Public Health Graduate Certificates

Educating the Next Generation of Public Health Professionals

Michigan State University offers top-quality online public health graduate certificates through the College of Human Medicine.

The 100% online curriculum provides flexibility, affordability, and focused opportunities to help students achieve their goals. Our program emphasizes practical instruction, research, and community partnerships to promote health equity.

Gain competence in public health for a fraction of the cost and time commitment. If you decide to pursue an MPH, credits from the graduate certificates do apply.

Michigan State University's Master of Public Health program offers three graduate certificates in public health. Graduate certificates are geared toward those who desire education in public health but do not wish to pursue the master's degree.

  • Core Disciplines of Public Health
  • Public Health Data Management and Analytics (New starting Fall 2026)
  • Rural Public Health (New starting Fall 2026)

These certificates are suitable for a variety of students. Public health professionals can enhance their existing skills and earn an official credential. Medical students find that these certificates enrich their education by providing insights into the population-based aspects of medicine, complementing their traditional patient-centered training. Other professionals who benefit from these certificates include nurses looking to expand their clinical perspectives, accountants working in healthcare who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the industry, and attorneys aiming to specialize in public health and health policy. Since public health impacts every aspect of modern society, the applications of this knowledge extend into many other professional fields.

Visit the Information for Applicants page to review the application requirements, process, and deadlines. All graduate certificate applicants follow the same requirements, process, and deadlines as MPH applicants.

Student on laptop in the park

Core Disciplines of Public Health Graduate Certificate

This certificate is designed to provide students with a basis for understanding the breadth and scope of the public health field.

Hands with pens pointing to various graphs and tables

Public Health Data Management and Analytics Graduate Certificate

Courses provide the knowledge to use various public health and health care data sources for applied public health practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 10% job growth rate in this field by 2031.

Rural road in the country

Rural Public Health Graduate Certificate

Courses provide knowledge to work effectively as public health leaders and practitioners in rural communities. According to the National Rural Health Association Policy Brief, 40% of local health departments serve rural populations who live throughout 97% of the U.S.