University of Maryland - Office of Professional Studies: Keep Learning

Public Health Informatics

Graduate Certificate Program

The Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Public Health Informatics features a curriculum rich in the latest scientific and technological principles and practices needed to advance a career in the fastest growing area of public health. Federal, state and local health and homeland security agencies are increasingly in need of professionals with information technology and informatics skills to assist in public health preparedness and health communications.

Program Best Suited for:

  • Federal and State Health Professionals
  • Homeland Security Policymakers
  • Nurses & Pharmacists
  • Epidemiologists & Infectious Disease Experts
  • Hospital Workers & Lab Technicians
  • Systems Management Professionals
  • Information Technology Professionals

Public Health Informatics - Admissions

Application Deadlines:

Term I (September 1, 2008 - November 21, 2008)
For Best Consideration: Aug 1
Final Deadline: Aug 15

Term II (December 1, 2008 - February 20, 2009)
For Best Consideration: November 1
Final Deadline: November 15

Term III (March 02, 2009 - May 22, 2009)
For Best Consideration: February 1
Final Deadline: February 15

Term IV (June 01, 2009 - August 21, 2009)
For Best Consideration: May 1
Final Deadline: May 15

Qualifications

The Graduate School requires all admitted graduate students to have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in another country. A GPA of 3.0 is required for admission into this program.

Application for the Public Health Informatics is a 4-step process:

  1. Submit a completed online application:
    • Click here to apply for the Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Public Health Informatics (12 credits).
  2. Submit the nonrefundable application fee of $60.
  3. Submit a complete set of transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and graduate work elected or in progress. Each transcript must bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution and should include the years of attendance, courses taken, grades received, class standing and the degree, certificate or diploma received. If you attended the University of Maryland, College Park the SPOC Office will obtain the records of College Park courses completed.
  4. Submit a current résumé

International students and applicants with foreign credentials must submit academic records in the original language with literal English translations. Allow at least three months for evaluation. TOEFL scores are also required for all international applicants. For information on additional documentation required by International Education Services, click here.

Registration information will be sent upon acceptance into the program.

All materials should be sent to:

By Mail:
SPOC - Public
1130 Mitchell Building
College Park, MD 20742
By e-mail:
spoc@umd.edu
By Fax:
301-314-7915

Special offer for UM alumni who are members of the Alumni Association! Enjoy a 5% tuition reduction for courses in the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (GCPS) programs. To receive this special offer, please complete the Alumni Tuition Application. Not a member? Join today!  Click here to apply NOW! 

Public Health Informatics - Courses

HLTH 688 V: Public Health Information Systems
This course includes 3 modules: technology, planning and management and applications in public health and health care. The emphasis is on conceptual frameworks as well as a deeper level of engagement on system applications. It focuses on the application of health technology, with a particular emphasis on the private/public sector of health management. It is designed to familiarize students with core concepts and issues confronting managers in the health sector associated with planning, implementation and evaluation of information systems. Syllabus (3 credits)

HLTH 688 U (HLTH688G Fall 2007 and beyond): Geographic Information Systems in Public Health Surveillance
The course provides an overview of the theory, processes and applications of geographic information systems and how they relate to public health surveillance. Students will gain exposure of the most recent development in the field, with particular focus on health surveillance and preparedness. It also provides a basic understanding of data standards and requirements, and the critical concepts and practice in mapping and interpreting health information in a geographically reference context. Syllabus (3 credits

HLTH 688 W: Information Management for Public Health Professionals
The course provides an overview of the theory, processes and applications of management information systems and how they relate to public health management. Students will gain competencies by working through exercises designed with EpiInfo, a software designed for Epidemiology practitioners made available by CDC to learn technical background, data standard and requirements and the critical concepts and practice in health information management. Syllabus (3 credits)

HLTH 688 Y: Advanced Health Informatics
This modules of advanced health informatics practice, including the research, evaluation and applications of informatics in public health and health care. The emphasis is on a deeper level of engagement on health system applications. Several important health monitoring systems, such as Community Health Information Systems, and NCI cancer mapping projects will be introduced. The emphasis is on the public sector of health management. It is designed to familiarize students with core concepts and issues confronting managers in the health sector associated with planning, implementation and evaluation of information systems. Syllabus (3 credits)

Public Health Informatics - Calendar

Term IV (June 2, 2008 - August 8, 2008)

  • HLTH 688 W: Information Management for Public Health Professionals
  • HLTH 688 Y: Advanced Health Informatics

2008-2009

Term I (September 1, 2008 - November 21, 2008)

  • HLTH688G: Geographic Information Systems in Public Health Surveillance
  • HTLH 688V: Public Health Information Systems

TERM II (December 1, 2008 - February 20, 2009)

  • HLTH688W: Information Management for Public Health Professionals
  • HLTH688Y: Advanced Health Informatics

Term III (March 02, 2009 - May 22, 2009)

  • HLTH688G: Geographic Information Systems in Public Health Surveillance
  • HTLH 688V: Public Health Information Systems

Term IV (June 01, 2009 - August 21, 2009)

  • HLTH688W: Information Management for Public Health Professionals
  • HLTH688Y: Advanced Health Informatics

Public Health Informatics - Tuition & Fees

Current charges (subject to change for 2008-2009)

Application Fee: $60 (nonrefundable)
Tuition: $1,275 per course
Online Studies Fee: $60 per semester

Supplies:

Supplies will vary by course and are not included in the tuition and fees listed here.

Late Registration Fee:

A late registration fee of $20 is charged to any student who registers for their first class on or after the first day the class meets.

Parking Fees:

Click here to access the Department of Transportation Services Web site for parking permit information. Parking permits are NOT required on campus for classes that begin after 4 p.m.

Please visit Billing and Payment for other important financial details.

Please Note: Although changes in tition and fees are ordinarily announced in advance, the University reserves the right to make such changes without previous announcement.