Learn more about the graduate certificate in Interdisciplinary Health Communication.
About the Certificate
Addressing many public health priority problems requires a solid foundation of training in public health-related program planning, evaluation and research methods as well as effective and responsible communication strategies. Health communication strategies can facilitate dissemination of information about health risks, improve underserved populations’ access to services and navigation of healthcare systems, enhance the quality of patient care, improve healthcare decision-making, and influence adoption of healthier lifestyles in populations with elevated risk of chronic disease.
The graduate certificate in Interdisciplinary Health Communication (IHComm) is a 12-credit certificate program administered by the College of Public Health's Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) in collaboration with the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication to create opportunities for interdisciplinary training of their graduate students. The certificate program's name emphasizes the interdisciplinary structure of the curriculum and its instructors drawn from the College of Public Health and the Klein College of Media and Communication. The curriculum is designed to facilitate advanced knowledge and training in critical evaluation of public health problems and how to address them using health communication methods, applying key concepts and theories germane to public health and health communication interventions, and accessing research as guided by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH). Faculty within the certificate program have training and expertise across a dozen public health- and media-related disciplines, including advertising; communication; ecology; health communication; health psychology; health education and health promotion research; health systems research; media studies; public health program planning and evaluation; public relations; research methods in social, behavioral and communication sciences; and theories of communication and health behavior change.
The IHComm certificate is structured to enable its completion by existing graduate students enrolled in MPH and public health-related doctoral programs as well as Klein College’s Media and Communication PhD and Communication for Development and Social Change MS programs. In addition to MPH and Klein graduate students, the certificate is open for enrollment by graduate students in other programs throughout Temple University as well as non-matriculated, non-degree-seeking students as a continuing education certificate.
Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 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.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: The certificate program is open to non-matriculated graduate students.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall and Spring admissions are on a rolling basis.
For the Interdisciplinary Health Communication certificate, all applicants — whether currently enrolled graduate students or non-matriculated students — must apply via the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). The system can be accessed at https://sophas.liaisoncas.com/.
Applicants should check their application status on the SOPHAS portal often and inquire directly of SOPHAS about receipt of materials. For other questions, please contact the CPH Office of Admissions at cph@temple.edu or 215-204-5200.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required Only of Non-Matriculating Applicants: 2
From Whom: At least one letter of recommendation should be obtained from a college/university instructor, preferably at the graduate level.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree and provide transcripts as indicated:
- Applicants currently enrolled in a Temple graduate program must demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in completed coursework.
- Non-matriculating applicants must present a transcript demonstrating successful completion of the baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 OR a transcript demonstrating successful completion of a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Statement of Goals: State your career goals and describe how the certificate is relevant to those goals.
Resume: Current resume or CV required.
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:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GDC 8002 | Communication for Social Change Project Design | 3 |
| or CMGT 5002 | Leadership in Crises and Conflict Management | |
| SBS 8105 | Health Communication | 3 |
| Communication Elective | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Persuasion and the Marketplace | ||
| Communication Theory for Professionals | ||
| Research Approaches in Communication, Development and Social Change | ||
| Public Information Media Campaigns | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Public Health | ||
| Risk Communication and Public Health | ||
| Health Promotion in Vulnerable Populations | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum
Contacts
Certificate Program Web Address:
Admissions Information:
College of Public Health Office of Admissions
1101 W. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 370
Philadelphia, PA 19122-2715
215-204-5200
Submission Address for Application Materials:
IHComm Graduate Certificate Program
College of Public Health Office of Admissions
1101 W. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 370
Philadelphia, PA 19122-2715