Emergency Health Certificate Overview
The Emergency Health Certificate prepares recipients for working in emergency management positions in public health and health care. The program aims to develop individuals within public health and health care who can ensure the continuity of operations in their organization as well as protect the health of the population during emergencies and disasters. The curriculum is built on established competencies in this field which students achieve through coursework and an applied field experience.
Required Courses
- PBHLT 6780, Emergency Public Health: Planning for Disasters | 3 Fall
- PBHLT 6781, Post-Disaster Community Health | 3 Spring
- PBHLT 6340, Infectious Disease Epidemiology | 3 Fall
- PBHLT 6980, Emergency Health Practicum | 3 Fall/Spring/Summer
- Only required for those completing the Certificate program separately from an MPH program (i.e., as part of another graduate degree or independently). MPH students see below.
- PBHLT 6960, Public Health Practicum | 3 Fall/Spring/Summer
- In lieu of Emergency Health Practicum for MPH students.
- MPH students should complete 6-credits of PBHLT 6960 only. Their practicum is to be Emergency Health oriented.
Approved Electives (6 Credits)
- MHA 6530, Health Care Administration | 3 Fall
- GEOG 5340, Geography of Disasters | 3 Spring
- GEOG 5215, Climate Change and Impacts | 3 Fall
- HEDU 5800, Emergency Medical Responder in Disaster Settings | 3 Fall/Spring
- PBHLT 6240, Health Communications | 3 Spring
- PADMN 6965, 21st Century Issues in Public Safety | 3 Fall
- COMM 6365, Communicating Climate Change | 3 Spring
- GEOG 5210, Geography of Global Climate Change | 3 Spring
- GEOG 5320, Terrorism and Security | 3 Spring
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must meet academic minimum requirements for admission. The requirements listed are the minimum set by the Graduate School of the University of Utah and do not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Also, each academic department or program defines additional requirements. Applicants are evaluated with respect to university and departmental requirements and with respect to the pool of available applicants.
The minimum academic requirements for graduate admission are the following:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college/university,
- At least a 3.00 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA*
*If the candidate has a GPA below 3.0 they must submit a justification letter. This letter should detail why the candidate's GPA is lower than 3.0 and why they feel that they are prepared to pursue the certificate in spite of their lower GPA.
International Applicants
- International students must have an H visa to be eligible for the certificate program if a graduate program is not indicated. F1 or J1 visas are only acceptable if the student is in a graduate program. Students who hold an F1 or J1 visa and do not have a graduate program are not eligible for the certificate programs.
Once the following steps have been completed, the student will be notified by email of the final admissions decision.
- Complete an internal certificate application
- Submit unofficial transcripts to josue.martinez@utah.edu
Tuition Rates:
Resident Tuition
Non-Resident Fees
WICHE
The Division of Public Health’s MPH, MSPH, PhD and Certificate programs are approved for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Students receiving WICHE are eligible for resident tuition rates PLUS 10%. Please visit the WICHE website for more information.
Resident and non-resident tuition rates and payment schedules can be found on the University of Utah Tuition and Income Accounting Office site.
Financial Aid:
Financial aid in the form of loans may be available depending on need and availability of funds. For more information, please contact the University of Utah Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 801-581-7344. The Division of Public Health does not offer financial aid students. Obtaining financial aid is the responsibility of the student.
The certificate program has rolling admissions and applications will be considered at any anytime. The deadlines outlined below are to be considered for students needing to apply through the Office of Admissions as a Non-Matriculated student or a Seeking Second Bachelors student. If any late fees are required, it is the student’s responsibility to cover those fees.
Office of Admissions Deadlines:
- Fall – April 1
- Spring – November 1
- Summer – March 15
Registration options:
- Option 1: Enroll in a graduate program. If you are a matriculated student in a graduate program you must receive permission from your home program to earn the certificate. Please submit the agreement form to Josué Martinez after permission is granted.
- Option 2: Enroll as seeking second bachelors. If you do not have a graduate program, you must apply through the Office of Admissions as seeking second bachelors, i. Intended Major – undecided
*Please note that if a student has any intention of applying for a graduate program and anticipates coursework taken as a certificate student will apply, they must be mindful of what degree status they apply for. Seeking Second Bachelors students are eligible to apply for financial aid but can only apply 6 credit hours’ worth of certificate coursework towards their desired graduate program. Likewise, non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid but can apply up to 9 credit hours towards a graduate program. For more information, please refer to the Office of Admissions.