Public Health Sciences

The Office of Graduate Medical Education and the Department of Public Health Sciences (DPHS) co-sponsor the Certificate in Public Health Sciences for Resident and Fellow Physicians.Official University of Virginia Certificates are awarded upon completion of four graduate-level courses specifically designed for the program. Certificate courses are offered during two-week special terms, in July/August and January of each year. The required courses are “Fundamentals of Epidemiology” (summer) and “Introduction to Biostatistics” (January).

The certificate courses are Graduate School of Arts & Sciences courses that are officially recorded on university transcripts, and these courses cover the same material as regular semester-long courses on the same topics. Attendance at all class sessions, therefore, is required. It is understood that residents and fellows will have no clinical responsibilities (including continuity clinic) during the two-week course period. The academic credits earned can later be applied to the two graduate degree programs offered by the Department of Public Health Sciences: Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Clinical Research. All residents and fellows who meet eligibility requirements may apply to take courses in the Certificate Program. Tuition payments will be granted on a first-come, first serve basis to those who meet the eligibility requirements.