Graduate Certificate Programs

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  • Global Health Certificate
  • Certificate in Maternal & Child Health
  • Certificate in Gerontology
  • Certificate in Public Health Management
Certificate Overview

Expansion in global communication, travel and trade has increased the need for clinical and public health professionals who understand health issues that transcend national and continental borders. The Graduate Certificate in Global Health is designed to prepare students to meet the growing demand for international, interdisciplinary skills in areas such as disease and injury prevention, health care, and other health-related disciplines.

Curriculum

The certificate requires completion of 12 regular course credits (generally will be 4 courses) and one 3 credit hour internship.

  • Courses must include topics related to global health from a medical, cultural, geographical, sociological, or other perspective.
  • The 4 regular courses include two required courses: a health assessment course, usually in the form of an introductory epidemiology course such as CPH-605; and introductory course in global health, such as CPH-751.  CPH-605 is offered Fall and Spring semesters; CPH-751 is being offered in the Fall.
  • The other 2 courses are electives (see section below). Not all are offered every year; there may be other courses that satisfy elective requirements.
  • One of the courses has to be outside the College of Public Health.
  • Students are to select at least two elective courses, for a minimum of 6 credit hours.
  • Global Health Internship

The internship is a crucial culminating experience for the certificate. It requires at least a 4-week internship abroad, in or related to a resource-poor or resource-limited setting. It also requires a mentor both at UK and locally. This internship is now a new course, CPH-709.

Course Learning Objectives: This course will provide the opportunity for students to participate in a health-related activity, project or program in a resource-limited setting in a foreign country. This will allow students in the Global Health Certificate Program to gain direct international experience with some relevant, current global health issues, and to integrate and apply knowledge and skills learned in their coursework.

The minimum duration of the internship will be four weeks. The internship will be 3 credit hours.  Each internship will be unique, depending on the student’s background and interest, as well as on the needs and resources of the location where it will be conducted. The main activity and setting of the internship can range from providing primary or specialty direct patient care in a hospital, outpatient or other type of medical setting; prevention, community health or health education activities in schools, neighborhood meetings or other venues; collection of environmental samples from water, soil, food, etc. For students in the colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the internship may take the form of a rotation.

Internship placements will require completion of an application to be submitted to and reviewed by the GH certificate director. The internship application shall include a proposed work plan, with activity and learning objectives, and a mentorship plan which should include a UK-GH associate faculty supervisor and a local, qualified mentor or supervisor in the host location. Approval of the internship application will also include consideration of the student’s background, interests and language capabilities. In addition to the field experience, before traveling the student will complete pre-departure orientation and preparation requirements of the Office of International Affairs for students studying or working abroad. Upon returning to the U.S., the student must report on his/her experience in the form of a written report, an oral, open presentation or other format and be approved by the UK-GH supervisor, for the completion of his/her internship.

Exceptions: With approval of the GH Program director, international students may be able to conduct the internship in a resource-limited or underserved setting in the U.S. Reduction of the duration of the internship abroad to less than 4 weeks will be considered only in exceptional cases and will require written approval of the GH Program director.

Funding for travel and living expenses will be responsibility of the student, but the GH Program Director and associate faculty will assist in pursuing travel funds from available sources, such as fellowships, travel awards and financial aid towards study or practice abroad.

Eligibility-Admission

The minimum Graduate School requirements for admission to a certificate curriculum are the same as those in effect for Post baccalaureate status.

  • Students, who already are or will be enrolled in a degree program, or those who simply apply for Post baccalaureate (non-degree) status in order to complete the certificate, are eligible to apply for admission.
  • Applicants for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Global Health must be approved for admission by the certificate Director, Dr. Hopenhayn, who shall notify the Graduate School in writing of the student’s admission. A student should apply and be admitted to the certificate curriculum prior to taking any classes that will be counted towards completion of the certificate.
  • Admission to or award of a graduate certificate does not guarantee admission to a degree program in the same or any other discipline.
Application Process

The Certificate Faculty Committee meets three times a year, May, August and December, to consider applications, practicum/research proposals, completions and special requests.  All application materials must be received in the Certificate Office in advance.  Remember to include adequate time for letters of reference to be requested and returned.

Pre-approved Certificate courses that have already been completed may count towards the curriculum requirements.  (This does not include practicum or research projects.)  Requests to include these courses are made on the application.  No more than six hours previously completed at UK can be counted toward the Certificate.

  • Students must be admitted to the UK Graduate School.  Unless you are in a graduate program at the University of Kentucky, you must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School as a Post-Baccalaureate student. Graduate School application deadlines and forms may be obtained by calling (859) 257-4613 or through their website at:http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/index.html.  Submit Graduate School applications directly to the Graduate School.  Please note submission deadlines.

    If applying as a Post-Baccalaureate student, please mark the following on your Graduate School application to ensure correct routing:
    Program admission code:  POBA  (Do NOT mark Gerontology)
    Type of Applicant:  NND – new applicants or RND – applicants for readmission or change of status to Post-baccalaureate after completing degree

  • Official transcripts. Official transcripts are required for undergraduate and graduate work from universities other than the University of Kentucky. A GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. Please submit transcripts to Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

  • Addresses of two references. The Certificate office will contact these references directly.  If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, one reference must be from a faculty member in your academic department. Please submit the two references to Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

Certificate Director
Claudia Hopenhayn, MPH, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Epidemiology
Director, Global Health Certificate Program
111 Washington Ave
Lexington, KY 40536-0003
Email: cmhope0@uky.edu

 

Certificate Overview

The objective of the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is to prepare both graduate students and practicing professionals to assume key roles in improving the quality of life for older adults and furthering our understanding of the aging process.

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology offers students and professionals specialized training in aging from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Persons working towards their Certificate include:

  • Students preparing for careers in public service and program administration that relate to understanding and meeting the needs of the older population;

  • Graduate degree candidates in the basic and applied sciences who are interested in the study of aging;

  • Candidates seeking professional degrees in human service professions who plan to provide specialty services to the elderly;

  • Professionals with an interest in the field of aging who desire further course work in gerontology to enhance their professional development.

Brochure (pdf format)

Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is awarded to individuals who complete 15  graduate credit hours in an approved multi-disciplinary curriculum in gerontology.

  • Twelve hours of coursework must include at least one course  in each of the following areas:
    • Biomedical Sciences and Health Services (3 credit hours)
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credit hours)
    • Policy, Planning and Ethics (3 credit hours)


An elective (3 credit hours) selected from any of the three groups completes the 12 hour coursework requirement.
Students may choose courses according to their preference and course availability. To ensure an interdisciplinary experience, no more than 2 courses may be taken from a single department other than Gerontology. Special requests may be submitted to the Faculty Committee in advance. There are specific curriculum requirements for PharmD and Physician Assistant Studies students so check with your advisor.
Students must receive an A or B in all Certificate coursework.

  • A practicum (3 credit hours) focused on aging of a minimum of 210 hours will satisfy the practicum requirement. This practicum can be completed in conjunction with a practicum requirement from a degree program, or can be arranged independently for the Certificate.

Students will work with a faculty advisor during the proposal stage and as they complete their practicum/research projects. Proposals must be submitted to the Certificate Faculty Committee prior to beginning work. (Please note that the Faculty Committee typically meets in April and October)

Once the proposal has been approved, work may begin. For a practicum, it is usual practice for the on-site supervisor to meet with the student weekly to offer feedback and discuss his/her progress toward the goals and objectives of the experience.

Midterm evaluations are sent to the student and on-site supervisor to formally evaluate the progression of the practicum. Upon completion of the experience, the on-site supervisor is asked to complete an overall evaluation. Students are required to submit a final report/evaluation with a copy of any materials developed during the practicum to the Certificate Committee for final approval.

* Students have up to five years to complete the Certificate but must proceed at a pace of at least one course per year in order to remain in good standing.  An extension may be requested.

To check your progress use the “Documentation of Certificate Courses Completed” form in the links above under "Forms" and/or contact the Director of the Certificate in Gerontology.

Eligibility-Admission

The minimum Graduate School requirements for admission to a Certificate curriculum are the same as those in effect for Post baccalaureate status.

  • Students who already are or will be enrolled in a degree program, or those who simply apply for Post baccalaureate (non-degree) status in order to complete the Certificate, are eligible to apply for admission.
  • Applicants for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology must be approved for admission by the Certificate Director who shall notify the Graduate School in writing of the student’s admission. No more than 6 hours can be taken prior to admission and be used to fulfill the Certificate requirements.
  • Admission to or award of a graduate Certificate does not guarantee admission to a degree program in the same or any other discipline.
Application Process

All application materials must be received in the Certificate office before your application will be considered by the committee. Remember to include adequate time for letters of reference to be requested and returned.

Pre-approved Certificate courses that have already been completed may count towards the curriculum requirements. (This does not include practicum or research projects.) Requests to include these courses are made on the application. No more than six hours previously completed at UK can be counted toward the Certificate.

  • Students must be admitted to the UK Graduate School. Unless you are in a graduate program at the University of Kentucky, you must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School as a Post-Baccalaureate student. Graduate School application deadlines and forms may be obtained by calling (859) 257-4613 or through their website at: http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/ProspectiveStudents/Admission.html. Submit Graduate School applications directly to the Graduate School. Please note submission deadlines.

    If applying as a Post-Baccalaureate student, please mark the following on your Graduate School application to ensure correct routing:

    Program admission code: POBA (Do NOT mark Gerontology)

    Type of Applicant: NND – new applicants or RND – applicants for readmission or change of status to Post-baccalaureate after completing degree

  • Official transcripts. Official transcripts are required for undergraduate and graduate work from universities other than the University of Kentucky. A GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. Please submit transcripts to Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

  • Two references. Please list the names of your two references on the application form. Your references should submit their letters of recommendation directly to:  Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

  • For an application form please click here.
FAQ
What is the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology?

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology offers students and professionals in aging the opportunity to expand their knowledge in aging and be recognized for their achievement.  Students develop a plan of study, selecting courses from throughout the University to satisfy the Certificate requirements.  The Certificate is coordinated by the Graduate Center for Gerontology.

How do I begin to earn the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology?

Students must have maintained a 3.0 average, be accepted into the Graduate School, and present to the Faculty Committee an acceptable plan of study.

What courses must I complete to get the Certificate in Gerontology?

All Certificate students complete at least 15 semester hours in aging from an approved list of courses, including 3 semester hours in each of the following: 

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences and Health Services
  • Policy, Planning and Ethics
  • Elective
  • Practicum (3 hours must be in an approved practicum or research project)

Students may either select from a list of pre-approved courses or seek approval to count a different course toward their requirement.

Will my graduate coursework count toward the Certificate in Gerontology?

Yes, under certain conditions.  In many cases students in graduate programs will count courses toward both their degree and the Certificate. No more than 6 hours from one department will apply toward the Certificate.  This is to encourage interdisciplinary learning.

What if I would like to take a course that is not on the pre-approved list?

Students are encouraged to customize their plan of study.  The Faculty Committee must approve any courses not currently on the list.  This happens occasionally with new courses, directed readings courses, etc.

Does the list of pre-approved courses change?

We encourage and assist departments in developing and offering new courses in aging.  Several new ones are added to the list each year.  Some courses are scheduled regularly; others less frequently.  The departments offering the courses decide the schedules.

Can a practicum in my current program count toward the Certificate?

Yes, a practicum in your own discipline can be designed to also meet Certificate requirements (3 graduate hours focused on aging, an approved learning plan, a final report.)  Student practicum proposals must always be pre-approved by the Faculty Committee, in order to be counted toward the Certificate.

How will the Certificate appear on my record?

The award of the Certificate will be shown on your permanent transcript.  In addition you will receive a Certificate suitable for framing. The Graduate Center for Gerontology recognizes those who have completed their Certificate requirements at a special ceremony each Spring. The Certificate is awarded by The Graduate School.

How can I get more Information?

Contact:
Graham D. Rowles, Ph.D.,
Director, Graduate Certificate & Graduate Studies in Gerontology
(859) 218-0145
growl2@uky.edu   

 

Certificate Director
Graham D. Rowles, Ph.D.,
Director, Graduate Certificate
& Graduate Studies in Gerontology
(859) 218-0145
growl2@uky.edu   

Certificate in Public Health ManagementCertificate Overview

Healthcare has been experiencing a tremendous evolution in recent years, particularly as public health has developed a close relationship with the clinical care of individuals. The concepts surrounding population and community health have become an integral part of health care in the United States during the past decade as once again a greater understanding of public health has become a requisite part of caring for the US population. Understanding how to manage the health of populations and communities has not traditionally been a part of the training of clinicians including physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and other clinical practitioners. In order to develop the role of clinician managers of the public’s and community’s health, additional education is required. The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Management provides a mechanism for public health workers and students admitted to the Graduate School to enhance their competencies and skills in management without undertaking a graduate degree in management or public health.

Certificate Objectives
  • Prepare individuals interested in public health management as well as public health workers to address the multi-factorial management issues in Kentucky in their workplaces by enhancing public health management skills. The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Management does not take the place of the Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Health Services Management, but instead provides individuals who have completed related professional programs with expanded management capabilities.
  • Provide students with theoretical, practical, and relevant educational experiences in management to enhance the health and welfare of populations in Kentucky, the nation, and around the globe.
  • Provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement, and manage public health programs, prepare budgets, and evaluate their effectiveness.

Brochure (pdf format)

Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Management consists of 15 credit hours including two required 3 credit hour courses. Students may select from a variety of electives totaling nine credit hours.

Required Courses
  • CPH 650 Management of Public Health Organizations (3)
  • CPH 655 Public Health Accounting & Finance (3)
Selective Courses (choose three)
  • CPH 605 Introduction to Epidemiology (3)
  • CPH 653 Public Health Law & Policy (3)
  • CPH 660 Geographic Information Systems in Public Health (3)
  • CPH 663 Public Health Practice and Administration (3)
  • CPH 751 Introduction to Global Public Health (3)
  • CPH 752 Leadership In Public Health (3)
  • CPH 758 Special Topics in Health Services Management: Strategic Planning and Evidence-Based Decision Making (3)
  • CPH 758 Special Topics in Health Services Management: Public Health Informatics (3)
  • CPH 758 Special Topics in Health Services Management: Health Economics (3)

All course work for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Management must be completed within five years of admission.

Graduate Certificate students must maintain a CPH of 3.0 or better to progress in the curriculum.

Eligibility-Admission
  • Applicants must satisfy the minimum Graduate School Requirements for admission to a Certificate (which are identical to those for enrollment as post-baccalaureate graduate student) and apply separately for the Graduate Certificate. Post-baccalaureate status is not available to non-Kentucky residents or international applicants.
  • Applicants must submit the appropriate application fee to the Graduate School.
  • Students enrolled in (or applying to) a graduate degree program or post-baccalaureate graduate students may apply for the Graduate Certificate.
  • Applicants for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Management must be approved by the Certificate Director, who shall notify the Graduate School in writing of the student’s admission.
  • Students enrolled in the Health Services Management concentration in the MPH or DrPH program are not eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Management.
  • Admission to the Graduate Certificate or award of the graduate certificate does not guarantee admission to any degree program at the University of Kentucky.
  • Admission to the Graduate Certificate may be limited so that the faculty and resources are not overwhelmed.
Application Process

All application materials must be received in the Certificate office in advance. Remember to include adequate time for letters of reference to be requested and returned.

Pre-approved Certificate courses that have already been completed may count towards the curriculum requirements. (This does not include practicum or research projects). Requests to include these courses are made on the application. No more than six hours previously completed at UK can be counted toward the Certificate.

  • Students must be admitted to the UK Graduate School. Unless you are in a graduate program at the University of Kentucky, you must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School as a Post-Baccalaureate student. Graduate School application deadlines and forms may be obtained by calling (859) 257-4613 or through their website at: www.rgs.uky.edu/gs . Submit Graduate School applications directly to the Graduate School. Please note submission deadlines.

    If applying as a Post-Baccalaureate student, please mark the following on your Graduate School application to ensure correct routing:
    • Program admission code: POBA
    • Type of Applicant: NND – new applicants or RND – applicants for readmission or  change of status to Post-baccalaureate after completing degree.

  • Official transcripts. Official transcripts are required for undergraduate and graduate work from universities other than the University of Kentucky. A GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. Please submit transcripts to Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

  • Addresses of two references. The Certificate office will contact these references directly. If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, one reference must be from a faculty member in your academic department. Please submit the two references to Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

  • Two-page essay on why the individual needs and desires a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Management. Please submit the essay to Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

  • One-page biography, which includes the student’s educational and work experience, as an aid to the admission decision. Please submit the biography to Andrea Perkins, 111 Washington Ave. RM 120, College of Public Health, Lexington, KY 40536.

  • For an application form please click here.

Certificate Director
James W. Holsinger, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
Departments of Preventive Medicine
and Health Services Management
College of Public Health
111 Washington Avenue, Suite 107
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky  40536-0003
Telephone: (859) 218-2058
jwh@uky.edu