The Clemson University Department of Public Health Sciences is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its undergraduate public health certificate program during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The nine-credit, online program is designed to provide a foundational understanding of health systems and epidemiology for undergraduate Clemson students in disciplines other than public health sciences and language and international health who are interested in public health professions, graduate education and clinical professional programs.
Over the past decade, the program has become an accessible pathway for students interested in the broader public health landscape to understand the practical application of health care and public health principles. From environmental hazards to community resources, prevention strategies and health policy, the program fosters a population-level perspective that enhances graduate school and career readiness.
According to Ralph Welsh, principal lecturer and program director, the program was established as part of a broader campus initiative to support students pursuing health-related professions and graduate education. Enrollment in online certificate program courses across Clemson University has surpassed 2,000 students since 2015.
“As the culture of public health has evolved over the last 10 years, the certificate program has grown in popularity for students across a variety of majors pursuing key roles in health care delivery. The courses equip students to think critically about how the many components of health care and community well-being fit together to effectively improve population health,” said Welsh.
The popular program currently averages 65 applications per academic year – and since its inception, 310 students have completed the coursework to earn an undergraduate public health certificate.
“Public health training strengthens students’ ability to become effective health care providers, practitioners and researchers by broadening their perspectives beyond individual health care to the systems and environments that influence health outcomes,” said Wiley Jenkins, chair of the public health sciences department. “The certificate program is an excellent opportunity for students across disciplines to deepen their knowledge and understanding of public health principles as they prepare for the next step in their academic or professional careers.”
As it looks to the future, the Department remains committed to educating and preparing students to meet evolving public health demands. By expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, the online undergraduate public health certificate program will equip Clemson students with the knowledge, skills and perspective needed to improve health outcomes and strengthen communities across South Carolina, the nation and world.
The Department of Public Health Sciences is part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.
