Behavioral Science and Health Equity, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Students who receive a certificate in behavioral science and health equity from Saint Louis University will learn skills enabling them to improve public health by developing, promoting and researching community-wide initiatives encouraging healthy living practices to prevent disease and injury.

Behavioral science and health equity certificate students at SLU study why people behave the way they do in relation to their health and wellness. In your certificate courses, you will be exposed to: 

• Applying conceptual models and theories at multiple ecological levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy).
• Examining risk factors and determinants of specific health threats at multiple ecological levels.
• Assessing needs, assets, resources and capacity for social and behavioral science interventions at multiple levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy).
• Planning theory and evidence-based interventions (program/policy/environmental change) to improve health.
• Collaborating to implement public health-related programs, policies and environmental changes.
• Developing programs, policies and environmental strategies that address social determinants.
• Conducting evaluations (process, impact and outcome) of public health-related interventions using multiple methods.

Curriculum Overview

The certificate in behavioral science and health equity is designed for three distinct audiences: 

1. Students actively pursuing their M.P.H. at Saint Louis University in a concentration other than behavioral science and health equity.
2. Graduate students at Saint Louis University in other programs who want skills in program planning and evaluation.
3. Professionals who wish to gain additional skills in behavioral science and health equity.

This 12-credit certificate can be completed over one to two years and is offered in-person.

Careers

Behavioral scientists work in a variety of settings including public, private and nonprofit sectors. SLU's public health graduates are employed at federal, state and local health agencies, consulting firms, consumer advocacy organizations, community-based organizations, and health care-aligned agencies. Students building skills in behavioral science and health equity may be interested in working for agencies that: 

• Assess and implement health promotion interventions, such as smoking-cessation programs.
• Develop programs and effective communication strategies to help young people avoid alcohol and substance abuse.
• Help curb the spread of STDs, such as cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS.
• Identify and promote health literacy and health communications strategies through the improved translation and dissemination of health discoveries.
• Improve the quality of life for the growing population of senior citizens.
• Reduce obesity and chronic health problems in youth and adult populations and in underserved urban or rural communities.
• Research complex health issues so communities can improve access to important resources and services.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree, preferably with a minimum 3.00 grade point average. Applications are reviewed on a holistic and rolling basis. To apply, applicants will need to submit their transcripts, CV, personal statement and two letters of recommendation through SOPHAS Express, the common application system for public health schools and programs.  

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarship and Financial Aid

For more information about Saint Louis University scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services online at slu.edu/financial-aid.  

Accreditation

Saint Louis University's College for Public Health and Social Justice is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To see our most recent accreditation documentation, please visit the College for Public Health and Social Justice website.

1. Apply conceptual approaches to understand and change behaviors and structures at multiple ecological levels.

2. Describe health threats and assets at multiple ecological levels to guide intervention and policy.

3. Integrate needs, assets, resources and capacity to develop interventions at multiple ecological levels.

4. Collaborate with multisector partners to apply theory and evidence to implement public health interventions.

5. Design evaluations (process, impact and outcome) of public health-related interventions using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of graduate recruitment and admissions 
bernard.backer@slu.edu 
314-977-8144