Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Health
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Health (CASPH) is a 5-course (13-15 credit hours) program of study. The certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters but students have up to five years to complete the requirements for the program.
Program at a Glance
The Certificate Program is organized to offer a foundational curriculum centered around public health competencies. The curriculum has been designed to reflect the interrelationship between public health practice and research and is designed to train current and future practitioners and researchers in the core public health functions. Students in the CAS Program can select which courses they can include in their plans of study. This allows them as well to focus on particular aspects of public health that interest them and align with their educational and career goals.
The abbreviated training allows interested students, who are either unable to complete a master's degree, yet interested in augmenting on-the-job training or supplementing an advanced degree with foundational public health principles and practices, the opportunity to acquire the necessary training to manage public health problems.
The Certificate Program:
- Provides an avenue for interdisciplinary training in public health for healthcare workers, and degree-seeking students;
- Contributes to the ongoing efforts to enhance relationships between community agencies by creating opportunities to educate and engage a large community of trained public health professionals;
- Provides professional development opportunities; and
- Creates a pathway to the Master of Public Health program for interested students.
Certificate Coursework
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Public Health Students will work with their academic advisor to come up with a Plan of Study that will meet their Educational and Career Goals. All CAS students are required to take five Public Health courses. They can opt to take any course they choose, as long as they have already completed the prerequisites for the courses that they select.
International Students:
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Health is not an option for international study. International students should apply to the Master of Public Health Degree program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand allWho 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 [email protected].
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 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.
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 charges will be at the prevailing SUNY Tuition & Fee Rates.
Are there any online courses?
At this time, there are no online courses available for this certificate program.
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 pursuing a CASPH. The laptop must be 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 [email protected].
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. Students will need to formally apply and be accepted into the MPH program in order to continue earning credits toward an MPH degree.
What happens after I am accepted?
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 needed to earn an MPH degree.
Still Have Questions?
Not sure which track is right for you? Questions about admissions requirements?
Contact:
Zoreslava Osiv, MBA
Clinical Instructor,
Program Coordinator, Masters of Public Health
College of Medicine Admissions Events
The Office of Admissions conducts information sessions for those who are interested in the Masters of Public Health Programs