Public Health Advocacy Certificate Program

Advocacy—working for policy change and better implementation of existing policies—is crucial to public health. As research and discovery are translated into policies and programs, the accurate interpretation and use of evidence are essential to political leaders, health care providers, potential clients, and the public at large.

Certificate program coursework will allow students to engage deeply with core theories and skills in public health advocacy, and to augment these with an understanding of how to apply these in a variety of policy and geographic settings. The certificate program will complement students’ options for training in public health policy making with theoretical and practical insights into the role of advocacy in this process.

Educational Objectives

The primary goal of the certificate is to develop students’ abilities to translate research into practice, use evidence to inform public health policy, shift social norms and attitudes, and improve public health. The curriculum enables students to understand advocacy methods and apply evidence. Additionally, the program offers practical experience in public health advocacy. 

Upon successful completion of the certificate program, students will be able to:

1.   Discuss the role of political actors inside and outside governments in developing and implementing health policy

2. Identify other actors in the policy making process and how actors such as the media help shape policy

3. Improve policies and laws and their development, adoption, and implementation 

4. Increase and influence better use of resources for interventions and scientific inquiry 

5. Set agendas in policy circles and the media environment through higher visibility and understanding of issues

6. Shift public attitudes, behaviors, and social norms toward better public health.

Please visit our Academic Catalogue to see the full certificate curriculum requirements. Please also review the certificate completion requirements.