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FAQs

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Who can apply to the CASPH?

Applicants with health or public health related work experience, who desire to strengthen their knowledge and skills in basic public health competencies are eligible to apply for the CASPH.

International students can not apply.

Do you accept transfer credits?

Students will be allowed to transfer three (3) credits from a CEPH accredited MPH program toward the certificate upon submission of a certified transcript and syllabus that shows equivalency to one of the required courses. For transfer of credits requirements, please contact us at publichealth@upstate.edu.

How do I get information on the status of my application?

All applicants are processed through Upstate's Admissions Office. You may contact them for updates at 315-464-4570.

How many credit hours does the CASPH require?

The Certificate Program is a five (5) course program. Depending on the courses that they select as part of their Plan of Study, students will earn 13-15 credit hours.

Can I take classes as a non-matriculated student?

Yes. You may take courses as a non-matriculated student with permission from the instructor. If you plan to eventually apply to the MPH Program, only six (6) credits will be counted towards your degree. Click here for more information on non-matriculated status. 

How long will it take to complete the CASPH?

The certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters but students have up to five years to complete requirements for the program. 

What undergraduate degrees will best prepare me for the CASPH?

Because public health is a broad multi-disciplinary field, applicants to the certificate come from a diverse range of undergraduate degree programs. It is methodologically rooted in both medical and social sciences, but relies upon skills from other areas as well. Applicable undergraduate degree programs with relevance to public health include (but are not limited to):

- undergraduate public health or related programs (health education, community health)

- social & behavioral sciences (anthropology, economics, geography, policy studies or political science, psychology, public administration, sociology, social work)

- humanities (gender studies, history, human rights, international studies)

- business and finance, health services management

- clinical or biological sciences (biology, environmental science, food science and nutrition, nursing, pre-medicine)

- applied mathematics and statistics

- health care providers

Are there any pre-requisites required for the CASPH degree?

Applicants should have professional work experience in the health/public health sector. In addition, any biological science course (human biological science) and statistics course is highly recommended.

What is the tuition for the CASPH program?

CASPH students' tuition charge will be at the prevailing SUNY Tuition & Fee Rates.

Are there any on-line courses?

Not at this time.

When can students begin the certificate program?

Students will begin the program during the fall semester each year.

Do I need a laptop?

Yes, a laptop is required for all students in pursuing a CASPH, capable of running SPSS, Microsoft Word, and other programs. In general, laptops that only run basic, web-driven operating systems (e.g. Google Chromebook), or that only run programs from a single source (Microsoft Surface running Windows 10 S, which only allows programs downloadable from the Microsoft store), will not satisfy this requirement. If you have any questions, please consult with Mr. Jeffrey Wessel at wesselj@upstate.edu.

If you receive financial aid and need to purchase a laptop, the laptop expense can be incorporated into your financial aid package. You may contact the Financial Aid Office for information regarding this. (P: 315-464-4329)

Can I defer my acceptance?

If accepted, individuals may request a deferral for up to one year for personal or professional reasons. Requests must be made in writing and submitted to the Office of Admissions and to the Chair of the specific department. No extensions beyond the one-year are permitted.

Once I complete the CASPH, can I get into the MPH program?

Completion of the CASPH does not guarantee acceptance into the MPH program. The student will need to formally apply and be accepted into the MPH program in order to continue earning credits towards an MPH degree.

 What happens after I am accepted?

Accepted students are required to submit all required documents, including final transcripts for all college and universities attended, to the Office of Admissions prior to the start of classes. Note that required health documents must be submitted directly to the Student Health Office. Accepted students must attend New Student Orientation.

Will the 5 courses from the CASPH transfer over when I am accepted to the MPH program?

Yes. Once you are accepted into the MPH program, the 5 core courses you have completed during your CASPH will count towards the 42 hour credit requirement to earn an MPH degree.

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