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School of Public Health

The 15-Credit Health Policy Certificate can help you better understand the structure and financing of the United States health system and the social and economic factors underlying population health.

Health Policy Certificate

The certificate also will provide information on recent health care reforms, the policy and economic issues likely to affect the practice of medicine, and ongoing concerns related to access, cost and quality of care.

The Health Policy Certificate is Intended for:

  • Medical and other health professional students;
  • Those working in the pharmaceutical industry;
  • Those working in local and state departments of health; and
  • Those working health care settings.

Program Design

You can complete the Health Policy Certificate in two-three semesters or you can plan a schedule for completing the courses over a two-year period (maximum timeframe). The late afternoon/evening schedule makes it convenient to continue working or gain experience while earning your Health Policy Certificate. The Certificate courses may also be applied toward a degree at the Rutgers School of Public Health depending on the degree program and concentration. Certificate holders must apply and be admitted to the degree program.

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Curriculum Requirements (15 credits)

  • PHCO 0501 - Health Systems and Policy (3 cr.)
  • HSAP 0615 - Health Economics (3 cr.)
  • HSAP 0663 - Issues in Private and Public Health Insurance (3 cr.)
  • Choose two of the following courses:
  • HSAP 0565 - Health Politics and Policy (3 cr.)
  • HSAP 0614 - Health Services and Policy Research Methods* (3 cr.)
  • HSAP 0666 - Public Health: Policy and Practice (3 cr.)
  • HSAP 0671 - Topics in Health Systems and Health Care Policy (3 cr.)
  • HSAP 0673 - Population Health and Public Policy* (3 cr.)
  • HSAP 0674 - U.S. Mental Health Policy

*Students selecting either of these two courses should have taken a statistics course at the undergraduate level.

With permission from the Certificate Program Coordinator, students may choose to participate in one 3-credit independent study health policy/practice course as one of the five courses.

Graduates of CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health may transfer up to six (6) credits towards a certificate program if earned within the past seven years with a grade of B or better and are deemed appropriate by the respective Certificate Program Coordinator.

Cost

Tuition is governed by Rutgers University and is subject to change without notice. Confirm current Rutgers School of Public Health’s Tuition & Fees

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Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • Completed an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S. or its equivalent;
  • Demonstrated academic achievement in an appropriate discipline; and
  • Academic credentials at least equivalent to those required for the MPH program.

Applicants must submit:

  • Application for Admission;
  • Official transcripts of all prior work;
  • Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or its equivalent (MCAT or GMAT);
  • Letter of intent, including statement of purpose for application to the program;
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation; and
  • Application fee.

International applicants must submit:

  • TOEFL scores and WES evaluations.