• Certificate in Public Health (CPH)
• Certificate in Epidemiology (CE)
• Certificate in Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS)
• Certificate in Public Health Administration (CPHA)

We are currently looking to fill at least 5 slots for a Summer 2024 start and another 10 slots for a Fall 2024 start.

Summer 2024 courses start on May 20, 2024

Fall 2024 courses start on (approximately) August 26, 2024.

All certificate programs are completed over 4 semesters or approximately 15 months. 

Each of the certificate programs is designed for Montana local and tribal public health employees who would benefit from formal public health training, as well as those who wish to broaden their knowledge of public health issues and concepts. The programs’ classes are graduate level, and individuals receive graduate credit for each completed class. At minimum, a bachelor’s degree, public health work experience, employment with a Montana public health department, and access to a computer and the internet are required to apply for the program. 

MPHTC has funding to award educational grants to several students. If approved and admitted, MPHTC will cover all tuition, fees and a flat rate textbook allowance.

1. Obtain approval from your Lead Local Public Health Official.
2. Complete the online MPHTC application for an educational grant by February 19, 2024.
3. MPHTC will notify applicants if approved for an educational grant.
4. Approved applicants will then complete the University of Montana online application.

• Maintain position with local or tribal health department in Montana for entire length of certificate program
• Maintain a grade of ‘B’ or higher in all certificate courses
• Participate fully in program activities to completion
• Engage weekly in program webinars and sessions

1. Complete the online application form found under the appropriate certificate
2. Obtain 3 letters of recommendation
3. Write a personal statement
4. Update your CV or resume
5. Obtain official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Visit the UM School of Public and Community Health Sciences website for more on requirements.

Visit the UM Graduate School’s website for more details on admission.

Note: GRE is not required for certificate programs.

Applications deadlines for the educational grant is February 19, 2024.

No, UM will review applications separately and decide based on their own criteria.

Applicants will be notified by March 1, 2024.  If they have been selected for a scholarship award by MPHTC and can apply to the program.  UM will notify applicants as soon as possible if they have been accepted.

No. You must have already completed a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university to participate in a certificate program. Certificate courses are graduate level courses.

1. Certificate in Public Health (CPH)

Students may take 4 public health core courses, or 3 core courses and 1 elective. Courses will be selected by students at the beginning of the program with a supervisor and UM advisor.

Note: An epidemiology course is REQUIRED.

*Note: Educational grant awardees are required to take either PUBH 510 or PUB 550.

2. Certificate in Epidemiology (CE)

Students are required to take 2 epidemiology courses and 2 elective courses. Courses will be selected by students at the beginning of the program with a supervisor and UM advisor. 

3. Certificate in Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS)

Students are required to take the following 4 core environmental health courses. 

4. Certificate in Public Health Administration (CPHA)

Students are required to take 1 public health administration course and 3 electives. Courses will be selected by students at the beginning of the program with a supervisor and UM advisor.

Note: An epidemiology course is REQUIRED.

All certificate programs will be held over a 15-month period. Each program requires 4 completed courses, or 1 course each semester. The program will follow UM’s scheduled breaks. For more information see the UM Academic Calendar.

Students are required to participate in weekly classes via webinar during work hours and complete weekly assignments throughout the program. Students should be willing to devote approximately 10 hours of course work to the program each week.

A certificate is a great way to get started on an MPH, though admission to a certificate program does not guarantee admission into the MPH program. Each certificate amounts to 12 graduate credits.

For detailed information and program curriculum visit the MPH website.

All courses are web-based and conducted through a distance learning platform.

Hardware requirements:

• 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor or better
• 128 MB or more of RAM
• 56 Kbps or better modem or DSL (recommended)
• 16 bit or better sound card and speakers
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Windows: Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows XP; Mac: OS 8 or greater
• Webcam and microphone (recommended)

Software requirements:

• Microsoft Office Suite (including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher or Netscape Navigator 6.X or higher
• Adobe Acrobat reader 4.0 or higher
• Latest version of Java
• Email that can send attachments

For further questions, please contact:

Montana Public Health Training Center

at mphtc@umontana.edu