Graduate Certificate in Public Health Leadership and Practice
Advance your impact in public health, gain the leadership skills and practical experience needed to improve the health of communities.
About the Program
The Online Graduate Certificate in Public Health Leadership and Practice (PHLP) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is designed for working professionals and health practitioners seeking to strengthen their skills in foundational public health knowledge, leadership, and applied practice. The flexible online format allows students to advance their education while continuing their professional responsibilities.
For inquiries, please contact the MPH Program Manager: Emma Sampson. [email protected]. 423-425-4196
Program of Study
The PHLP certificate requires the completion of 12 semester credit hours. The curriculum provides training in public health foundations, leadership strategies, and applied practice, with a focus on addressing real-world population health challenges.
This program includes:
- Foundational public health courses
- Practice-focused coursework
- An elective course tailored to the student’s interests (e.g. data analysis, healthcare administration, physical activity, or nutrition)
- A 60-hour Public Health Exposure (PHE), which can be completed online or in person in a public health related setting with community partners
- Program of Study
Fall Semester I (5 Credit Hours)
PUBH 5110 Foundations in Public Health I: Public Health Practice (online) (3hrs)
PUBH 5510 Professional Development for Public Health Practitioners (online) (1hrs)
PUBH 5140 Integrating Science & Ethics into Public Health Practice (online) (1hrs)
Spring Semester II (4 Credit Hours)
PUBH 5150 Public Health Leadership (online) (1hr)
Elective* (3hrs)
Summer Semester III (3 Credit Hours)
PUBH 5880R Public Health Exposure (PHE) – 60 hours of practice **
Total - 12 Credit Hours
*Electives Options:
1. PUBH 5430: Physical Activity & Public Health
2. PUBH 5880R: Public Health Exposure
3. LEAD 7380: Statistics and Data Analysis
4. MGT 5250: Organizational Behaviors and Leadership
5. MGT 5060: Healthcare Management
6. MGT 5370: Leading Responsibility
7. Independent Study
8. Other online graduate-level courses with advisor approval
**PHE may be completed in either the Spring or Summer semester.
Admissions Requirements
- No standardized tests (e.g., GRE) are required for admission
- Minimum GPA requirements:
- 2.70 cumulative GPA for all undergraduate coursework, or
- 3.00 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate study
- Completed online application available at: www.utc.edu/apply
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Current CV
- Personal statement
- One (1) letter of recommendation
- $35 application fee
Additional Information
- Credits earned in the certificate may be applied toward the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at UTC
- The certificate program welcomes full-time and part-time students for Fall and Spring entry terms.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and prospective students are encouraged to apply early for their preferred start term.
