Program Description

About the Certificate

Advances in genetics are occurring at a pace that challenges our collective ability to respond to the many social, legal, ethical, and public health policy implications generated by this revolution of knowledge. Consequently, there is a compelling need to prepare future public health professionals in the biology, technology, applications, responsibilities, and issues of genetics information, which will play an increasing role in our understanding of health and disease.

The purpose of CPHG is to provide graduates with a base of knowledge and skills in public health genetics that will enable them to function as public health professionals at the cutting edge of this important new field. Students are trained to incorporate a knowledge of how genes, together with the environment and behavior, influence health and apply this insight into their area of practice or research. All areas of public health can be improved and expanded by examining the role of genetics in public health issues.