Online Population Health Graduate Certificate

Develop skills needed to understand critical issues and challenges in the public health sector

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

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At a Glance

Advance your career with the University of Oklahoma’s online Graduate Certificate in Population Health—a strategic program designed for professionals who drive health outcomes, shape policy, or lead community wellness initiatives.

Offered through OU’s respected Hudson College of Public Health, the only CEPH-accredited public health college in Oklahoma, this flexible, 100% online certificate can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program equips professionals with the tools to analyze health data, design impactful interventions, and influence public health systems. Whether you’re in healthcare, government, nonprofit, or research, the Population Health Certificate empowers you to lead change and improve lives at scale.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

9+ months

Credit Hours:

12

Time Commitment:

15 to 20 hours weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, & Summer

cost

OU’s online Graduate Certificate in Population Health is designed for professionals who want to lead in public health strategy, data analysis, and community wellness.

Tuition and fees for the program are approximately: $6,900 ($575 per credit hour for 12 credit hours)

Books and additional materials are not included.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the Online Population Health Certificate

The University of Oklahoma’s online Graduate Population Health Certificate in Public Health is a 12-credit-hour program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead in today’s evolving public health landscape.

Delivered through OU’s Hudson College of Public Health—Oklahoma’s only accredited school of public health—the curriculum emphasizes population health strategies, health equity, and data-driven decision-making. Students explore topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences, gaining practical tools to improve health outcomes in diverse communities. Whether you work in healthcare, policy, or community-based organizations, this flexible, 100% online certificate prepares you to drive meaningful change and advance your career in public health.

Population Health Certificate: Career Opportunities and Industry Impact

The University of Oklahoma’s online Graduate Certificate in Population Health is a 12-credit-hour program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead in today’s evolving public health landscape. Delivered through OU’s Hudson College of Public Health—Oklahoma’s only accredited school of public health—the curriculum emphasizes population health strategies, health equity, and data-driven decision-making. Students explore topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences, gaining practical tools to improve health outcomes in diverse communities. Whether you work in healthcare, policy, or community-based organizations, this flexible, 100% online certificate prepares you to drive meaningful change and advance your career in public health.

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      Program Outcomes: What You'll Learn

      Program Outcomes: Public Health Expertise for Community Impact

      OU’s online Graduate Certificate in Population Health equips professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to lead confidently in health-focused roles. You’ll graduate prepared to analyze data, design interventions, and drive measurable improvements in health outcomes across diverse populations.

      Through this program, you’ll learn how to:

      • Apply population health strategies to improve community wellness
      • Analyze health data to identify disparities and inform decision-making
      • Evaluate environmental, behavioral, and social factors that influence public health
      • Promote health equity through evidence-based interventions
      • Communicate public health findings to stakeholders and communities
      • Collaborate across sectors to implement sustainable health initiatives
      • Advocate for policies that address systemic health challenges
      • Lead programs that respond to emerging public health needs

      Whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for a leadership transition, the Population Health Certificate gives you the tools to elevate your influence and create lasting impact.

      Program Outcomes: What You'll Learn

      Course Details

      OU’s Graduate Certificate in Population Health empowers professionals to lead with confidence in health-focused roles across sectors. Students begin the program with foundational coursework in population health and health disparities, then build expertise through core courses in epidemiology, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences. The program blends flexibility with connection through asynchronous courses designed for working professionals. Each course is structured to deliver practical public health insight, sharpen analytical thinking, and foster collaboration with faculty and peers—preparing graduates to improve health outcomes and promote equity in their communities.

      Principles of Epidemiology

      Credit Hours: 3

      This course provides an introduction to epidemiology for students majoring in any aspect of Public Health. The principles and methods of epidemiology investigation, both infectious and non-infectious diseases, are discussed.

      Environmental Health

      Credit Hours: 3

      The effects of the environment on health. Consideration is given to urban water supply and wastewater disposal, air quality control, solid and hazardous wastes, and sanitation.

      Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

      Credit Hours: 3

      Introduction to basic concepts of social and behavioral sciences in public health theory and practice. Social factors influencing health outcomes, theories of health behavior, and health promotion at the community level are emphasized.

      U.S. Health Care System

      Credit Hours: 3

      This course focuses on the history and structure of health organizations in the U.S. Also examined are the functional interrelations among institutional and financial arrangements in the health industry. The course concludes with a comparison of international health systems.

      Why OU

      Why OU Online Delivers Excellence in Population Health

      OU Online delivers high-quality, career-focused graduate programs built for working professionals—combining the flexibility of a 100% online format with the academic excellence of a top-tier public university. Offered through the University of Oklahoma’s CEPH-accredited Hudson College of Public Health, the Population Health Certificate prepares professionals to lead in health-focused roles across sectors.

      With a curriculum grounded in population health strategies, health equity, and data analytics, this certificate equips you to improve outcomes, advocate for communities, and drive change in a rapidly evolving field. OU Online’s student-centered approach ensures you receive personalized support, expert instruction, and a flexible learning experience that fits your schedule and goals.

      Expert Faculty Driving Public Health Innovation

      The Population Health Certificate is powered by renowned faculty at the University of Oklahoma, professionals who bring real-world experience into every course. OU Online connects students with leading researchers, public health practitioners, and policy experts who are actively shaping the future of population health.

      Through this dynamic blend of academic excellence and industry insight, students gain access to cutting-edge strategies, evidence-based practices, and mentorship from experts who understand the challenges and opportunities in today’s public health landscape. OU’s faculty are committed to preparing you for career advancement and community impact—delivering a curriculum that’s as relevant as it is rigorous.

      Robust Student Support

      OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your leadership and finance skills while maintaining full-time employment.

      Global Alumni Network

      OU offers a tremendous alumni base in the financial sector and rich experience among the program’s students. With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of healthcare leaders to accelerate your career.

      Why OU

      Flexible Format

      The Population Health Certificate is delivered 100% online in a flexible format designed for working professionals. Complete the program in as little as 9 months while balancing full-time work and personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain the skills to lead in health strategy, equity, and data-driven decision-making

      Tailored Experience

      Courses in the Population Health Certificate combine the flexibility of asynchronous learning with personalized instruction and real-world relevance. Students build a strong foundation in population health and health equity, then deepen their expertise through targeted coursework in epidemiology, environmental health, and behavioral science.

      The program’s customizable format allows professionals to align their learning with career goals—whether in healthcare, policy, or community leadership—while staying engaged through collaboration with expert faculty and peers.

      When you are part of an online public health program at the University of Oklahoma, you are connected to one of only 67 accredited schools of public health in the United States. Our exceptional faculty, active research program, and rigorous online curriculum will prepare you to make an immediate impact in the workplace and your community.
      Dr. Dale Bratzler
      Dean, Hudson College of Public Health,
      Cost & Financial Aid

      Cost & Financial Aid

      As you consider the Population Health graduate certificate, focus on the potential return on investment. The credential you’ll earn not only gives you knowledge and skills in high demand by employers but also gives you access to career support and an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community.

      Tuition and fees for the program are approximately: $6,900 ($575 per credit hour for 12 credit hours)

      Books and additional materials are not included.

      Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. For questions about financial aid for your online program, visit Student Financial Aid for OU Health.

      A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

      * Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

      Cost & Financial Aid

      Take the Next Step

      To apply to the online Population Health Certificate in Public Health, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) and complete the online application.

      Admission Requirements

      • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent)
      • Must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended
      • Grade point average requirement on a 4.00 scale can be met by any of the following:
        • 3.00 in bachelor’s degree cumulative GPA
        • 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours of upper-division coursework applied to the bachelor’s degree
        • 3.00 in the master’s degree (or higher) cumulative GPA
        • 3.00 in the last 12 or more hours of graded graduate-level coursework
      Applicants may be considered for admission on probation to the certificate program if their cumulative GPA, last 60 credit hours GPA, master’s degree GPA, or 12 or more hours of graded graduate coursework GPA is at least a 2.75. Probationary admission requires the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If admitted, the student must then earn at least a 3.00 grade point average in the initial nine credit hours of required graded graduate coursework to continue in the certificate program. These nine credit hours are expected to be completed within one calendar year following initial enrollment.

      Requirements for International Students

      If you are an international applicant, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency. This can be satisfied by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the minimum required score. Additional information about the English proficiency requirement is available at OU Health Sciences' English Proficiency Requirements. Please note that international students are not eligible for an F1 Student Visa status for this program because it is 100% online.

      Application Timeline

      The admissions committee operates under a rolling admission process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before classes start. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

      Step 1

      Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

      Step 2

      Step 3

      Complete the application and submit the following with your online application:

      • A professional resume or CV that includes past education and work experience
      • Written personal statement on career goals
      • TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose first language is not English.
      • All official transcripts from previously attended institutions by following these instructions..

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      YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

      Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

      By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

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