Certificate in Public Health & Cognitive Aging
The Certificate in Public Health & Cognitive Aging is available to qualified students currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD at the University of Pennsylvania who have acquired a body of knowledge that is key to improving the health and psychosocial outcomes for our aging population and want to gain a unique interdisciplinary perspective of cognitive aging and public health that will help you advance your academic and professional goals.
Overview
This multidisciplinary certificate is housed in the Penn MPH Program, but draws from courses in the School of Social Policy & Practice, School of Nursing, and the Perelman School of Medicine. The certificate is directed by Jason Karlawish, MD, Co-Director of the Penn Memory Center and Professor of Medicine, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Neurology. Students in a wide range of graduate programs are eligible to complete this certificate.
Certificate Requirements
The requirements for the Certificate in Public Health & Cognitive Aging consist of four courses, or 4 Credit Units (CUs), a series of professional development opportunities, and a final presentation.
Total Course Units: 4.0 CU
PUBH 5890 The Public Health Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Aging (1.0 CU)
PUBH 5020 Introduction to Principles and Methods of Epidemiology (or equivalent course) (1.0 CU)
Select one course related to public policy, law, ethics, and healthcare management (1.0 CU). Approved courses include:
- PUBH 5050 Public Health Policy & Administration
- PUBH 5070 Public Health Law & Ethics
Select one course as an elective relevant to public health and cognitive aging (1.0 CU)
1. Attend at least five Penn Memory Center (PMC) consensus conferences at which clinicians review patient diagnoses
2. Attend or view records of at least five PMC didactic presentations given by PMC clinicians, faculty or staff, or invited researchers
3. An oral or written presentation
Required Application Materials
1. Transcripts:
Submit unofficial Penn transcripts.
2. Resume:
Submit an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Approval Letters
Submit written approval to pursue the certificate from Graduate Program Director and Academic Advisor
4. Personal Statement
Submit a brief statement, approximately one page, outlining how the courses and other requirements will train you to develop expertise in the public health dimensions of cognitive aging