PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATICS (PHI) CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Program Competencies
Program Structure
Program Timing and Requirements
Additional PHI Program Options
Next Steps
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:
- Five targeted informatics courses
- An integrative paper that synthesizes your academic and professional experience in public health informatics
Program Timing and Requirements
- The PHI certificate program consists of 17 credit hours. All courses are taught online with no required campus visits.
- 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.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 (out of 4.0) cumulative average for all coursework.
| Courses | Semester Hours |
| HPA 465 – Health Information and Decision Support Systems | 4 |
| HPA 481 – Development of Public Health Surveillance Information Systems | 3 |
| HPA 563 – Web-Based Public Health Information Systems | 4 |
| HPA 564 – Geographic Information System Applications in Public Health | 3 |
| HPA 565 – Data Mining Applications in Public Health | 3 |
| Integrative Paper | |
| Written upon completion of certificate coursework | |
| Total Hours | 17 |
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.
