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Academics

Certificate Programs

Health Communication

Overview

Sponsoring department
Educational Objectives

Students completing the certificate will be exposed to and have a basic understanding of the theoretical and applied aspects of Health Communication. Competencies achieved will include, but are not limited to:

1) awareness of behavior change and communication theories;
2) knowledge of media effects and audiences uses of media/communication modes; and
3) recognition of quantitative and qualitative methods used in the study of Health Communication.

Additionally, the Health Communication certificate program will familiarize students with the design and evaluation (formative, process, and summative) of communication messages, campaigns, and programs.

Gainful Employment Program Information

Intended Audience

Current Johns Hopkins University students with an interest in communication, social marketing, and health behavior change.

Admissions Criteria

To be eligible to receive a Health Communication certificate, students must be admitted to a graduate degree program in the Johns Hopkins University. Students pursuing this certificate should fill out a completion form before the last day of the add/drop period in the term in which they are completing the final course for the certificate. The student should submit the completion form to the HBS Academic Office. No retroactive certificates will be allowed. Students in good academic standing who have met all certificate requirements will have their transcript marked to indicate successful completion.

Course of Study

Completion of sixteen (16) credits from the following course listing.

Note: It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that students interested in this Certificate take 410.653 Contemporary Issues in Health Communication as a way to familiarize oneself with the different faculty and course offerings in Health Communication.

Additional courses may fulfill the requirements for this certificate; however, permission must be obtained by Dr. Borzekowski prior to submitting the application.

  • 410.620 or 410.620.81 Program Planning for Health Behavior Change (3 credits)
  • 410.650 or 410.650.13 Persuasive Communication: Theories and Practice (4 credits)
  • 410.651 Health Literacy: Challenges and Strategies for Effective Communication (3 credits)
  • 301.645 Issues in Health Advocacy (3 credits)
  • 410.652 Interpersonal Influence in Medical Care (2 credits)
  • 410.653 Contemporary Issues in Health Communication (1 credit)
  • 410.663 Media Advocacy and Public Health: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • 410.672 Introduction to Campaigning & Organizing for Public Health (3 credits)
  • 410.733 Communication Network Analysis in Public Health Programs (4 credits)
  • 380.611 Fundamentals of Program Evaluation (4 credits)
  • 410.654 Health Communication Programs I (4 credits)
  • 410.655 Health Communication Programs II (4 credits)
  • 410.755 Health Communication Programs (4 credits)
  • 410.752 Children, Media and Health (3 credits)
  • 410.862 Research Seminar in Health Communication (2 credits)
  • 410.840** Special Studies and Research in Health, Behavior and Society (variable credits)
  • 312.660 Marketing in Health Care Organizations (3 credits)
  • 317.610 Risk Policy, Management and Communication (3 credits)
  • 410.656 Entertainment Education for Behavior Change and Development (4 credits)

**Must be arranged with Dr. Borzekowski

Requirements for Successful Completion

The Certificate will be awarded to all students who have satisfactorily completed the course requirements. Courses must be completed with a grade of "B" or better and must be taken within 3 years. A list of all persons who have completed the Certificate is provided to the Registrar so a notation of the Certificate award can be included on the academic transcript.

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