Public health works to improve the health of people and the communities where they grow, live, work, play, and age.

Instead of treating individual patients, public health scientists and practitioners prevent disease before it starts. We work in and with communities to foster health and well-being for everyone.

Program Type

Undergraduate Certificate

Program Format

On Campus

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The undergraduate certificate in Public Health at UWM is designed for anyone interested in applying public health concepts, methods, approaches, and skills in their current or future career. If you want to make a difference in the health and well-being of communities, this certificate is for you!

Students in the certificate program take courses from faculty and instructors in the UWM Zilber College of Public Health—the only accredited college of public health in Wisconsin. Our faculty and instructors are experts in their fields and enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion about public health with our students.

Outcomes
Graduates of the certificate program will be able to:

  • Explain the core values and functions of public health in society.
  • Respect the dignity of individuals and communities across cultures.
  • Explain basic methods and tools of public health data collection and analysis.
  • Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information.
  • Describe key determinants of health.
  • Outline screening, prevention, and control of infectious and chronic diseases in populations.
  • Outline evidence-based public health approaches for health promotion.
  • Explain policy approaches to solving population health issues.
  • Communicate public health information.

Working with a public health advisor, certificate students can select electives to gain further expertise in environmental health, public health methods, social inequities in health, or design and evaluation of public health programs.

Core Coursework (9 credits)

PH 101: Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
PH 304: Foundations of Epidemiology (3 credits)

Select one of the following (3 credits):
PH 142: Exploring Global Environmental Health
NURS 301: Introduction to Global Health

Electives (9 credits)

Select three courses:
PH 201: Public Health from Cells to Society I
PH 202: Public Health from Cells to Society II
PH 302: Health and Disease: Concepts and Contexts
PH 303: Climate Change, the Environment and Human Health
PH 306: Adolescent Health & Development
PH 319: Introduction to Health Disparities
PH 327: Foundations for Action in Public Health
PH 346: Environmental Health and Disease
PH 355: Public Health Research Methods I
PH 375: Topics in Public Health
PH 408: Comparative Health Systems: A Social Determinants Approach
PH 410: True Lies: Consuming and Communicating Quantitative Information
PH 427: Strategies for Action in Public Health
PH 428: Program Implementation & Evaluation for a Healthy Society
PH 455: Public Health Research Methods II
PH 478: Public Health Research Using Social Media
PH 699: Independent Study

Other Study Abroad public health courses approved by Zilber College academic advisor.

Other public health courses approved by Zilber College academic advisor.

Total credits: 18

Students must declare their intent to pursue this certificate

The Zilber College academic advisors provide vital information and guidance to help students make informed decisions about their elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet with a Public Health advisor at least once each semester. To schedule an advising appointment, contact Zilber College of Public Health undergraduate advising.

Young Cho
  • Associate Professor, Community & Behavioral Health Promotion
Keith Dookeran
  • Associate Visiting Professor, Epidemiology
Rose Hennessey Garza
  • Assistant Visiting Professor
Amy Kalkbrenner
  • Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences
Linnea Laestadius
  • Associate Professor, Public Health Policy
Michael Laiosa
  • Associate Professor and Faculty Chair
Lorraine Halinka Malcoe
  • Associate Professor and Public Health Undergraduate Program Director
Todd Miller
  • Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences
Kurt Svoboda
  • Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences
Musa Yahaya
  • Teaching Faculty II

The undergraduate certificate in Public Health at UWM is designed for any individual interested in applying public health concepts, methods, approaches, and skills in their current or future career. If you want to make a difference in the health and well-being of communities, this certificate is for you!

Students in the certificate program take courses from faculty and instructors in the UWM Zilber School of Public Health—the only accredited school of public health in Wisconsin. Our faculty and instructors are experts in their fields and enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion about public health with our students.

Outcomes
Graduates of the certificate program will be able to:

  • Explain the core values and functions of public health in society.
  • Respect the dignity of individuals and communities across cultures.
  • Explain basic methods and tools of public health data collection and analysis.
  • Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information.
  • Describe key determinants of health.
  • Outline screening, prevention, and control of infectious and chronic diseases in populations.
  • Outline evidence-based public health approaches for health promotion.
  • Explain policy approaches to solving population health issues.
  • Communicate public health information.

Working with a public health advisor, certificate students can select electives to gain further expertise in environmental health, public health methods, social inequities in health, or design and evaluation of public health programs.