New Online Certificate Helps Build Public Health Leaders Around The World

In the realm of public health, effective professionals often lead, guide and influence a healthier future in the communities they serve. As public health organizations expand their responsibilities, more and more working professionals are looking for accessible learning experiences to improve their skills.

The Health Policy and Administration Division of the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health has launched a new online graduate certificate program in Public Health Management.

PHM program courses include Principles of Management in Public Health, Strategic Planning and Budgeting, Organizational Leadership in Public Health, and Public Health Resource Management: Methods, Ethics and Policy.

Daniel Swartzman, UIC SPH associate professor and program director for the PHM Certificate, said anyone can benefit from the courses, though the program is expected to attract professionals who wish to advance their careers, or who currently hold management positions and are interested in improving their leadership skills.

“At some point, almost everybody in public health is asked to run something,” Swartzman said. “Taking these four classes, taught by faculty with years of practical experience in the field, will prepare mid-career public health professionals to step into that management position.”

“Since it is completely online, students can learn anytime and anywhere. And the graduate credit they earn will be available in case they ever want to pursue a graduate degree," he added.

The PHM certificate program can be completed in as little as four semesters, if students take one course each semester. Course objectives are assessed by participation in discussion, quizzes and assignments.

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university is the minimum requirement for admission to the PHM certificate program. Experience in the field of public health is not required, though the curriculum can be best applied to public health organizations. For additional information on admissions, visit www.publichealthmanagement.uic.edu.

>> Tina Daniel