Maternal and Child Health, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Program Overview
Saint Louis University's Maternal and Child Health certificate program enhances professionals' competencies or provides graduate students with additional training in the field. The program emphasizes equity, advocacy, and evidence-based practices, preparing graduates for careers as health educators, program managers, researchers, and other public health roles that focus on improving the well-being of mothers, children, and families. The certificate can be completed independently or concurrently with a Master of Public Health degree.
Program Outline
- Working professionals: Individuals seeking to develop maternal and child health competencies to enhance their current roles.
- Graduate students: Students in other disciplines who desire additional training in the maternal and child health field. The program is anchored in SLU's mission of pursuing truth and serving humanity, aligning with the social justice mission of the College for Public Health and Social Justice.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates will be able to:
- Describe the historical context and characteristics of MCH practice.
- Utilize equity or life-course frameworks to analyze key MCH indicators affecting the well-being of women, children, fathers, and families.
- Develop strategies to inform policymakers and community stakeholders about the impacts of evidence-based programs and policies on the MCH-related population and health systems.
Outline:
The Maternal and Child Health certificate program consists of 12 credit hours, including courses from the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program. The curriculum covers a breadth of skills across the core areas of maternal and child health.
Course Schedule:
- MCH 5000 Foundations in Maternal Child Health (3 cr): This course is a prerequisite for MCH 5010.
- MCH 5010 Programs, Policy and Advocacy in Maternal and Child Health (3 cr): This course builds upon MCH 5000.
- MCH 5XXX or 6XXX Electives (6 cr): Students can choose from a variety of MPH electives related to maternal and child health.
Individual Modules:
- MCH 5000 Foundations in Maternal Child Health: This course provides a comprehensive overview of maternal and child health, covering topics such as:
- Historical context and evolution of MCH practice
- Key MCH indicators and determinants of health
- Social, cultural, and environmental factors influencing MCH outcomes
- Ethical considerations in MCH practice
- MCH 5010 Programs, Policy and Advocacy in Maternal and Child Health: This course focuses on the development and implementation of MCH programs, policies, and advocacy strategies. Topics include:
- Program planning and evaluation
- Policy analysis and advocacy
- Community engagement and mobilization
- Health systems and service delivery
- MCH 5XXX or 6XXX Electives: Students can choose from a variety of electives to tailor their learning to their specific interests and career goals. Examples of potential electives include:
- MCH 5100 Global Maternal and Child Health: This course explores the challenges and opportunities of MCH in a global context.
- MCH 5200 Maternal Mental Health: This course focuses on the unique mental health needs of mothers and families.
Careers:
Graduates of the Maternal and Child Health certificate program will be prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
- Health Educator: Promoting health and wellness through education and outreach programs.
- Nonprofit Program Coordinator: Managing and implementing programs for maternal and child health organizations.
- Maternal and Child Health Program Manager: Overseeing the operations and outcomes of MCH programs.
- Community Health Worker: Providing health education and support services to individuals and families in the community.
- Public Health Researcher: Conducting research to improve MCH outcomes and inform policy decisions. The certificate will also be a valuable credential for professionals in other roles that intersect with public health, such as:
- Nurse Home Visitors: Providing health education and support to families in their homes.
- Urban Planners: Designing communities that promote health and well-being.
- Clinicians: Physicians and nurses who work with mothers and children.
Other:
- Students who complete the Maternal and Child Health certificate have the option of enrolling in SLU's Master of Public Health program, full-time or part-time.
- The certificate program can be completed concurrently with any Master of Public Health degree.
- The program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
