Graduate Certificate in
Public Health (GCPH)
100% Online
Learning Style
100% Online Fully Online CoursesApply by
8/21/26 Free to ApplyCredit Hours
18 Credits Stackable to Master’s DegreeTest Free
No GRE Experience-Focused AdmissionGraduate Certificate of Public Health Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) from the University of New England Online is a 100% online, 18-credit program designed to provide a strong foundation in core public health principles. Ideal for professionals seeking to expand their knowledge or explore the public health field, the GCPH covers essential topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral health, and interprofessional policy and advocacy.
This flexible certificate can be completed in as little as one year and is well suited for working professionals, career changers, and individuals preparing for further graduate study. All public health certificate credits are fully transferable into UNE Online’s Master of Public Health (MPH), creating a seamless pathway for students who choose to continue their education. Through applied, graduate-level coursework and guidance from experienced public health faculty, students gain practical insight into population health challenges and public health systems while building credentials that support long-term academic and professional goals.
Graduate Certificate of Public Health Program Highlights
Foundational Public Health Curriculum
The public health certificate provides a comprehensive introduction to core public health disciplines—including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral health, and policy—giving students a strong, well-rounded foundation applicable across public health settings.
100% Transferable to the MPH Program
All 18 credits earned in the GCPH fully transfer into UNE Online’s Master of Public Health program, allowing students to start with a certificate and seamlessly continue into the MPH without repeating coursework.
Designed for Career Exploration
The certificate supports professionals exploring public health or expanding their current roles by building practical, graduate-level knowledge without requiring commitment to a full master’s degree.
Emphasis on Interdisciplinary Skills
The GCPH curriculum emphasizes how public health professionals collaborate across sectors and disciplines, with focused coursework in policy and advocacy that helps students understand how health decisions are implemented and evaluated within complex systems.
Is UNE Online’s Public Health Certificate Program Accredited?
We are proud to hold NECHE (New England Commission on Higher Education) accreditation. NECHE Accreditation ensures a high level of academic quality and public accountability for the education being provided.
We are proud to hold CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) accreditation for our Graduate Certificate of Public Health program.
Best Colleges: National, U.S. News & World Report 2026
What are the Admissions Requirements?
At UNE Online, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications for the Graduate Certificate of Public Health program. We welcome applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Successful students demonstrate perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to balance graduate-level coursework with professional and personal responsibilities. Each application is reviewed comprehensively, with careful consideration of prior academic performance and submitted materials.
Admission Requirements
Earned from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent).
Students close to completing their bachelor’s degree may apply for conditional acceptance pending receipt of a final transcript.
GPA: Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
Application Materials
Complete a fast and free online application.
Submit your resume detailing past work and education experience.
Provide answers to brief prompts about your past experiences and reason for applying.
Prompts include:
- What inspired you to pursue graduate study in your chosen field?
- What strengths or assets will support your success in this program and future profession?
- What areas of personal or professional growth do you hope to address and achieve through this program?
Submit your official transcript(s) showing conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
If you have questions or would like additional information about our Graduate Certificate of Public Health program, schedule an appointment with an Enrollment Counselor.
What is the Curriculum?
The GCPH curriculum provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary foundation in public health practice, policy, and research. Students complete core coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. Courses emphasize applied learning, critical thinking, and data-informed decision-making. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum supports full- or part-time study while preparing graduates to address complex population health challenges across diverse communities, systems, and settings nationwide and globally today.
Courses
GPH 716 | 3 credit hours
This course introduces the summarization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research data. Topics include sampling, experimentation, numerical and graphical descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and hypotheses testing. Inferential hypothesis tests introduced include correlation, analysis of 2-way tables, z-tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and simple linear regression. At the end of the course, students should be able to use and evaluate the more commonly used statistical tests in relevant research publications and interact knowledgeably with statisticians in planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting research projects.
GPH 714 | 3 credit hours
This course examines public health principles and concepts. It provides a broad framework for understanding the role of public health in community health, disease prevention, and medicine. Using the five core public health knowledge areas and the ten essential public health services as a foundation, students will explore public health infrastructure, surveillance, social determinants of health, policy, and emerging issues.
GPH 712 | 3 credit hours
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of epidemiology as they apply to public health practice among various human populations. Students will learn about the biological, behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental factors impacting the distribution of health and disease. Content includes a historical perspective on epidemiology, descriptive epidemiology, analytic epidemiology, effect measures, study designs, bias, surveillance, and screening for disease. Emphasis will be placed on investigative techniques, epidemiological methodology, and critical thinking about epidemiological studies.
GPH 726 | 3 credit hours
Based upon the teachings of the socio-ecological model and social and behavioral health theories, the determinants of health of a selected health topic will be identified. Students will critically analyze peer-reviewed literature and apply the findings to the development of a theory-based intervention. The intervention will highlight an understanding of the health theories and their influences on health behaviors, the social determinants of health, and health equity, and show culturally competent professional writing.
GPH 702 | 3 credit hours
In this course, graduate students in public health, education, social work, nutrition, and health informatics work collaboratively to learn the fundamentals of policymaking. Students will examine a proposed policy and work in interprofessional groups to identify potential issues, describe the policy context, map potential policy solutions, and make final recommendations in an individually written policy analysis. In addition to learning from their interprofessional peers, students will explore the structure and function of government systems as they relate to values-driven policymaking.
GPH 722 | 3 credit hours
This course introduces students to the field of environmental health in a public health context. The effects of infectious agents, toxic chemicals, air pollutants, and ionizing radiation on human health are examined. Identifying upstream sources and downstream solutions – with a particular focus on health equity – is emphasized. Emerging topics such as the impact of climate change on environmental health globally, and the interconnectedness among human health, animal health, and environmental health are included. Public health applications are incorporated through case studies and a comprehensive key assessment project.
What are the Career Outcomes for Public Health?
Public health career opportunities span government agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and community-based programs, with roles often focused on prevention, program support, health education, data-informed decision-making, and policy implementation. Professionals in these settings contribute to improving population health outcomes through coordinated, evidence-based efforts.
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) supports entry-level public health roles and professional advancement by building foundational knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral health, and interprofessional policy and advocacy. The certificate strengthens practical understanding of public health systems and population-level challenges.
UNE Online supports career readiness through applied coursework, faculty expertise, and academic advising that help students translate public health concepts into professional practice. For many students, the GCPH also serves as preparation for further graduate study, including seamless progression into UNE Online’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program.
Job Growth Trajectory
According to national workforce analyses, public health roles across government, healthcare, and community organizations continue to show steady demand. Whether you’re aiming to advance professionally, transition into public health, broaden your impact, or strengthen analytical and leadership skills, a GCPH provides the preparation needed for meaningful, long-term contributions to population health practice.
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- 23% growth from 2024–2034
- Epidemiologist
- 16% growth from 2024–2034
- Health Education Specialist
- 4% growth from 2024–2034
Important Dates
Apply By
8/21/26Application Deadline
Classes Start
9/2/26Start Classes Soon
Next Application Deadline
10/5/26Explore the Program
What are the Tuition and Fees?
Tuition for the University of New England Online Graduate Certificate of Public Health (GCPH) is structured to provide a clear and predictable investment in your graduate education, with transparent costs throughout the program. Because all coursework is delivered 100% online, students do not incur costs related to travel, relocation, or campus-based housing.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change and do not include the cost of books or other materials. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
Free Application
General Services Fee (per semester): $345
Registration Fee (non-matriculated students per semester): $45 registration
Is Financial Aid Available for UNE Online’s Public Health Certificate?
We are here to help you finance your online education so that you can earn a degree that’s convenient, affordable, and still allows you to balance all of the other important aspects of your life. Several options exist to help you meet your educational costs. Student Financial Services has also created a step-by-step process for applying for aid.
Why Choose UNE?
Flexible Online Formats
Flexible online formats designed for working professionals, career changers, and lifelong learners balancing goals, schedules, and responsibilities confidently.
Applied Learning
Applied, real-world learning focused on practical skills, clear outcomes, and immediate relevance across diverse professional contexts and industries.
Faculty
Expert instructors, supportive advising, and intentional design ensure learners gain confidence, momentum, and meaningful progress through every program.
“What I love most about UNE is the robust online learning platform, which not only provided me the flexibility that I needed to accommodate my busy work schedule, but also enabled a real and true learning experience by fostering interactive sessions with my instructors and fellow students. It was like being on campus and more.”
—Tesfaye ‘23
Who’s Part of the Public Health Faculty?
Carol Ewan Whyte, MSc, MPhil, PhD, CPCC
Program Director, Associate Teaching Professor
Jennifer Ceide, MPH, CHES
Assistant Director, Public Health Workforce Development; Assistant Teaching Professor
Courtni Jeffers, MS, MPH, EdD
Assistant Director, Thesis Advising; Assistant Clinical Professor
Kristina Stewart, MPH, DrPH(c)
Assistant Director, Public Health Practice; Assistant Clinical Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can have a bachelor’s in any field.
No, there are no prerequisite courses to apply for the online GCPH program.
The GRE is not required as part of the admissions process. If you have taken the GRE, you are welcome to provide your score as part of your application package, but the GRE is not a requirement.
The GCPH can be completed in as little as 1 year.
In a survey of UNE Online students and alumni, students across programs reported spending an average of 15-19 hours per week on coursework. It is recommended that students log in to their course multiple times per week.
No. All of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you choose when to log in and complete your coursework (while adhering to all posted deadlines and due dates, of course). In the event there is a live session, the instructor will make the video available for viewing at any time.
The tuition for the online GCPH program is $16,110.
Yes, all certificate credits can be applied to our Master’s degree program if students decide to take that route after certificate completion.
Yes, UNE Public Health students are strongly encouraged to participate in the American Public Health Association-Student Assembly and for students pursuing their MPH, there is the opportunity to be inducted into the Delta Omega Honorary Society, Gamma Chi Chapter after graduation.
Yes, financial aid may be available. UNE Online encourages students seeking financial assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many students qualify for Direct Subsidized and/or Direct Unsubsidized loans. For more information about financing options, contact Student Financial Services to discuss what may be available to you.
At the University of New England Online, we are committed to providing our students with the highest level of academic and personal support. Our online public health certificate program was created with the working professional in mind. We understand the unique challenges of adult students who are often juggling school, career, and family, which is why we offer a robust Student Academic Success Center (SASC) and high-touch academic advising. Learn more about Student Support and Resources.
