Public Health Advanced Certificate

The Advanced Certificate in Public Health offers individuals the opportunity to understand core public health principles, prepare for responsibilities or promotion in a public health setting, or offers an opportunity to determine if the Master of Public Health degree program is of interest to pursue.  The advanced certificate also provides additional formal education in the public health field.  Students who successfully complete the advanced certificate program can apply all 15 units to the Master of Public Health degree if admitted to the degree program in the School of Public Health.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, health science, nursing, social work, or another health-related degree.  A degree in a discipline not specifically mentioned must be approved by the Director of the School of Public Health.  Applications may be submitted prior to entering the advanced certificate program or before the completion of nine semester units of coursework that is applicable to the advanced certificate in public health.

How to Apply

Applicants for the Advanced Certificate in Public Health must submit the Cal State Apply application by the application deadline of April 1, 2026.

Course Requirements

Students must complete the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better and a GPA of 3.0 or better (15 units).

• PH 601 – Epidemiology
• PH 602 – Biostatistics
• PH 603 – Behavioral and Social Science in Public Health
• PH 604 – Environmental Determinants of Human Health
• PH 605 – Health Services Administration