About the Program
DELIVERY METHOD: FULLY ONLINE
ENROLLMENT TYPE: PART-TIME
START TERM: FALL & SPRING
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Advanced Certificate in Public Health Data Science
The Advanced Certificate in Public Health Data Science will prepare students to apply core data science tools and analytical methods to public health research and practice. Graduates will gain foundational knowledge in public health research methods, quantitative data analysis, and database management. They will learn to apply statistical and computational tools to manage, analyze, and communicate health data in support of research and program evaluation.
Most students should be able to complete the certificate program in one year.
Students who complete the advanced certificate program will have the opportunity to apply some or all earned credits to a master’s program at CUNY SPH, including the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and the Master of Science (MS) degree. The number of credits transferable to a program will depend on the specific MPH or MS concentration.
Please note that financial aid and student loans are not available for this certificate program. You may be eligible for payment plans with CUNY. For more information on payment plans, please review the payment options page.
Have a question? Our Admissions team is here to guide you through your application process. Call (646) 664-8355 or text (646) 664-1366.
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Is this certificate right for you?
This 12-credit certificate program prepares working professionals and students to apply data science tools and analytical methods in public health settings. The curriculum includes courses in public health research methods, applied biostatistics, modern data science tools, and database design and management, providing a strong foundation for data-driven public health practice.
What will you learn?
Students will develop foundational competencies in statistical analysis, programming, and data management for public health data science. They will gain the skills to manage, analyze, and interpret complex population health datasets using modern analytical approaches, preparing students to build reproducible workflows and support data-driven decision-making in public health practice and research.
Where to after completion?
This program prepares graduates to work in diverse settings such as health departments, hospitals, academic research centers, nonprofit organizations, and the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. They will be qualified for entry- and mid-level analytic and research support positions, such as Public Health Data Analyst, Epidemiology Assistant, and Health Data Coordinator. Graduates will possess a strong foundation for continued graduate study in data science, biostatistics, epidemiology, or informatics.
Connect with our Admissions Team!
- Text: (646) 664-1366
- Phone: (646) 664-8355
- Email: admissions@sph.cuny.edu
- Chat with us 1-on-1: Book a meeting
- Upcoming admissions events: Join us!
Admissions Information
Admissions Requirements
- SOPHAS Express online application
- Application fee: $60
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (GPA of 3.0 preferred)
- Please upload any official or unofficial copies of your transcripts directly to the SOPHAS express application
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement/statement of purpose (500 words maximum)
- TOEFL scores are required if language of instruction for prior degrees was not English
- Transcript evaluation from WES or ECE for international transcripts
Application Deadline
SOPHAS applications for 2027 will open on August 13, 2026.
- Spring 2027 application deadline: December 1, 2026 (priority scholarship deadline)
- Fall 2027 application deadline: March 1, 2027 (priority scholarship deadline)
Curriculum
| Required Coursework
|
PUBH 614 – Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods in Public Health Research (3 credits) |
| BIOS 620 – Applied Biostatistics I (3 credits) | |
| BIOS 628 – Tools of Data Science (3 credits) | |
| EPID 636 – Database Design and Use (3 credits) | |
| Total Credits Required | 12 |
Recommended Course Sequence
For students beginning their program during the fall semester:
| Semester | Course | Credits |
| Year 1 Fall | PUBH 614 – Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods in Public Health Research | 3 |
| BIOS 628 – Tools of Data Science | 3 | |
| Year 1 Spring | BIOS 620 – Applied Biostatistics I | 3 |
| EPID 636 – Database Design and Use | 3 |
For students beginning their program during the spring semester:
| Semester | Course | Credits |
| Year 1 Spring | PUBH 614 – Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods in Public Health Research | 3 |
| BIOS 628 – Tools of Data Science | 3 | |
| Year 1 Fall | BIOS 620 – Applied Biostatistics I | 3 |
| EPID 636 – Database Design and Use | 3 |
Competencies
This program supports the professional development and career readiness of students, ensuring they are prepared for success in diverse public health settings. Key competencies include:
- Develop foundational competencies in statistical analysis, programming, and data management methods used in public health data science.
- Apply data science tools and analytic approaches to manage, analyze, and interpret complex population health datasets.
- Use modern data science and database technologies to support reproducible analytic workflows and data-driven decision making.