Community Health Assessment Certificate
Understand the factors that shape community health and learn how to use that knowledge to better serve patients, clients, and communities.
On this page
Who It's For · Courses · Credit Requirements · How to Declare · Resources & Flexible Options · Questions
Certificate at a Glance
Build an interdisciplinary foundation for understanding communities, assessing health needs, and supporting healthier outcomes.
Complete five required courses and one approved elective.
Explore community health through perspectives from communication, nursing, public health, and other fields.
Develop skills relevant to community health, social services, nonprofit organizations, healthcare advocacy, and leadership.
Pursue the certificate on its own or alongside another degree at Pitt. Credits may also apply to a CGS undergraduate degree, such as the BA in Health Services.
Who Should Participate
For Health & Community Professionals
- Social services and community health professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of the factors that influence health and well-being.
- Healthcare professionals interested in understanding the diverse populations and communities they serve.
- Nonprofit professionals interested in healthcare advocacy, community health, or advancing into leadership positions.
For Students & Career Changers
- Students who want to develop an interdisciplinary foundation in community health assessment.
- Those seeking to expand their knowledge of social, cultural, legal, and environmental influences on health.
- Students interested in applying community health knowledge to careers in healthcare, social services, nonprofit organizations, and related fields.
Program Expectations
Through this certificate, you will develop the knowledge and skills to:
Communicate Across Communities
Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
Assess Health Influences
Analyze how social, cultural, legal, and environmental factors may influence the behaviors of patients and healthcare workers.
Promote Healthy Behaviors
Identify behaviors and conditions that promote or compromise individual and community health.
Apply Management Skills
Apply administrative and managerial skills to nonprofit and community health organizations.
Analyze Health Data
Identify, gather, and analyze data relevant to the health services field.
Credit Requirements
- The Community Health Assessment Certificate requires 18 credits, including five required courses and at least one elective.
- Students must achieve a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better for all courses required for the program.
- Credits earned at other accredited educational institutions may be eligible for transfer. However, a minimum of nine credits must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh.
How to Declare
Students must meet requirements for admission to the College of General Studies. Complete the online application to pursue the certificate through CGS.
Coursework
Required Courses: 15 credits
Complete all five required courses.
Note: Formerly COMMRC 1730: Special Topics: Health Communication (SEC 75XX).
Note: Formerly PUBSRV 1305; new subject effective Fall 2026.
Electives: 3 credits
Choose one of the following approved courses.
Resources & Flexible Options
Take advantage of flexible course formats and planning resources as you complete the certificate.
Flexible Learning Options
Many courses include online and hybrid formats, allowing you to build your skills wherever you are.
View Online CoursesPlanning Resources
Use the Community Health Assessment Certificate Checklist (PDF) to plan your courses and monitor your progress toward completing the certificate.
Download Checklist (PDF)Pitt Opportunities
You’ll have plenty of support and chances to get involved at CGS and the greater University community, including research centers and student organizations devoted to health and wellness.
Dental Science Clubs »
Student organizations within Pitt Dental Medicine offering involvement, service, and professional development in dentistry.
American Dental Student Association »
A national organization supporting dental students through advocacy, resources, and professional community.
Global Medical Brigades »
A student-powered movement providing health care and public health support to underserved communities around the world.
Epidemiology Data Center (health research) »
A research center coordinating clinical trials and epidemiological studies across a wide range of public health and medical fields.
The PittPulse (medical magazine) »
A student publication covering health, medicine, and research topics for the Pitt community.
Center for Healthy Environments and Communities (CHEC) »
A center within the School of Public Health focused on environmental health research and partnerships with local communities.
Health Policy Institute »
A hub for research and analysis on health policy, bringing together faculty and students to inform decisions affecting health systems and populations.
Center for Global Health »
A center advancing global health research, education, and partnerships to address health challenges worldwide.
Questions
CGS Advising
College of General Studies
University of Pittsburgh
Contact CGS Advising
Note: Requirements are subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.