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Certificate of Graduate Study in
Health Disparities

Promote Equal Access to Health Services for Minority Populations

Tackle problems of inequality by improving your cultural competence and leadership skills as you study interdisciplinary strategies that can eliminate health disparities in the United States.

The health disparities certificate program is jointly offered by the School of Education, School of Social Welfare, and the College of Integrated Health Sciences at UAlbany.

The program covers why and how health care access and the incidence of disease and disability differs between groups. Help fight racial, age, economic, sexuality, disability, geographic, and gender-based inequities by learning how to advocate for underserved populations and change the way health organizations serve these communities.

This certificate can be a stand-alone certificate or added to a degree program.

Program of Study

The 12-credit program includes one mandatory course and four courses chosen from select offerings in specific topics. You must take courses in at least two of the three schools (public health, social welfare, and education).


Courses Include

Health Disparities and Vulnerable Populations (College of Integrated Health Sciences)

Examine why certain groups experience disparities in access to services and outcomes and apply what you learn to your work as a public health professional or academic researcher. Course material draws from the fields of public health, psychology, political science, disability studies, and gender studies.


Multicultural Practice: Choose One

  • Cultural Diversity in Social Work Practice* (School of Social Welfare)
  • Multicultural Perspectives: Counseling Theory and Practice (School of Education)
  • Multicultural Counseling (School of Education)

Community Partnerships: Choose One

  • Community Building* (School of Social Welfare)
  • Community-Based Public Health (College of Integrated Health Sciences)


Public Health Leadership: Choose One

  • Public Health Leadership (College of Integrated Health Sciences)
  • Leadership in Human Service Organizations (School of Social Welfare)


*Prerequisites waived for students earning the health disparities certificate.

 

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Allison Appleton at [email protected].

Career Outcomes

The health disparities certificate program supports the practical interests of public health professionals, social workers, educational psychologists, medical clinicians, researchers, and community program managers who want to take on positions of leadership and work with diverse populations.

Earning this certificate can help you stand out next to other candidates when applying for jobs with organizations that aim to reduce disease, death, and disability and increase access to health services among minority groups.

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careers

Admission Requirements

Deadlines

Fall, Spring: Rolling

Certificate in Health Disparities Application

The application and all supporting materials must be submitted directly to The Graduate School at the University at Albany.

Application Requirements

  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing

For application specific questions, contact us at [email protected] or 518-402-0361.

International Requirements

  • International students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 98, IELTS score of 7.0, or Duolingo score of 125. We will only accept official scores sent by the testing institution.
  • UAlbany SOPHAS TOEFL code is 2532. We do not use department codes. For electronic IELTS score results reporting, provide the following information to your test center:
    University at Albany (SUNY)
    1400 Washington Avenue
    Albany, NY 12222
  • The TOEFL or IELTS is not required for international students who have completed at least four semesters of full-time study within a four-year time frame from time of application, and maintained at least a B average at a college or university in the United States or a country from an approved list.  For questions regarding English Language Proficiency waivers, please email Soha Acosta at [email protected].

Required Application Materials

Official transcripts

  • Official transcripts from EVERY post-secondary academic institution attended, including college coursework completed during high school, must be sent directly from the institution to University at Albany Office of Graduate Admissions. You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. 

Three letters of recommendation

  • Preferably faculty or supervisors in a health-related field
  • Letters must be signed and on institutional/organizational letterhead

Personal Statement

  • Why do you wish to pursue this certificate and why are you interested in your chosen area of concentration?  The statement must include a discussion of two issues related to health disparities in the contemporary US
  • 1500 word limit

CV/Resume

Application Information for Current UAlbany Students

Current UAlbany students should login to MyUAlbany and follow these steps to apply:

  1. In the MyUAlbany portal, select the Graduate Education tab at the top of the page.
  2. At the bottom left of the page under Application and Graduation Information, select Supplemental Degree Application.
  3. Click on the Supplemental Degree Application icon.
  4. Click the Add To Cart button.
  5. Fill out the form. Select your current degree level and current program name. Make sure to enter "Graduate Certificate in Health Disparities" in the Requested Supplemental Degree Program Name field and select CGS in the Requested Supplemental Degree dropdown menu.
  6. Click Continue to submit your supplemental application form.
  7. Select Checkout to submit your payment information.


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