Get ready to level up your career! The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health at Michigan State University has just introduced two new 100% online graduate certificates.
Designed for both working professionals and those looking to advance or pivot into public health, these certificates provide focused, practical training that can be completed in as few as nine credits.
100% Online. Flexible by Design
The online curriculum is designed to accommodate working professionals through asynchronous coursework that allows students to study from anywhere. Through practical instruction, research-informed coursework, and community partnership perspectives, students graduate with immediately applicable skills aligned with today’s public health workforce needs.
Value-Driven. Built for Career Advancement
We offer a high-value pathway to professional advancement with flat-rate tuition for all MPH students, regardless of residency.
Program highlights include:
- $725 per credit hour
- CEPH-accredited program
- Eligible for MSU educational assistance benefits
Students gain competence in public health for a fraction of the cost and time commitment of a full degree, while maintaining the option to apply certificate credits toward the MPH in the future.
Three Specialized Graduate Certificates
Core Disciplines of Public Health (18 credits)
An in-depth certificate covering the five foundational areas of public health:
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Environmental Health
This option is ideal for students seeking comprehensive foundational training in public health principles.
Public Health Data Management and Analytics (9–12 credits)
This certificate equips students with practical skills to manage and analyze public health data sources, including vital records and electronic medical records.
Students develop competencies in data-driven decision-making critical to modern public health practice.
Rural Public Health (9 credits)
Focused on the unique social, cultural, structural, and environmental factors influencing health in rural communities—both domestically and globally.
This certificate prepares professionals to strengthen health delivery systems in rural settings and address longstanding disparities.
Fast-Track Your Path to an MPH
For those considering further graduate study, credits earned in these certificate programs may be applied directly toward the MSU Master of Public Health.
This creates a seamless pathway for professionals who want to begin with targeted skill development and later transition into a full MPH — without losing time or momentum.
Applications Now Open for Fall 2026
Graduate certificate applicants follow the same application requirements, process, and rolling deadlines as Master of Public Health applicants.
Prospective students are encouraged to review detailed requirements on the MSU Public Health Information for Applicants page.
MPH Graduate Certificate Information Session
Prospective students are invited to attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more:
What: MPH Graduate Certificate Information Session
When: March 24, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual- Register Here
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, connect with faculty and staff, and learn how these certificates can support their career goals. Participation prizes will be available, including one MSU Public Health swag bag for a randomly selected attendee.
March 10, 2026