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Public Health
Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences
Expand your expertise in public health, earn a well-respected credential and take the first step toward earning your master’s degree at Capella. The online Graduate Certificate in Public Health explores the foundations of the field, including health administration, environmental health, biostatistics, behavioral health and epidemiology. You’ll learn to evaluate the effectiveness of public health initiatives and discover ways to advocate for changes to policies and practices. Get a head start on a Master of Public Health at Capella – apply your certificate credits and be a third of the way to your MPH.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 5 Core courses
Explore public health courses
- This certificate requires a total of 20 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five courses
Show all descriptions
MPH5500
Introduction to Public Health Administrative Systems
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the elements of the public health system and reviews the administrative processes that foster integration and managerial effectiveness across the system. Learners study the organizational, financial, and managerial structure and function of the public health system and analyze the impact of health policy on administrative systems, including health insurance and reimbursement policy.
4 quarter credits
MPH5503
Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health
4 quarter credits
This course surveys the major issues related to environmental and occupational health and health hazards. Learners identify the sources of biological, chemical, and physical agents found in the environment and analyze their effects on water, food, and land resources in community and occupational settings. Learners also examine concepts about climate change, as well as the legal framework, policies, and practices associated with controlling environmental and occupational hazards.
4 quarter credits
MPH5506
Behavioral Foundations in Public Health
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore social and behavioral science theories and concepts applied to population health. Learners identify and increase their understanding of the biological, social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence the health of individuals, populations, and subgroups. Learners also examine the resources needed to develop social and behavioral evidenced-based programs to improve health.
4 quarter credits
MPH5509
Principles of Biostatistics
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to the objectives, principles, and methods of biostatistics for health sciences. Topics include statistical vocabulary; methods for descriptive data analysis; fundamentals of probability and sampling distribution; methods for statistical inference and hypothesis testing; and data analysis and linear regression for continuous, binary, and survival data.
4 quarter credits
MPH5512
Principles of Epidemiology
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of epidemiology, including an evaluation of the nature of disease, the interaction among agent, host, and environment, and the chain of transmission. Learners examine epidemiological research methods for identifying and describing variables, evaluate measures of disease occurrence, determine key data sources, and formulating interventions to control disease occurrence and transmission. Prerequisite(s): MPH5509.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
- Explore public health concepts like health administration, environmental health, biostatistics and behavioral health
- Evaluate effectiveness of public health initiatives on population outcomes
- Apply evidence to change public health practice and policy
- Gain the skills and knowledge to design, manage and evaluate public health programs
- Expand your ability to assess and lead in executing solutions to public health problems
- Manage health information to improve community and population health outcomes
Turn your certification into credits
Get a head start on your MPH
By earning your graduate certificate in public health from Capella University, you will have already completed a third of the work toward earning a Capella master’s in public health.
How much does a graduate certificate in public health cost?
The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $530 per credit
- $125 resource kit
- 20 total quarter credits
- 8 max transfer credits
$10,600
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 12 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for certificates?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the graduate certificate in public health admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences, Public Health program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a certificate student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your certificate with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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