The graduate certificate in rural and community health offers students the opportunity to pursue graduate coursework in public health with a focus on the determinants of health in rural settings and the resulting health outcomes in such communities. The program focuses on applied study to build skills in program planning and evaluation, health services administration and management, grant writing and leadership within agencies that serve rural communities and other underserved populations. The 25-credit graduate certificate can be completed entirely online in 3 academic quarters, ideal for working students and those who are unable to commute to a traditional face-to-face academic program.
Admission Requirements
In line with university requirements for admission to graduate degree programs in the School of Graduate Studies and Research, students applying to the graduate certificate in rural and community health must submit:
- A completed application for graduate admission to the School of Graduate Studies and Research
- A written statement of educational and professional objectives
- Three letters of recommendation written by professors or others capable of assessing your potential for success in a graduate program
- Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
- A non-refundable application fee to the School of Graduate Studies and Research payable at the time of filing application
Please see https://www.cwu.edu/academics/colleges/graduate-studies-research/apply.php for more information.
Graduation Requirements
Students must pass all courses with a minimum grade of B- and a cumulative 3.0 GPA to complete the graduate certificate program.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- design and evaluate strategies that improve health at the individual, community, and population level;
- analyze determinants of health disparities in a variety of diverse settings and populations, including rural communities; and
- demonstrate skills in effective management of public health programs and collaborative partnership development for health improvements at the population level.