Graduate Certificate in Public Health Ethics
Gain a greater understanding of the role of ethical inquiry in public health.
The 2020 pandemic raised unprecedented ethical questions around control measures for the public good, from masks to vaccines to a temporary shutdown of the global economy. UMass Amherst’s Graduate Certificate in Public Health Ethics explores such ethical questions in public health practice with an emphasis on critical analysis of public health programs, policies, and laws.
Fully online and designed for working professionals, our 18-credit program offers an accredited micro-credential from a world-renowned research university. And because it’s online, you collaborate with students from across the country and the world. Should you decide to matriculate into our online MPH in public health practice degree program, 15 credits will transfer upon admission. As an online MPH candidate, you can also enroll in the Public Health Ethics Certificate at any time.
Public Health Ethics Graduate Certificate course requirements:
- Three core courses (9 credits) in ethical issues in public health, health disparities, and public health law
- Two electives: choose from health policy and politics to social justice and public health (6 credits)
- Independent study in public health ethics (3 credits)
Benefits list
100% Online
UMass Amherst’s Public Health Ethics Certificate is fully online, with asynchronous courses that let you log in whenever it’s convenient for you. Busy schedule? Take as few as one course per term (or as many as three when your schedule opens up). Need a semester off? You can pause at any time.
One Low Cost Regardless of Location
The cost per credit is $653, regardless of a student's location. There is no application fee, and a small registration fee once per semester of $50. Total cost of the program is under $12,000.
Transfer Credits to the Fully Online MPH
Should you decide to apply and matriculate in our online MPH in public health practice program, your 18 credits will transfer into the degree upon admission. As an online MPH candidate, you can apply for admission into the Public Health Ethics Certificate anytime during your program.
Featured class
This course explores the multifaceted origins of health disparities clearly essential to effective and humane programs, policies, and systems. The course will also continuously examine how to translate theory into practice.
Featured faculty
Daniel Goldstein
Practicum Coordinator of Online MPH in Public Health Practice
Focus on public health ethics, bioethics, data governance, social justice, and community development.
Lauren Moss
Focus on health care law, environmental law, Social Security and disability law, and civil litigation.
Application information & deadlines
Prospective students need to submit the free application, résumé, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Rolling
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Students can start in spring, summer, or fall each year.
Professional Programs
Fully asynchronous and flexible undergraduate and graduate programs for working professionals at UMass Amherst
