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Community & Public Health

Designed for current health professionals to gain additional training in community health education, the Community Health certificate is for:

• health department administrators
• nurses
• dietitians
• community health agencies
• social service agencies
• others with an interest in community health

There is a recognized need for promoting professional development in community health and strengthening health education practices among health professionals like registered nurses, certified health education specialists, and public health and allied health professionals. Community-based health educators work to alter unhealthy behaviors. Through evidence-based strategies in health promotion and behavior modification, health educators contribute to a decrease in chronic disease as well as increases in overall health and well being.

The Community Health certificate provides comprehensive community health education, specializing in the areas of effective programming, new program technologies, mobilizing groups and organizations, and working with disadvantaged and special populations. The program also aligns with current national health goals to prepare professionals in health agencies, health departments and hospitals in community health education.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the certificate program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree, two letters of recommendation, a goal statement, and a resume that reflects an interest in community health education. GRE scores are not required for admission. The time limit for completion is 3 years.

Apply for the Community Health Certificate

Application Information

Program Code

18GC-DL-CPHE-DL

Application Deadlines

Applications are currently being accepted and admission occurs on a rolling basis.

Program Details

Program Requirements

Duration

1 year

Program Details

The Community Health certificate program course sequence provides additional training for community and public health professionals. Students build knowledge and skills regarding the promotion of individual and population health, develop program planning, implementation, measurement, and evaluation skills, and practice skills on community advocacy. The certificate program is designed to enhance the skills of current health professionals and to introduce others with an interest in community health education to the field. 

The certificate is a sequence of 5 courses, which provide an introduction to community health, community mobilization, epidemiology, planning, and measurement. All courses are taught by full-time faculty in the department of Health Promotion and Education. Courses can also be applied towards a master's (MS) degree in Health Education or Exercise Management (upon acceptance into a graduate degree program).

Graduation Requirements

Students can finish the Community Health certificate coursework in one academic year. Students may begin taking courses in any term.

The community health certificate can serve as a pathway to a master of science degree in health education. All courses in the certificate program may be applied toward a master's degree upon admission* into the master's degree program. Currently, these courses exist as on-campus classes.

* Students who wish to earn a graduate degree in addition to the certificate must apply and be admitted into a graduate degree program. Admission into the certificate program does not imply admission into a graduate degree program. Students in the certificate program may not register for master's or doctoral degree courses unless they are admitted into the appropriate degree program.

Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Career Possibilities

Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's Web site.

Curriculum

Core Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school, use u.select to see how credits you have earned will transfer to UC. See course descriptions by college.

Curriculum Guide Versions:

Curriculum Guide by Term

Predominant Program

Fall (Year 1)
• HPE7011, Foundations of Health Promotion and Education, , 3
• HPE7012, Health Promotion and Education Program Planning, , 3

Spring (Year 1)
• HPE7013, Health Promotion and Education Measurement and Evaluation, , 3
• HPE7015, Community Organization and Program Management, , 3
• HPE7021, Epidemiology in Health Promotion and Education, , 3

Summer (Year 1)
• N/A

Fall (Year 2)
• N/A

Spring (Year 2)
• N/A

Summer (Year 2)
• N/A

Fall (Year 3)
• N/A

Spring (Year 3)
• N/A

Summer (Year 3)
• N/A

Fall (Year 4)
• N/A

Spring (Year 4)
• N/A

Summer (Year 4)
• N/A

Contact

Rebecca Vidourek, PhD, CHES

Email: rebecca.vidourek@uc.edu
Phone: 513-556-3857