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  • Online Graduate Certificate in Urban Health

    Urban Studies and Public Health Online Graduate Certificate

    Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health’s online Graduate Certificate in Urban Health is designed to provide you with an introduction to urban health practice techniques that help you build foundational knowledge in the field. With a curriculum that puts an emphasis on built environment, healthy housing, and ecological concerns, you will learn how to become a culturally competent public health professional and apply your knowledge to real-world problems.

    Program at a Glance

    • 18 quarter credits
    • Urban health industry-experienced faculty from Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health
    • Drexel is the first institution in Philadelphia to be accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH)
    • 100% online
    • Upon completion of the Certificate in Urban Health, you'll earn 18 quarter credits that may be transferred into our online Master of Public Health program
    • Drexel Dornsife is ranked #1 in Philadelphia and in the top 15% in the nation for graduate schools of public health by U.S. News & World Report
    • No GRE required

    In the Program, You'll Learn To:

    • Apply theories and frameworks from urban social sciences to identify social and other determinants of health and develop solutions to major urban health problems
    • Critique policies and programs that contribute to promoting the health of urban populations and reducing urban health inequalities
    • Engage various constituencies, including policymakers, community residents and leaders, civil society organizations, social movements, and public agencies, in identifying and reducing health problems facing cities
    • Recognize ecological models to identify appropriate solutions to the health problems of cities at the individual, family, community, municipal, regional, national, and global levels
    • Select appropriate epidemiological methods to characterize patterns of health, disease, and inequalities in health in urban populations and subpopulations

    Is There a Relationship Between Urban Planning and Urban Health?

    Urban planners develop land use plans and programs. Their goal is to improve the welfare of communities by creating spaces that are convenient, healthy, and equitable. Their work extends into areas like transportation, housing, environmental protection, commercial buildings, and healthcare infrastructure.

    With their focus on health inequalities and vulnerable populations, the goals of urban health professionals often overlap with those of urban planners. Both study communities and strive to improve conditions. Together, they can use their research and resources to create safer, more equitable communities for all.

    Why Does Urban Health Matter?

    Currently, about 55% of the world’s population lives in cities, and that number is expected to rise over the next few decades. This means that the living conditions within cities continues to become more and more vital to the health of the overall population. And while there are benefits to living in cities (like access to top hospitals, for example), issues like health inequality can pose very real threats to many city dwellers. Urban health professionals work with vulnerable populations to address these inequalities and improve the lives of these communities.

    What Can You Do with a Certificate in Urban Health?

    Urban health professionals often work in areas like community health, health education, and research. Drexel graduates with backgrounds in urban health have gone on to find employment at organizations like:

    • Public health agencies in cities and/or states
    • Non-profits/philanthropies/NGOs (domestic or global)
    • National government organizations (e.g., CDC, NIH)
    • Private companies focused on urban health issues (e.g., insurance companies, hospitals, etc.)
    • Research organizations (e.g., universities, institutes, centers, hospitals, etc.)
    • Doctoral programs in public health, sociology, medicine, public policy, law, sociology, and anthropology

    Learn more about public health jobs.

    How Much Can You Make with a Graduate Certificate in Urban Health?

    Urban Health Graduate Certificate Salary Expectations

    Urban health professionals’ salaries will vary, depending on factors like location, title, years of experience, etc. Learn more about public health salaries.

    How Long Does It Take to Complete a Graduate Certificate in Urban Health?

    Drexel’s online Graduate Certificate in Urban Health is an 18-credit program that can be completed in as little as nine months.

    Unlike many universities, Drexel runs on a quarter system. This means that you’ll take classes during four, ten-week quarters each academic year. Learn more about the quarter system.

    Related Programs

    State restrictions may apply to some programs.