Public Health Preparedness Certificate

​Acute public health events have become more frequent and widespread across many populations and nations. The skill sets necessary to operate in this fast, uncertain, and high-pressure environment are different than those necessary for business-as-usual public health operations.​This professionally-oriented certificate program, geared toward providing in-service public health professionals, aims to fill this gap as professionals are faced with new and emerging operating realities during public health crises.

Students in the certificate in public health preparedness program will benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that draws upon knowledge and resources from across the University of Delaware. Courses taught will include instructors from units in the Department of Epidemiology (College of Health Sciences) and Communication (College of Arts and Sciences), the Disaster Research Center, and the Biden School. 

​Students must complete the four required courses below for a total of 12 credit hours. Substitutions are available with advisor approval.​

• DISA650: Overview of Disaster Science and Management

• EPID621: Methods in Field Epidemiology​

• SPPA628: Public Health Communications 
  

• UAPP629: Organizational Responses in Public Health
  

​The curriculum is designed to be completed in one year over four continuous terms (winter, spring, summer, and fall), with one course per term. Students may opt to finish over two years from time of matriculation.

Applicants from diverse educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply through the UD graduate program application. Students will be admitted based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following entrance requirements: 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum two year's work and/or community experience
• Commitment to, and interest in, working to improve the public's health
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score meeting the minimum requirements set by the University of Delaware for graduate study for international students
  

 The materials required to apply are: 

• Application form
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Resume
• A personal statement that includes a description of the applicant's prior experience, specific interest in public health preparedness, and career goals 

Admission will be granted for matriculation in the term that most closely follows the admission decision—fall, winter, spring, and summer terms are all eligible admissions points. Current/active UD students not eligible for admission to the certificate program.​