Certificate Description
The Epidemiology in Public Health Graduate Certificate offers focused training in the patterns, causes, and prevention of disease in populations. Through a streamlined three‑course curriculum, learners develop foundational and applied epidemiologic skills used in public health practice, surveillance, and research.
This certificate provides specialized training in a central and critical area of public health. It is designed for current public health professionals seeking to strengthen their epidemiologic skill set, as well as students and practitioners in related fields—including social work, nutrition, medicine, and other health disciplines—who want to add epidemiologic expertise to their professional toolkit.
Quick Facts
- Complete Cost: $6,948
- Completion Length: 8 to 24 months
- Start Dates: January or August
- Credit Hours: 12
- Credential Type: Graduate Certificate
What students will learn in class can be applied directly to real‑world public health settings, including the ability to:
- Describe and apply foundational epidemiologic concepts, measures, and study designs used to assess population health and disease patterns
- Apply theoretical epidemiologic principles to public health practice, including disease prevention, health promotion, and surveillance
- Design, conduct, and critique epidemiologic studies using appropriate scientific and methodological approaches
- Interpret and critically evaluate epidemiologic evidence to inform public health action and policy
- Assess the strengths, limitations, and potential biases of epidemiologic data and research to support evidence‑based decision‑making
Course Details
The Epidemiology in Public Health Graduate Certificate is 12 credit hours and comprised of three courses structured in 8-week sessions. This certificate can be completed in as little as 8 months.
To complete the certificate, students will take:
- HK 517: Principles of Epidemiology (4 Credit Hours)
- HK 528: Applied Epidemiology (4 Credit Hours)
- HK 533: Analytical Epidemiology (4 Credit Hours)
Courses are available at different times during the academic year. View current course offerings.
How to Apply
To apply for a graduate certificate program, start an online application through the Illinois Graduate College.
The following items are required for an application:
- Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Applicants may be asked to submit an official copy if offered admission.
- Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Please limit resumes to two pages.
- Personal Statement: A statement addressing 1) why you are interested in pursuing the graduate certificate in which you are applying and 2) how will this certificate benefit or advance your career?
- English proficiency scores (international students only): Non-native English speakers will need to upload TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to their application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
Admissions Deadlines
For full consideration, completed applications should be submitted by:
- November 15th (January start)
- July 15th (August start)
Building Toward a Master’s Degree
Students interested in continuing their graduate education may be able to apply credits earned through this graduate certificate toward select Master of Public Health (MPH) degree options. The number of applicable credit hours varies by program and concentration:
- MPH, Epidemiology: all 12 credit hours from this certificate apply
- MPH, Public Health with a concentration in Physical Activity and Health: all 12 credit hours from this certificate apply
- MPH, Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior and Promotion: 4 credit hours from this certificate apply