KU launches online certificate in public and population health, addressing critical need

OVERLAND PARK — The University of Kansas’s new, online Undergraduate Certificate in Public and Population Health provides critical training during an unprecedented time in the world. Offered in collaboration between the KU Edwards Campus and KU Medical Center, the program focuses on key concepts of public and population health as well as an understanding of the connections between public health and the community. The online program is 12 credit hours and can be taken as a stand-alone certificate or serve as a specialization for undergraduate students.

Won Choi, professor and vice chair for education in the KU School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health, will be teaching the Introduction to Epidemiology course for this new certificate program.

“Public and population health have always been critical for promoting health and preventing disease, but the current pandemic has revealed even more the importance of public health measures like social distancing to reduce morbidity and mortality,” Choi said.

Students will learn about biological, behavioral, societal, environmental and organizational risk factors for promoting health and preventing disease. The certificate will involve a multidisciplinary group of faculty in the areas of epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health, policy development, health systems, public health, health services and population health.

Choi said that a bachelor’s degree with a certificate in public and population health offers graduates many opportunities and career paths.

“Students can pursue a graduate degree like the Master of Public Health or the Master of Health Services Administration degrees,” Choi said. “Graduates may also pursue careers as public health officers, infection control officers, health care consultants and many others. These jobs are available at the local, state and national level like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Stuart Day, dean of the Edwards Campus and the School of Professional Studies, said the new online certificate allows more students to make a difference in the Kansas City region and beyond.

“This certificate addresses a major and timely need to develop skills for those interested in a variety of disciplines within public and population health,” Day said. “We are thrilled to partner with KU Medical Center to offer this valuable credential, helping students advance their careers and serve their communities.”

For more information about the program’s curriculum, admission information and tuition, visit the online public and population health certificate program page.