Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
Online
About the Public Health Certificate at Loyola
As the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the value of public health, Loyola University Chicago's Public Health Certificate program is your opportunity to learn how to improve the health and well-being of communities with a special focus on addressing the care gap and health care disparities across underserved populations.
With courses that span epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences, the Loyola certificate will provide you with foundational public health knowledge and skills that can be applied in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions as well as help you build the academic foundation you need to pursue your MPH certification.
Program Structure
The Public Health Certificate at Loyola University Chicago is offered 100% online. You can pursue it full time or part time. This 12-credit-hour program is designed for those who want to grow their public health expertise without committing to a master's program.
Why Choose Loyola for your Public Health Certificate?
- Fast and flexible
- Experienced faculty
- Robust and flexible curriculum
- Affordable program
- Built-in networking
- A public health certificate grounded in Jesuit values
Designed for learners who want to grow their public health expertise without the time commitment of a master's degree, Loyola's fully online program allows you to earn your Public Health Certificate on your schedule.
Learn from Loyola faculty members who have extensive experience and expertise in an array of public health research and practice. They are also committed to social justice and addressing health disparities through the lens of the Jesuit tradition.
The Public Health Certificate curriculum gives you a solid foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health practice and management as well as the flexibility to choose an elective in environmental health, global health, or other area of interest.
Delivered through Chicago's largest urban research university, our program is more affordable compared to many other public health certificate programs, giving you access to a world-class education without the financial burden.
Connect online with a diverse group of classmates from around the world, build your professional network, and learn collaboratively with peers and professors who share your passion for public health.
Loyola's public health certificate is rooted in the Jesuit tradition of social justice, helping you to develop a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact the health and well-being of communities.
Public Health Sciences Department
The Department of Public Health Sciences prepares public health professionals to ensure all communities achieve their full potential for healthy lives through collaborative community-engaged education, ethical practice, research, and service. Find more information on the department and stories showcasing current Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health students and graduates from the Public Health Certificate program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteParkinson News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Public Health Certificate program.
Faculty & StaffPublic Health Certificate: Career Connections
With the Public Health Certificate at Loyola University Chicago, you will gain foundational skills and knowledge related to the practice of public health across various sectors, including government agencies, nonprofits, health care organizations, and academic institutions. You will also have the foundation you need to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH).
Specific job options include:
- Health educator
- Community health worker
- Epidemiologist
- Healthcare administrator
- Public health policy analyst
- Public health researcher
- Biostatistician
- Environmental health specialist
- Global health specialist
- Health promotion specialist
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Public Health Certificate program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Public Health Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogPublic Health Certificate Competencies and Skills
Through the Loyola University Chicago Public Health Certificate, you will be able to:
- Acquire proficiency in the core public health disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics and public health practice/management
- Have a foundation to explore further training in public health and/or global health
- Develop skills in the areas of:
- Evidence-based approaches to research
- Health care systems planning and management
- Leadership and communication
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Public Health Certificate totals $14880.00, or 12 credit hours at a cost of $1,240.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health Financial Aid & Scholarships
Robert and Betty Parkinson Scholars Award
Named for Loyola alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, the Parkinson Scholars Award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that such health care is a basic human right. Bob and Betty Parkinson took to heart the Ignatian value of “being persons for others.” The Parkinson Scholars Award supports exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial need who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and will use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.
Awarded each semester to up to 10 Parkinson students, it includes an $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. Scholars are selected to represent the broad range of the Parkinson School’s disciplines.
More information about scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Public Health Certificate are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall Early Action: February 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will receive an admission decision no later than 3 weeks after the Feb 1 deadline.
Fall Priority: May 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after May 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the fall.
Spring: November 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after November 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the spring.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Public Health Certificate include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students. Please note this program does not qualify international students to receive the F1 student visa.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Public Health Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY