Graduate Programs Announce New Online Certificates in Public Health and Education  

In an increasingly complex and changing world, the work of public health professionals and educators to care for both communities and future generations is more critical than ever. Also critical is the need for flexible education options and remote learning opportunities. Gordon College is meeting both challenges with four new online certificates. Gordon’s Graduate Public Health program has added certificates in Leadership and Health Management, Community Health and Epidemiology. The School of Education has added a certificate in the Science of Reading.

How Do Public Health and Education Certificates Work? 

Each certificate only requires three 3-credit courses—one introductory course followed by two advanced courses. Every course is taught completely online with no set class times, so students can work on their own schedule, taking one class at a time over six or eight months. By offering these certificates Gordon hopes to make Christian higher education more accessible, affordable and achievable.  

What is an online certificate program?

So what can you do with a certificate in public health or education? Online certificates offer a taste of a master’s degree without committing to a full program. But if students decide later to pursue a master’s degree in public health or education after completing a certificate, all their credits can transfer to Gordon’s master’s programs in Public Health or Reading Specialist. Certificates are great ways for those interested in switching fields or starting a new career to explore public health or education before diving in completely. Certificates also provide excellent professional development opportunities for current professionals in both fields.    

The greatest strength of these new certificates is their values-based community. Besides learning invaluable skills from industry experts, certificate students will thrive in a relational atmosphere of peers and faculty.  

Online Certificates in Public Health 

Gordon's Public Health program is offering three certificates in the fastest-growing sectors of public health, taught with a Christian perspective. These fields can lead to high-paying jobs, such as disease researchers and health system managers. With the opportunity to attend in-person events to connect with their instructors and cohort peers, students will build relationships with one another and network with others in their field. 

“Certificates are a key opportunity to elevate the practice of public health, training our workforce—in shorter periods of time through specific skill development—to more effectively and compassionately serve communities."

Heather Sipsma, Director of Master of Public Health Program

The epidemiology certificate focuses on investigating patterns of disease and injury within populations. Courses in leadership and health management show students how to develop, analyze and advocate for health policies that strengthen health systems. Courses in the community health track help students evaluate community needs and implement public health strategies to improve health outcomes among local communities and worldwide populations. Interested students have until December 15, 2023, to apply for the first round of courses in January 2024. 

Online Certificate in Education: Science of Reading 

Gordon's School of Education hosts one of only 18 reading programs in the nation to receive the Accreditation Plus rating from the International Dyslexia Association. Building on this strong reputation, this new certificate prepares teachers to implement the science of reading—a body of research that helps all children learn how to read well. This certificate will prepare teachers and leaders of all levels to identify and describe the components of structured literacy. They’ll learn to identify and describe diverse profiles of reading difficulties and design interventions grounded in evidence-based practice. Students can apply on a rolling basis for the Science of Reading certificate to start in January, April or September 2024. 

“The Science of Reading certificate is laser-focused on scientific research with immediate application to real world classrooms, equipping educators to pursue justice by effectively serving all developing readers.”

Ellen Ballock, Dean of the School of Education

Learn more about the new certificate programs and apply to Gordon College today to a public health or education option to start learning in January 2024.