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Online Certificate in Foundations of Public Health Practice

For those who are working to protect human health, understanding the health care industry is critical. The online Certificate in Foundations of Public Health Practice provides valuable insights into designing interventions, addressing evolving health threats and navigating policy and legal challenges. This program can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health.

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About This Certificate

The online Certificate in Foundations of Public Health Practice offers a comprehensive exploration of environmental health, policy, prevention programming, health services administration and contemporary public health issues.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health are required to complete this certificate as part of the bachelor’s curriculum. However, this program can be added on to a different bachelor’s degree or completed as a stand-alone certificate.

Read: What is a Certificate, Credential, Emphasis or Minor?

Program Details

How to Apply

Admission to this program is dependent upon admission to Boise State University with a minimum of 45 previously earned credits and a 2.25 cumulative GPA or higher. If you do not meet these admission requirements, we will review your application and work with you to remove any barriers.

When applying to Boise State, select “Certificate in Foundations of Public Health Practice (online)” from the program or certificate drop-down list on the degree path page.

If you are a current, degree-seeking Boise State student, you do not need to resubmit your application. To declare a certificate, add it by using Change My Major in your my.boisestate account.

Students who are completing this certificate as part of the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health must meet the admission requirements set by the program.

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Classes and Scheduling

The online public health practice certificate is a 15-credit program comprised of five required courses. Review the following table for details on this certificate’s required courses.

Course TypeCourse TypeCredits
RequiredPUBH 210 Health Services Administration (7-week class)3
RequiredPUBH 230 Healthy People, Healthy Environments (7-week class)3
RequiredPUBH 315 Health Policy and Ethics (7-week class)3
RequiredPUBH 340 Prevention and Intervention Programming (7-week class)3
RequiredPUBH 498 Seminar (15-week class)3

This content is provided as a quick reference for planning your academic schedule. All official course descriptions and degree requirements are published on the undergraduate catalog site.

Program Costs

The following table outlines the total cost to complete the online Certificate in Foundations of Public Health Practice.

DescriptionCost
Boise State Undergraduate Application Fee (non-refundable)$50
Courses (15 total credits @ $375 per credit*)$5,625
Books (estimate) Instructors make use of open educational resources and other materials that are free to students whenever possible. However, low-cost textbooks may be required if free content is unavailable.$200
Graduation Application Fee$20
Approximate Total Investment$5,895
Other potential expenses may include a personal computer, webcam, headphones with a microphone and internet access — all of which are required for this program.Varies
Room/Board**$5,688
Transportation**$1,248

*The per-credit fees listed are for the 2023-24 academic year. Future academic year per-credit fees may vary slightly and are finalized each May.

**Costs for room, board and transportation are used to calculate financial aid and are included to disclose the full cost of attendance. These costs are not required for students pursuing a fully online degree.

Note to Boise State and other Idaho higher education employees: Fee waivers do not apply to this program.

Career Opportunities

The public health field is expected to grow 7% between 2022 and 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Gain hands-on experience in the public health field, develop your leadership skills and network with other learners across the country.

Possible careers include:

  • Health Education Assistant
  • Public Health Benefits Navigator

Student Support

From application to graduation, students are supported throughout their education journey at Boise State.

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Add an online certificate to your existing degree plan or complete it as a stand-alone credential.

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Contact our enrollment and student success team for support by emailing us at OnlinePublicHealth@boisestate.edu, calling (208) 426-5921 or clicking the chat button.

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