Program Description

The Certificate in Health Health Disparities and Health Equity is guided by the core principle that health is a right, not a privilege. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, health disparities and health inequity were some of the greatest challenges facing the United States and the world. The pandemic and the national re-engagement on issues of racial inequity have highlighted the urgent need for the United States to effectively address health equity and the possibilities for work and career opportunities for people with the requisite knowledge and skills. Springfield College can assist graduate students and working professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to work towards health equity and social justice.

The Certificate in Health Disparities and Health Equity is delivered in a 100% online, asynchronous format. The program provides academic training for individuals who wish to gain a new understanding of health disparities through the lens of health equity and social justice. The certificate program can be completed in as few as 2-3 semesters, or as many as 6 semesters, depending on student desire for completion. Through a mix of required and elective courses consisting of 16 credit hours, students will examine critical and complex health promotion, health equity and social justice challenges, both nationally and internationally.  Students will develop a deeper understanding of the economic, social, environmental, political, and health care issues impacting vulnerable populations. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to drive policy changes, evaluate needs, identify assets, and solve pressing health-related challenges.

I. Degree Requirements (16 credits)