The MCH certificate prepares students to lead in advancing the health and equity of women, children and families. Engage in a vibrant, equity-focused MCH student community and develop methodological skills and a core knowledge base in the unique health needs facing MCH populations. Gain the ability to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in identifying and addressing health inequities/disparities through experiential learning opportunities.
- 300+ hours of training including 15 credits didactic learning (core coursework plus electives)
- participation in Maternal and Child Health Equity Scholars
- writing labs and skill building workshops
- doctoral students present work at a conference or author a manuscript
- annual symposium participation
- stipend available
Academic Requirements
Core Courses (6-8 credits)
- PUBHLT 2019 Public Health Special Studies (Maternal and Child Health Leadership 1)
- BCHS 2575 Seminar in Maternal and Child Health
- PUBHLT 2033 Foundations in Public Health; or PUBHLT 2011 Essentials in Public Health
Electives (7-9 credits)
- EPIDEM 2709 Epidemiology of Women’s Health
- EPIDEM 2725 Reproductive Development from Model Organisms to Humans
- EPIDEM 2719 Reproductive Epidemiology
- EPIDEM 2310 Psychiatric Epidemiology
- NUR 3075 State of the Science: Women’s Health
- BCHS 2524 Overview of Health Equity
- HUGEN 2020 Introduction to Population Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology
- HUGEN 2060 Chromosomes - Structure and Function
- HUGEN 2049 Introduction to Public Health Genetics
- HUGEN 2056 Genetic Conditions and Public Health Programs
- PUBHLT 2500 Integrative Seminar in Health Equity
- PUBHLT 2501 Health Equity Research: Methods and Interventions
- PUBHLT 2034 Public Health Communications
- PUBHLT 2025 Concepts and Methods in Global Health
- EOH 2140 Climate Change and Human Health
- EOH 2504 Principles of Environmental Exposure
- IDM 2038 Prevention, Treatment, and Control of Global Infectious Diseases
- ECON 3430 Topics in Labor and Health Economics
Admissions
The certificate is also open to Pitt graduate students across all programs with special emphasis on health sciences, social work and related fields. Applications are reviewed by the certificate program admissions committee.
Current graduate-level Pitt Public Health students can apply by emailing a brief statement to Hadley Zonay, admissions coordinator, which includes name, current program, and unofficial Pitt transcript. In addition, a personal statement is required which describes their interest in the certificate program and commitment to MCH. The statement should be submitted to Hadley Zonay as an attached PDF with a word range of 350-500 words.
Other graduate level University of Pittsburgh students should follow application instructions at
The certificate program reviews applications for Fall admission only. The priority application deadline is July 17, and final deadline is August 7. Note that graduate students who are not currently registered at Pitt Public Health will need to apply through SOPHAS Express, which closes on August 1. Please plan accordingly so that the application is submitted by the close date. See link above for more details about the application process.
This certificate is managed by the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health and the Center for Health Equity.
