Earn Your Graduate Certificate in LGBTQ+ Public Health Online
As a public health, social services or healthcare professional, you can help increase knowledge about the needs of the diverse LGBTQ+ population and improve healthcare services and public health outcomes for this underserved community.
The online Graduate Certificate in LGBTQ+ Public Health from the Kent State University College of Public Health is an ideal additional credential if you seek to provide direct services, employ research best practices, engage in policy analysis and reform, or more effectively manage or direct organizations and agencies that serve the LGBTQ+ community.
$705 out of state
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Take your career to a higher level with Kent State’s affordable, flexible online Master of Public Health, Graduate Certificate in LGBTQ+ Public Health or Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. Our 100% online programs allow you to keep up with your current responsibilities while you study. Find out how these programs can help you create the career and positive public health impact you want to have.
Download our guide to learn more about:
- Career Opportunities
- Customizing Your Degree
- The Student Experience
- Admission Requirements
- Tuition and Financial Aid
Learn with Ohio’s Public Health Innovators
Kent State University’s College of Public Health (CPH) has established a record of innovative approaches to public health education since it was started in 2009. It was the first college in Ohio to offer a Bachelor in Public Health degree and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
The College of Public Health continues to blaze new trails with the first and only public health-focused LGBTQ+ studies certificate program in the state of Ohio. The certificate is available as a standalone credential or as part of the Master of Public Health degree with a specialization in Health Policy and Management or Social and Behavioral Sciences. The flexible program’s asynchronous course delivery helps working professionals pursue their educational goals in tandem with their other commitments and responsibilities.
Kent State University is proud to be recognized for outstanding service to the extended military community, and all students, with the Military Friendly Silver Designation.
For me, LGBTQ+ Health is about earning trust, figuring out ways to build and mobilize communities, advocating, educating, and more. This program not only matters to me as a member of the LGBTQ+ community but as an LGBTQ+ advocate and researcher dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+, especially BIPOC, community members.
Get the Most from Your Educational Investment
Compare Kent State University's online LGBTQ+ Public Health graduate certificate to other programs focused on public health and you'll find it offers superior quality, flexibility and value. The two-semester program is focused on what you need to know as a working professional, and the total tuition for Ohio and out-of-state residents is under $10,000. In addition, the program's asynchronous course delivery and customizable integrative learning experience ensure the certificate will fit in with your commitments and meet your needs.
LGBTQ+ Studies Certificate Program Overview
Become an informed, effective practitioner and make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ community members with the 13-credit hour Kent State online LGBTQ+ Public Health graduate certificate. Identify and address health disparities for sexual and gender minorities by examining them through social, economic and structural lenses.
Learn to promote health and healthy behavior through community- and systems-level strategies as you develop valuable advocacy, communication and leadership skills.
Collaborate with faculty to design an integrative learning experience and gain the knowledge and skills to lead in this growing area of healthcare, public health research and policy in as little as two semesters.
Master of Public Health Program Information
Develop a comprehensive suite of theoretical tools and frameworks to help you move the field of public health forward in the Kent State online Master of Public Health (MPH) program. The flexible, accredited and affordable program offers these degree specializations:
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
The online Master of Public Health includes 14 courses totaling 46 credit hours. If you choose to pursue an MPH degree with a specialization in Health Policy and Management or Social and Behavioral Sciences, you can add the online LGBTQ+ studies certificate program to your coursework. All the coursework for the LGBTQ+ health studies graduate certificate will transfer to the MPH degree.
Meet a Widespread Need in a Growing Field
Changes in the legal, cultural and demographic landscape of the United States have increased demand for a deeper understanding of the unique public health needs of LGBTQ+ communities and more culturally competent healthcare services providers.
Surveys by the Gallup organization and data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation indicate that 7.2% of the nearly 261 million U.S. adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender “or something other than heterosexual,” with younger demographic groups being more likely to identify themselves in one of those categories. According to Gallup, the percentage of adults identifying as LGBTQ+ has doubled in the last decade.1, 2
Increasing Recognition of Sexual and Gender Diversity
These sexual and gender minority populations have historically been poorly understood and poorly served. Not only have they faced cultural barriers to healthcare access including stigmatization and the denial of service, but they have also faced financial barriers including the lack of insurance and the high cost of care.3, 4
While significant progress has been made in recent years to address healthcare disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals, it's important to recognize that challenges still persist. The passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 marked a significant step forward, as it eased some of the financial burdens faced by LGBTQ+ people by expanding employer insurance coverage for same-sex spouses and improving individual access to marketplace insurance coverage. Additionally, organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) have issued policy statements supporting equitable healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals and have emphasized the importance of culturally competent care.5
Changing Times Drive Professional Demand
In response to evolving demographic trends and progressive government mandates and healthcare policies, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can effectively address the healthcare needs of diverse LGBTQ+ communities. To meet this increasing demand and make a meaningful impact in this field, consider enrolling in the Kent State online LGBTQ+ health policy graduate program.
Meet Community Needs with Help from Kent State
Kent State’s program is uniquely positioned to prepare you for a rewarding career in LGBTQ+ healthcare advocacy and policy. With a curriculum designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence required to provide inclusive and equitable care, you will be well-prepared to serve LGBTQ+ individuals effectively. Become part of the positive change happening in LGBTQ+ healthcare.
As a queer-identifying individual who actualized two major LGBTQ+ medical programs in the Cleveland area, I can attest to the detrimental impact of the discrimination of LGBTQ+ identifying people. This marginalization translates to financial, legal, social, emotional and health disparities, leaving a large number of individuals struggling to survive. Kent State University is working to eliminate these disparities through the graduate certificate program in LGBTQ+ public health.
Become an Effective Advocate for LGBTQ+ Public Health
Gain the skills you need to support this underserved population with the Kent State University online LGBTQ+ Public Health graduate certificate. Helping you through your graduate school journey is a top priority for Kent State, and our commitment to you begins with the admissions process. No GRE is required; instead, we rely on a holistic evaluation of your background and goals. We also purposefully designed our affordable program to allow you to study on your schedule and focus the certificate on your goals
Achieve Your Goals on Your Terms
Kent State University understands that you have other demands on your time. That’s why the online LGBTQ+ Public Health graduate certificate program is designed to fit into your busy life. To help you get the education you need without putting your life on hold, Kent State’s flexible, affordable program offers:
- 3 annual start dates
- No GRE requirement
- A powerful, user-friendly learning management system
- 4 focused 7-week courses and a full-semester integrative learning experience
Because the courses in the online LGBTQ+ Public Health graduate certificate curriculum are focused and fast-paced, you can earn your certificate in as little as two semesters. Kent State can help you achieve your professional public health goals on your terms.
Kent State’s graduate certificate program in LGBTQ+ Public Health has been an excellent platform for my professional development. It offers practical insights that I can readily apply to my role as Executive Director at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. The program's lectures, readings and class discussion posts equip me with knowledge that directly complements my work, enabling me to link the assignments to support our organization’s everyday activities and deliver program excellence.
What You Will Learn
Whether you work in healthcare, social services or public health, Kent State’s online LGBTQ+ Public Health graduate certificate is an excellent investment in yourself and your desire to serve. The skills and knowledge you will gain from the program can help you make a positive impact on the lives of others and empower you as a professional.
Through this program, you will acquire diverse skills and comprehensive knowledge that can not only enhance your career but also empower you to create a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of individuals within LGBTQ+ communities. Your journey in this program isn't just about education; it's about personal and professional transformation.
LGBTQ+ Public Health Graduate Certificate Program Outcomes
The program’s mix of information on foundational concepts in LGBTQ+ public health and the complex issues contributing to individual and public health disparities for members of LGBTQ+ communities helps you develop:
- The cultural competence to effectively engage and interact with diverse, multi-dimensional populations to develop programs and deliver LGBTQ+ health interventions
- Awareness of gaps in contemporary strategies for improving state, county and city government health and welfare services for LGBTQ+ people through understanding how sexual orientation and gender identity intersect with public health issues
- Deep understanding of public health's unique role in LQBTQ+ health gained from examining multilevel contributors to health disparities and learning evidence-based approaches to advancing health in LGBTQ+ communities
Career Outcomes with the LGBTQ+ Graduate Certificate
Invest in your professional growth and in shaping a healthier, more inclusive future with the affordable and convenient LGBTQ+ public health studies graduate certificate from Kent State. Graduates may pursue careers with:
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Research institutions
- Advocacy centers
- Healthcare providers and insurers
- Schools and higher education institutions
- Global health organizations
Learn more about potential careers in LGBTQ+ public health.
Build Your Skills With Public Health Experts
Kent State’s College of Public Health faculty bring years of diverse professional experience with them to inform your education. You’ll learn from expert public health practitioners and researchers who are moving public health forward with their work to understand and address the health disparities of LGBTQ+ communities through evidence-based public health practices.
Tuition and Financial Aid
| Ohio Resident | Out of State | |
| Per Credit Hour | $695 | $705 |
| Approximate Program Cost | $9,035* | $9,165* |
*Tuition and costs effective as of February 5, 2024. Tuition rates are not inclusive of textbooks and fees. Tuition and costs are subject to change and should be confirmed on the University’s official tuition listing at onlinedegrees.kent.edu/tuition-costs#cert.
An additional distance learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change. For comprehensive tuition information, please refer to the tuition rates posted on the Bursar’s website.
Kent State University recognizes that pursuing graduate education is a significant financial investment. Your admissions outreach advisor can answer your questions on program costs, discuss how a Kent State degree compares to others and connect you with financial aid representatives when you are ready to discuss your financial options.
Please contact an admissions outreach advisor for more information on tuition and fees either by email at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or toll-free at +1 844‑234‑4073.
Program Structure and Organization
The 13-credit-hour online LGBTQ+ Public Health graduate certificate comprises five courses, including the integrative learning experience. Four of the courses are 7-week courses, allowing you to take two classes per semester. The integrative learning experience is a full-semester course taken in your second semester.
Consolidate Your Learning With the Integrative Learning Experience
This course gives you the opportunity to design, implement and evaluate a 50-hour public health project, chosen in collaboration with the faculty. Devise a project suited to your career goals, including projects such as these:
- Review workplace LGBTQ+ policies and provide evidence-based recommendations
- Develop and implement an LGBTQ+ inclusive sexual health education program
- Implement an LGBTQ+ cultural competency training program for healthcare colleagues
- Assess health disparities among LGBTQ+ populations
- Create an LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare provider directory
Courses
SBS 54600 Emerging Issues in LGBTQ+ Public Health Practice (3 credit hours)
HPM 53010 Community Health Needs Assessment (3 credit hours)
SBS 54630 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in Public Health Practice (3 credit hours)
SBS 54634 Social Determinants of Health Behaviors (3 credit hours)
PH 61199 Integrative Learning Experience (1 credit hour)
Admissions Requirements
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), from an accredited university
- Application fee: $45
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Goal statement
- There are no requirements for the GRE, or recommendation letter
Language Proficiency for International Students
International students must provide proof of English language proficiency with an acceptable score on one of the following tests.
| Test | Minimum score |
| TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) | 550 |
| TOEFL IBT (internet-based test) | 79 |
| MELAB | 77 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 58 |
There are a limited number of specific exceptions to this requirement. Contact an admissions outreach advisor for more information.
The application process is simple and we’re here to guide you through it.
Admissions outreach advisors are available to answer your questions regarding admissions requirements for the program. If you have questions, please email us at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or call us toll-free at +1 844-234-4073.
Important Dates
Application FAQs
Begin your application by creating an account in the online application system to save your work and track the progress of materials submitted via the system.
I am a U.S. citizen. Where should I send my application materials?
Division of Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242
Please be sure to include your full name and Kent State ID (9 digit number starting with 8) on all submitted documents. For questions, contact Graduate Admissions at +1 330-672-2661 or gradapps@kent.edu.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Where should I send my application materials?
Office of Global Education
Kent State University
106 Van Campen Hall
625 Loop Rd.
Kent, OH 44242
USA
For questions, contact International Admissions at +1 330-672-7970 or intladm@kent.edu.
Build Your Career With an Online Graduate Certificate in LGBTQ+ Public Health
Explore the immersive online experience, Kent State's faculty roster and some of the diverse post-graduation career options.
Immersive Online Curriculum
Award-Winning Faculty
MPH Career Potential
Advance Your Career With Kent State
Important Dates
Recent Articles
- Retrieved on September 25, 2023, from news.gallup.com/poll/470708/lgbt-identification-steady.aspx
- Retrieved on September 25, 2023, from https://datacenter.aecf.org/data/tables/99-total-population-by-child-and-adult-populations
- Retrieved on September 25, 2023, from aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/lgbt-health-ib.pdf
- Retrieved on September 25, 2023, from files.kff.org/attachment/issue-brief-health-and-access-to-care-and-coverage-for-lgbt-individuals-in-the-u-s-2
- Retrieved on September 25, 2023, from nursingworld.org/~49866e/globalassets/practiceandpolicy/ethics/nursing-advocacy-for-lgbtq-populations.pdf