Dec 30, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Global Health Communications Graduate Certificate


The online graduate certificate in Global Health Communications provides interdisciplinary training in key aspects of global public health and communications for public health professionals. Training is aimed at professionals in or seeking communications or public relations positions in health, including within the private non-profit and public sectors. Participants will be introduced to key trends in global health and the application of communications theories, strategies and methodologies to improve global public health. Courses are taken online through both the Keck School of Medicine (8 units) and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (4 units) for a total of 12 units. The program can be completed in as few as three semesters or over the course of three years.

Applicants for the certificate must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program and provide transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (if applicable), a resume and a statement of purpose. The GRE is not required. 

This certificate program can serve as a possible “stepping stone” toward the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. Up to 12 units may be applied toward both the certificate and the core or electives in the MPH. Note that students must apply and be admitted to the MPH program and must earn a grade of “B” or better in a course to be eligible to transfer that course toward the degree program. Completion of the certificate does not automatically guarantee admission to the MPH program.

The certificate in Global Health Communications is also open to students who are currently enrolled in another graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. These students only need to submit the appropriate paperwork, which may be obtained from the student services adviser, and pay associated tuition costs for adding the certificate program.

Required Courses


Students must complete the following courses for the certificate (12 units total).