Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Public Health is a 12-credit specialized program equipping students with necessary skills to address public health issues in Indigenous communities through multi-disciplinary approaches and culturally relevant strategies.
Students will receive foundational training in the core disciplines of public health: behavioral science, biostatistics/epidemiology, environmental health, health administration/policy and health education/promotion. These disciplines will be examined through an approach that engages the unique opportunities and challenges of working in Indigenous contexts.
Program Requirements
Courses will be delivered during week long Winter and Summer Institutes. Students will complete the certificate on a part-time basis over two to a maximum of four years, attending a total of four institutes and completing eight mandatory 1.5 credit courses.
- SPPH 576 (1.5): Introduction to Indigenous Health Research Ethics
- SPPH 577 (1.5): Environmental Health and Indigenous Communities
- SPPH 578 (1.5): Social Determinants of Indigenous Health
- SPPH 579 (1.5): Collecting, Analyzing and Using Public Health Data in Indigenous Communities
- SPPH 586 (1.5): Indigenous Health Policy in Canada
- SPPH 587 (1.5): Mental Health Care and Delivery in Indigenous Communities
- SPPH 588 (1.5): Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Indigenous Health Research
- SPPH 589 (1.5): Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Health of Indigenous Peoples
Admissions
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Public Health will be granted to students through standard and alternative pathways. All applicants are required to submit a personal statement, application form, official transcripts and current resume. Admissions will occur in both the Winter and Summer Institutes.
The School of Population and Public Health welcomes applications from Indigenous community members, Indigenous and non-Indigenous health professionals, paraprofessionals, researchers, and students from across the health sciences and other health-related disciplines. Priority will be given to Indigenous community members and health professionals, paraprofessionals and researchers interested in receiving further training related to working with indigenous communities.
Standard Pathway
Candidates will normally have a Bachelor’s degree in a field of study relevant to Indigenous health with one of the following:
- A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third and fourth year level courses.
- Academic standing with at least 12 credits on third or fourth year level courses in the A range (80% or higher at UBC) in their field of study
Alternative Pathway
Applicants may be considered for admission who do not meet the academic requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in the graduate certificate program.