COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Learn more about the graduate certificate in Maternal and Child Health.

About the Certificate

The need for training public health students in maternal and child health (MCH) is undeniable. The U.S. ranks poorly with stark racial disparities on many MCH health indicators. For example, the maternal mortality ratio reached 42.4 in non-Hispanic Black women in 2017, among the highest in the developed world. Nearly 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Chronic disease and opioid use in women are increasing and, thereby, contributing to low mortality rates. In addition, child and youth health concerns include obesity at 19% and 8% for asthma. Overall, 30.7% of Philadelphia mothers receive inadequate prenatal care; the infant mortality rate is 8.24 per 100,000 live births, with a rate of 13.3 in North Philadelphia; 10.4% of infants are preterm; and child asthma hospitalization rates are 727.3/100,000. Local teen births are double U.S. rates. Other pressing concerns are housing conditions, violence and sexually transmitted infection rates in youth.

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) graduate certificate is poised to make a significant impact. Jointly administered by the Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) and Epidemiology and Biostatistics (EPBI), the MCH certificate program promotes interdisciplinary training of graduate students, with a curriculum that is designed to draw graduate students largely from MPH and MSW training programs. The certificate curriculum includes two three-credit core courses, one in SBS and one in EPBI, and two additional three-credit electives. The curriculum facilitates advanced knowledge, training and skills to enter the MCH workforce and support Title V programs, as guided by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 3 years

Campus Location: Main and Online

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The graduate certificate may be completed on a part-time basis. NOTE: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program. Please contact the CPH Office of Admissions for more information.

Job Prospects: Demand is growing for public health professionals who have taken advanced coursework in maternal and child health and can demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills. Graduates are sought by:

• Local, state, federal and international public health agencies;
• Hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation and hospice-care facilities;
• Community-based organizations and nonprofits;
• Schools and educational institutions; and
• Healthcare continuing education and training centers.

Graduates with advanced training in maternal and child health are prepared for employment as a community health worker, health educator, MCH epidemiologist, program evaluation specialist, program manager/coordinator, public health policy analyst, public health researcher, and youth and family advocate. Pursuit of an advanced degree is also an option.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: The certificate program is currently not open to non-matriculated graduate students. It is structured to be completed by graduate students currently enrolled in MPH and public health-related doctoral programs or in other graduate programs at Temple. Students are permitted to take up to 9 credits of certificate coursework before applying. Those who are accepted into the certificate program may then apply the coursework completed prior to matriculation toward the certificate requirements. Matriculation is required to earn the certificate.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:
Fall and Spring admissions are on a rolling basis. Students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program in Temple University's College of Public Health or other graduate programs at Temple are welcome to apply to the graduate certificate program in Maternal and Child Health. For more information on how to apply, interested applicants should contact Natasha Benoit, Senior Academic Advisor, at nbenoit@temple.edu or 215-204-5105.

Laptop: All incoming students in the College of Public Health are required to have a laptop. Academic programs in the college are technology intensive. They incorporate statistical and database analyses; utilize specialized tools for athletic training, kinesiology and physical therapy; stream audio and video for communication sciences; facilitate online interactive counseling for social work; and foster clinical experiences and online assessments. The laptop requirement enables the College of Public Health to improve opportunities for active learning and provide greater access to specialized software and required tools in and out of the classroom, better preparing students for the workforce. Learn more about device specifications and suggested vendors. Students can use excess financial aid (i.e., funds that are reimbursed after all tuition and fees are paid) to meet student needs, including the purchase of a laptop. Scholarships may also provide funding.

Certificate Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 12 

Required Courses:

GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 2.67 minimum. All four courses chosen toward completion of the MCH graduate certificate must be completed with at least a "B-" or better to receive the certificate. Students must also maintain good academic standing.

Contacts

Department Contacts: