Frequently Asked Questions for Certificate Programs

Who is eligible to apply to a certificate program?

Eligibility requirements vary. You should review the information for your certificate of interest carefully.

Applicants not currently enrolled in a Johns Hopkins degree program must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have a strong academic record.

Is visa sponsorship provided for international students applying to certificate programs?

Certificate programs completed outside the Summer Institutes do NOT qualify for visa sponsorship.  Most international students are advised to consider certificate programs that can be completed online from their country of residence.  Legal Permanent Residents and non-immigrants who are otherwise physically present in the US and in a status that allows for study may be eligible to pursue a certificate program in person at the Bloomberg School.

When are courses taught?

The Bloomberg academic year consists of five eight-week terms: two in the fall, two in the spring and one in the summer. Most on-campus Bloomberg courses are taught during the work week (Monday-Friday) between 8:30 and 5:00. The term, venue and time for each course may be found in the BSPH course directory.

Can certificates be earned part-time?

Non-degree students may earn certificates part-time. Degree students earn the certificate concurrently with their degree or training program.

How long does it take to complete a certificate program?

Certificate program length varies by the number of required term credits, when courses are offered, and each student’s schedule.

Students do not need to enroll in certificate courses during consecutive terms, but must complete the program within three years.

Can certificate courses be taken pass/fail?

All required or core certificate courses must be taken for a letter grade unless the course is only offered pass/fail. The certificate program determines whether elective courses may be taken pass/fail. Certificate courses cannot be audited.

How do I register for courses if I am a non-degree student or a student enrolled in a graduate degree program in a different division of JHU?

The certificate program will inform each applicant of its admission decision. Accepted students will also receive an email with instructions for registering. Students wishing to take an online course must first complete the non-credit/free Introduction to Online Learning. During their first term of taking certificate courses at the Bloomberg School for academic credit, they will also need to complete  550.860 Academic and Research Ethics at the Bloomberg School.

What is a Notification of Completion?

Please read this page that addresses certificate program completion for complete information about notifying the School that you have completed your certificate program. 

Can courses taken before being accepted into the certificate program be counted towards the certificate?

For students not currently enrolled in a BSPH degree program, up to six term credits for courses taken before being admitted to the certificate program may be applied toward the certificate. BSPH degree students should follow the parameters set by their certificate program as far as how many credits may be taken before applying. 

Can certificate courses be counted towards a BSPH degree?

Typically, up to 16 term credits taken as a non-degree student may later be applied to a Bloomberg School degree program. The courses must be applicable to the degree and completed no more than five years before matriculating to the degree program. The process is not automatic and the final decision rests with the degree program; if you are planning to apply to a BSPH degree program upon completion of a certificate program, it's a good idea to contact the degree program first, to verify how many completed academic credits the program will accept. 

Upon completion of a certificate program, will I be considered a BSPH alum and have access to alumni privileges? 

Only those students who successfully complete a degree program at BSPH are considered alumni. Individuals who complete a certificate program will receive a certificate diploma suitable for framing and display, and a BSPH transcript indicating that they have completed the certificate program. 

What is the Tuition for a Certificate Program at BSPH?

Please visit the page on the BSPH website that addresses certificate program tuition.