Public Health
Program Overview
The Public Health undergraduate certificate integrates key aspects of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, communities, and individuals. The certificate program is aimed at students who are interested in gaining exposure to the field of public health, do not intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree, or already hold a bachelor’s or associate degree and wish to broaden their knowledge of public health. Certificate graduates have an understanding of emerging issues in public health, the social and behavioral aspects to preventing disease, environmental health concepts, the changing U.S. healthcare system, and the monitoring of diseases in the community through applied public health research.
The Certificate in Public Health is intended for non-public health majors and anyone interested in obtaining knowledge about public health concepts to enhance their ability to succeed in their chosen field. Nursing students will learn to apply their clinical skills in a health department or community health center. Biology and chemistry students will be better equipped to work as environmental health specialists. Health education students will gain the background to better prepare them to work in health departments and community-based organizations. Students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree should consider the Public Health Minor.
Accreditation:
The Kent State University College of Public Health has received accreditation from the Board of Councilors of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Admissions Requirements
The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents, and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.
First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: FIrst-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based on cumulative grade point average, the strength of the high school college preparatory curriculum, and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.
First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: FIrst-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Check with a regional campus admissions office to determine application requirements, as they may differ among campuses.
International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, or minimum 48 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score; or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.
Transfer Students: For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.
Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the re-enrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.
Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $575.70 | $1,727.10 | $10,400 part-time1 $6,300 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $585.70 | $1,757.10 | $10,500 part-time3 $6,400-$6,500 full-time4 |
1The $575.70 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,336.70 applies to full-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester.
3The $585.70 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,336.70 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 12-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 12-18 semester credits or $120-$180).
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.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
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