Graduate Catalog
2023-2024
 
Policies, Procedures, Academic Programs
Public Health
PHLC
Address:
205 Duck Pond Drive (0442)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Contact this Certificate
Email Contact(s):
Phone Number(s):
• (540) 231-3945:
540/231-3945

Graduate Certificate in Public Health

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is a 16 credit online and/or in person program that includes the core courses in our Master of Public Health degree program. The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is helpful to non-degree seeking students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a related discipline and want to demonstrate content competence in public health. The certificate is also helpful to current graduate students at Virginia Tech from another discipline that want to gain essential public health knowledge to complement their other disciplinary area.  

How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.
Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Admission Requirements

For individuals currently pursuing a Virginia Tech graduate degree:

  • Students pursuing a degree and a certificate simultaneously are classified within their degree program. Academic background meets the requirements of the admitting academic unit. 
  • Certificate credits may be used to meet degree requirements if they are appropriate for inclusion on the degree Plan of Study. 

For individuals not currently pursuing a Virginia Tech graduate degree:

  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
  • GPA of 3.0 or above for the last 60 hours/credits of the undergraduate degree
  • Prospective students from countries where the native language is not English: TOEFL score of 80
How to apply: 
If you are a current Virginia Tech graduate student, complete the Application to Graduate Certificate Program found here.  
  • The form should be completed by the student and then submitted to Becky Jones (bjones57@vt.edu) for signatures and processing.
If you are not currently working towards a graduate degree at Virginia Tech, please apply to the certificate program using the directions below:
  • Apply online here.
  • Required application materials include:
    • Resume or CV
    • Personal statement, 1-2 pages
    • Transcripts

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Course Requirements

Public Health Graduate Certificate course requirements (courses can be completed in person or online):

  • PHS 5004  Foundations of Public Health (1 credit)
  • PHS 5025  Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods in Public Health I (3 credits)
  • PHS 5026  Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods in Public Health II (3 credits)
  • PHS 5044  Public Health Policy and Administration (3 credits)
  • PHS 5034  Health Behavior and Health Education (3 credits)
  • PHS 5014  Environmental Health (3 credits)

If you need help designing a course sequencing that works best for you, please contact the program (phs@vt.edu).

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Conferral

When you have completed all Public Health Graduate Certificate courses, please complete the Degree or Certificate Conferral Request found here. 
  • The form should be completed by the student and then submitted to the Graduate School.

Transitioning to the Master of Public Health

Students that have completed the Graduate Certificate in Public Health have the option to transfer all of the completed certificate courses into our Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. Please contact the program (phs@vt.edu) if you are interested in exploring this option.