There are three graduate certificate programs at the Department of Global and Community Health:
- Public Health Graduate Certificate, Generalist Concentration (this page)
- Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology
- Graduate Certificate in Global Health
The Public Health Graduate Certificate (Generalist concentration) allows students to take up to six core classes required of the MPH program without committing to a full degree program. Students pursuing the certificate program develop foundational competencies for public health practice.
The classes required to complete the Public Health Graduate Certificate (Generalist concentration) can be completed fully online, though some classes are also offered in-person.
Students who earn a “B” or better in all Public Health Graduate Certificate (Generalist concentration) courses can transition into the MPH program without a full SOPHAS application. Learn more about the transition from the certificate to the MPH.
View the program requirements in the University Catalog for the Public Health Graduate Certificate.
Note: We are not currently accepting applications for the Leadership and Management concentration of the Public Health Graduate certificate.
How to Apply
Current George Mason graduate students: Most graduate students already at George Mason can add the certificate after writing a short statement about their interest in the program, which is reviewed by the faculty in Department of Global and Community Health. Once approved, students complete a form to submit to the Office of the University Registrar. Questions about the process? Email the department at gch@gmu.edu.
Not currently a student? We accept outside applications through SOPHAS for a fall start only. Learn more about the SOPHAS application process. Questions? Email the College of Public Health Graduate Admissions Team or sign up to attend an information session.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Public Health Graduate Certificate
Is the Public Health Graduate Certificate (Generalist concentration) the right program for me?
Different types of students enroll in the Public Health Graduate Certificate (Generalist concentration), including:
- Individuals working in public health or another health-related field (e.g., nurses, federal contractors, health department employees) who do not have a prior degree in public health but who wish to advance their career or stay current on the best practices in the field of public health.
- Individuals working in fields outside of health who wish to make a career change.
- Graduate students at George Mason in other disciplines (e.g., communications, sociology, anthropology, health administration) who are interested in taking public health courses.
Should I apply to the MPH or the certificate?
If you are confident that you want an MPH, we advise you to apply to the MPH. If you want to develop general knowledge of best practices of a public health degree without committing to a full degree, apply to the certificate program.