Foundations in Public Health Graduate Certificate
December 9, 2026
January 11, 2027
Overview
The Foundations in Public Health Graduate Certificate is a 13–14 credit hour, 100% online program. Build the crucial skills needed for public health practice, whether you want to advance your current career or pivot into a new field.
-
Learn on your schedule: Balance your studies with your career through flexible, fully online, asynchronous courses designed specifically for working professionals.
-
Stack your credentials: Apply the credits you earn directly toward your Master of Public Health (MPH) Program for Experienced Professionals, or specialize further with Biostatistics or Biomedical Informatics MPH specializations.
-
Solve public health challenges: The curriculum is built around applied quantitative methods, the environmental impact on human health, epidemiology and its use in disease investigations, program planning and evaluation, and the organization of public health and healthcare systems.
-
“I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized.”
Demi MacLennan Ohio State Online Grad -
“One thing that has impressed me is the caliber of my peers from so many disciplines and careers. Reading the message boards or just overhearing their stories about working directly with patients makes the degree program feel much more practical than theoretical.”
Jamie O'Leary Online MPH-PEP Student -
“I never imagined being a student again. Don’t let your age hinder you from pursuing a program to equip you with the tools needed to address the change you want to see in the world.”
Olivia Nathan Online MPH-PEP Grad '23
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this program is 100% online, offering flexibility for working professionals like you to study from wherever you are.
Yes, this online program is fully asynchronous, meaning you can log in to view instructional materials and complete your work whenever it is best for your schedule.
As non-degree students, most types of financial aid and scholarships are not available to students enrolling in certificate programs.
Related Posts
Related Posts
5 ways Student Support Specialists help online students succeed at Ohio State
How to balance career, family, and school through online learning
Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s Degree
Academic Calendar
The online Foundations in Public Health Graduate Certificate follows Ohio State’s academic calendar. Review upcoming application deadlines and term start dates below, and apply early. Our Enrollment Advisors are available to help you determine the best start term based on your professional and personal schedule.
Academic Calendar
The online Foundations in Public Health Graduate Certificate follows Ohio State’s academic calendar. Review upcoming application deadlines and term start dates below, and apply early. Our Enrollment Advisors are available to help you determine the best start term based on your professional and personal schedule.
Admission Criteria
The Foundations in Public Health certificate or minor is ideal for those seeking a flexible entry into a graduate-level public health education. To be considered for the program, you should meet the following requirements:
- At least a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last degree earned (recommended)
If you need help navigating your application, connect with an Enrollment Advisor who can answer your questions and guide you through the admission process.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Public health is a diverse field with growing opportunities in government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. You can apply what you learn in the Foundations in Public Health program to roles in local health departments, healthcare facilities, nonprofit advocacy groups, and corporate wellness programs.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Work Activities
Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise. Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $37,930
- Mid Level: $51,030
- Senior Level: $78,560
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
13.1%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Health Education Specialists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
Work Activities
Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician. Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs. Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $28,280
- Mid Level: $37,040
- Senior Level: $53,440
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
4.3%
Related Careers
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Health Education Specialists
- Home Health Aides
- Nursing Assistants
- Psychiatric Technicians
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
What They Do
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Work Activities
Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution. Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis. Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $36,130
- Mid Level: $49,490
- Senior Level: $85,630
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7%
Related Careers
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Law and Government
What They Do
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Work Activities
Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns. Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care. Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $42,210
- Mid Level: $63,000
- Senior Level: $112,900
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7%
Related Careers
- Community Health Workers
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administrative
- Psychology
What They Do
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
Work Activities
Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists. Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment. Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $40,550
- Mid Level: $58,440
- Senior Level: $94,670
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
11.4%
Related Careers
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- Law and Government
What They Do
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Work Activities
Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions. Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients. Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $33,280
- Mid Level: $45,120
- Senior Level: $63,850
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.9%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Administrative
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Foundations in Public Health certificate requires a minimum of 13 credit hours.
Core Courses
The five core courses are designed to meet the foundational competencies of public health. Choose either PUBHLTH 6012 or PUBHBIO 6210, and complete the other four courses as listed.
This course introduces the fundamental principles of biostatistics, focusing on their application and interpretation in public health research. The primary objective is to equip students with the skills to critically read, understand, and interpret statistical data and findings presented in professional and scientific literature.
Theory and application of basic statistical concepts for design of studies in health sciences, integrated with statistical software applications.
This course will introduce students to key foundational concepts in the field of environmental health sciences. Students will learn how environmental factors impact health outcomes. Moreover, students will learn about sustainable solutions to improve well-being while minimizing toxic effects at individual and community levels, including higher-level policies and practices.
This course provides an overview of the principles of epidemiology using investigations of disease clusters as a case study throughout. Emphasis will be placed on core study design principles and methods employed in disease investigations.
This course will address methods, frameworks and strategies used when planning, implementing and evaluating evidence-based public health programs among various populations and settings.
An introduction to the public health and health care systems in the United States. Students will explore the historical evolution, core functions, and governance of the U.S. public health system, including the 10 Essential Public Health Services and foundational areas of practice. The course also introduces basic concepts of health care delivery and financing structures.
* Certificate students interested in a future MPH in Biostatistics or Biomedical Informatics should take PUBHBIO 6210 Applied Biostatistics I (3 credits), increasing the total credits required to 14.
Electives
Choose one of the following courses.
Principles and application of epidemiologic methods in the investigation and control of health problems stemming from environmental hazards.
A second course in applied biostatistical methods with an emphasis on regression methods commonly used in the health sciences. The focus is on linear regression and ANOVA. Integrated with use of computer statistical packages.
This class provides the opportunity to review a number of concepts critical to collaborative community problem‐solving. A broad range of literature will be reviewed and students will have the opportunity to experience several simulated processes unique to the collaborative problem‐solving process.
Examines the major theories and concepts of organizational behavior and leadership and applies these to challenges facing public health and healthcare organizations. Topics include leadership styles and competencies, motivation and team dynamics, organizational culture, change management, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication.
Examines the role of project management in executing successful projects. The course focuses on concepts and tools of basic project management, with special emphasis on managing projects in health care and public health settings. Students will learn fundamental techniques for project planning, scheduling and monitoring through case studies and various types of project management exercises.
Principles and practice of occupational health, including, among other topics, a history of the discipline and in‐depth consideration of occupational hazards and risks, including types, sources, exposures and health impacts.
Public health is focused on preventing illnesses and injuries or intervening to decrease the impact to populations of people. Emphasize on basic physiology, pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of major human diseases that have significant global public health impact epidemiologically, politically and economically with a focus on disease causes and prevention.
Introduction to the emerging and interdisciplinary field of public health informatics. This course will highlight the history, current and future use of informatics in the public health settings, and give students an understanding of the role and broad application of informatics to promoting health and preventing disease.
This course will prepare upper-level undergraduate and graduate students on the key elements of how policy can be used as an intervention to promote primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
Basic epidemiology of important zoonotic diseases, focusing on their etiology and epidemiology. Common manifestations in humans and animals, diagnostic procedures, and specific preventive and control measures.
** Only students completing PUBHBIO 6210 Applied Biostatistics I will be allowed to enroll in PUBHBIO 6211 Applied Biostatistics II as an elective.
Program Faculty
In the Foundations in Public Health program, you will learn from world-class researchers and practitioners within The Ohio State University College of Public Health.
Featured Faculty
Andrew Wapner, DO, MPH
Clinical Associate Professor
Andrew Wapner, DO, MPH serves as the co-director of the Center for Public Health Practice, director of the Master of Public Health – Program for Experienced Professionals, and associate clinical professor at the College of Public Health. He also leads various public health initiatives and committees and is a practicing pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Urgent Care. Dr. Wapner’s experience in public health and health policy focuses on integrating healthcare and public health to enhance population health.
Testimonials
Join a community of Public Health Buckeyes who are making a difference.
Testimonials
Join a community of Public Health Buckeyes who are making a difference.
“Studying public health has complemented my interests and work experiences, and deepened my interest in public messaging, health promotion and intersections between health and education.”
“I never imagined being a student again. Don’t let your age hinder you from pursuing a program to equip you with the tools needed to address the change you want to see in the world.”
“It’s my goal to learn more about the public health system and health policy to ultimately be an effective advocate and advisor for public health initiatives and health policy as they relate to cardiovascular health.”
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
Related Articles
Related Articles
How to ask your employer for tuition reimbursement
How to Pay for Your Online Program
Tips for Online Learning from Ohio State Students and Faculty
Get Started
Connect with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 80 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State. They are here to help you on your education journey.
