About
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Graduate Certificate provides students with interdisciplinary training focused on improving the health and well-being of pregnant and birthing people, infants, children, adolescents, and families across the life course. Grounded in the principles of equity, inclusion, and community engagement, the certificate emphasizes the social, behavioral, environmental, and policy factors that influence maternal and child health outcomes.
This certificate is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from a regionally accredited institution and have academic or professional preparation in public health, social sciences, health sciences, or a related field. It is particularly suited for current and aspiring public health professionals, healthcare practitioners, policy advocates, and program managers working in maternal and child health settings across the public and private sectors.
Students will gain applied knowledge and leadership competencies aligned with nationally recognized MCH Leadership Competencies through coursework and experiential learning opportunities such as research, internships, and service-learning with community partners. The certificate supports the development of a diverse, skilled MCH workforce equipped to reduce health disparities and advance the health of families locally, regionally, and nationally.
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Foundations of MCH: Demonstrate knowledge of the historical, cultural, and social determinants of maternal and child health, including health disparities, policies, and programs affecting these populations.
- Analyze MCH Policy and Systems: Evaluate the role of public health policies, systems, and programs in shaping maternal and child health outcomes, with a focus on national and global perspectives.
- Assess Maternal and Child Health Needs: Identify and assess the health needs of diverse maternal and child populations, using epidemiological methods and health data to guide decision-making and intervention planning.
- Apply Evidence-Based Practices in MCH: Utilize evidence-based strategies and interventions to address key MCH issues such as prenatal care, infant mortality, childhood obesity, and adolescent health.
- Understand MCH Program Planning and Evaluation: Develop, implement, and evaluate MCH programs, ensuring they are culturally appropriate, effective, and equitable in meeting the needs of targeted populations.
- Develop Effective MCH Communication Skills: Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, health professionals, and policymakers about MCH issues using culturally sensitive and evidence-based approaches.
- Foster Leadership in MCH: Cultivate leadership skills necessary for driving change in MCH policy, program development, and community outreach, with a focus on advocacy and the empowerment of underrepresented groups.
- Cultivate Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work collaboratively with professionals from various disciplines, including medicine, nursing, social work, and public health, to address complex MCH issues through a holistic, multi-sectoral approach.
Requirements
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
Courtney Coughenour, Ph.D.
Department of Environmental and Global Health
The Department of Environmental and Global Health emphasizes the role of air, water, the home environment, and the workplace as critical determinants of health. Our accredited programs provide mentorship, community involvement opportunities, and research projects for students to grow as experts and leaders in their fields.
Website
Phone
School of Public Health
The School of Public Health is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people worldwide. Our departments, programs, and research units work to provide a diverse education, practical training experience, and numerous community involvement opportunities to prepare students to become leaders and professionals in the field of public health.