Overview

As the world becomes more interconnected, our communities and populations face increasingly complex health challenges emerging through the interaction of individual vulnerability and behavior, cultural and social factors, environmental and geographic influences as well as economic and political dynamics. Addressing these public health challenges requires innovative approaches arising from multiple disciplines.

How to Enroll Requirements People Frequently Asked Questions Beyond the Classroom Alumni

Purpose

The undergraduate certificate in Public Health encourages students to extend the breadth of their undergraduate education to include elements of public health. Students are encouraged to take courses from a variety of participating departments to develop an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of public health. Please explore the links to learn more about the public health program at CU Boulder.

What Alumni are Saying About the Public Health Program

Experience in a collaborative and interdisciplinary program

“I really enjoyed learning about Public Health through lenses other than the traditional biomedical lens. Viewing health in a social way is just as important, since social factors have a significant impact and ignoring them causes harm to patients”

“It inspired me and made me passionate about furthering a field I didn't even know existed. I plan on making a career out of public health as a direct result of the knowledge and inspiration this program gave me.”

“I liked that even though I was a social sciences student I could engage with people from other disciplines and learn about a subject that was related to my degree (IAFS) but from a different perspective (IPHY) and in more detail.”

Coursework supported student growth

“My favorite classes in the certificate were Introduction to Epidemiology and Bioethics. I feel that they made me excited about the field through both teaching me practical skills, as well as engaging me in the discussion surrounding public health practices.”

“I think public health is so important and under-rated. I appreciated learning about global public health, health differences between genders, and STIs in particular because I think all of those have been relevant for other things. Having a solid understanding of epidemiology and the history of public health has also been hugely beneficial. I think studying public health has helped me make more informed decisions and has helped me share valuable information with others who did not know enough.”

“It gave me another perspective to see how impactful public health is on every aspect of our lives.”

Impacted on student career paths

“Made my application to PA schools more competitive/ well rounded!”

“The classes changed the trajectory of my career. I learned so much fascinating information that I apply to my job and life in general.”

“Helped me receive a scholarship in dental school.”

Contact us

• For administrative questions (enrolling in the program, graduation, etc.), please contact Gabriela Sales (gabriela.sales@colorado.edu)
• For internship and career opportuny question, please contact Maureen Floriano (maureen.floriano@colorado.edu)
• For questions about pre-medical career questions, please contact Pre-Health Advising
• For other questions, please contact Colleen Reid (Colleen.Reid@Colorado.edu) 

Colleen Reid, PhD
Interim Director, Public Health Program
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography
Faculty Associate, Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS)

Maureen Floriano
Interim Assistant Director, Public Health Program
Office W126 Ramaley