreach Coordinator

  • Health Program Assistant

  • Health Promotion Assistant

  • Disease Intervention Specialist

  • Environmental Health Technician

  • Public Health Administrative Assistant

  • Health Education Assistant

  • Community Wellness Coordinator

  • Health Services Support Specialist

Request Information

Connect With Us

To be eligible for the public health major, you should have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and be in good academic
standing.

  • There are no prerequisites to declare a major in Public Health. Students are advised to declare their
    intentions for Public Health major no later than the end of their last semester of sophomore year to
    ensure completion of the major by their anticipated graduation date.

 

Apply NowContact SPH