Maternal and Child Health, Certificate

Program Overview

The Maternal and Child Health Certificate program at the University of South Carolina provides advanced training in maternal and child health, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy, and practice. Through coursework and mentorship, students develop a strong foundation in the field, focusing on improving health outcomes for mothers and infants while addressing health disparities and mortality rates. Graduates can find employment in various settings, including research centers, health departments, and social service agencies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Maternal and Child Health Certificate program at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health is designed to provide students with additional training and knowledge in the field of maternal and child health. The program aims to improve health and well-being outcomes for mothers and infants in South Carolina and across the nation. Through coursework and mentorship, students will gain a strong foundation in maternal and child health, including research and practice. They will learn how theories and evidence translate into policy and develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively with diverse groups. The program also emphasizes leadership development, preparing students to become influential figures in the maternal and child health workforce.

Careers:

The Maternal and Child Health Certificate program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the field, including:

• Research Coordinator
• Health Policy Analyst
• Program Manager
• Project Coordinator
• Outreach and Community Engagement Manager
• Health Educator
Graduates can find employment in various settings, such as:
• Research Centers
• State and Federal Health Departments
• Health Care Settings (Hospitals)
• Social Service Agencies
• Nonprofit MCH Organizations

Other:

• The program is convenient and flexible, offering in-person classes and the option to share up to 12 credits with a degree program.
• The program emphasizes reducing health disparities and mortality rates for mothers and infants.
• The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, requiring three core courses in maternal and child health and two elective courses from an area of interest.
• The certificate can be added to any four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• The program covers topics such as reproductive and perinatal epidemiology, maternal and child health programs and policies, social determinants of health, nutrition, rural health, psychology of child development, LGBT health, administration, and program planning.