Public Health Informatics Certificate Program

Program Competencies

The certificate program is ideal for students seeking an overview of public health informatics, whether public health professionals or students of traditional public health programs interested in a concentrated introduction to PHI. Candidates will specifically develop:

• Proficiency in health data definitions and standards
• Knowledge of the basic functions and operations of public health information systems
• Ability to plan and manage public health information systems projects
• Expertise to specify the requirements for the development or adaptation of public health information systems

Program Structure

The PHI certificate program includes the following components:

• Required Courses
  • Health Information and Decision Support Systems
  • Development of Public Health Surveillance Information Systems
    
    
• Electives (choose any three)
  • Web-based Public Health Information Systems
  • Geographic Information System Applications in Public Health
  • Data Mining Applications in Public Health
  • Management of Communication Systems for Public Health Informatics Applications
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Public Health Informatics
  • Survey of Public Health Information Systems
  • Overview of Public Health Informatics Methods
  • Public Health Information Systems Evaluation and Project Management
• An integrative paper that synthesizes your academic and professional experience in public health informatics

Program Timing and Requirements

• The minimum required coursework for the certificate program is 16 hours. The program may range from 16 to 19 hours, based on the electives chosen by a student.
• The certificate may be earned in three semesters (two courses each fall and spring semester and one during the summer semester), and must be completed over a maximum period of five years. 
• Course offerings and/or the schedule may be updated without prior notification.
• All courses are taught online with no required campus visits. 
• Students must maintain a 3.0 (out of 4.0) cumulative average for all coursework.
  

Additional PHI Program Options

The PHI certificate program is a stand-alone career-enhancer, but credits earned may be later transferable towards the fulfillment of UIC’s Master of Public Health. We also offer interested professionals a Credit Non-Degree (CND) Program, the opportunity to register for up to 12 credit hours that may be applied toward the MPH PHI, PHI Certificate, or into another degree program.

Next Steps

To print a one-page summary of our PHI certificate program or to request additional information, click here. Inquiries may also be directed to phi@uic.edu.

Once you’re ready to take the next step and enroll in our PHI certificate program, please visit our Admissions page.