Genomics, Health, and Public Policy Graduate Certificate

Genomics can provide new treatments and cures for diseases as well as offer solutions to pressing problems facing mankind. However, the study of genomes opens the door to unintended social, business, legal, and ethical consequences. For a growing number of professions, a working knowledge of genomics is needed to interpret genomic data, act with skill and sensitivity, and understand the societal issues arising from legal, insurance, and ethical realms.

To address this need, the University offers an online Genomics, Health, and Public Policy Graduate Certificate. The program is ideal for health care providers, educators, administrators, and professionals in health services, insurance and risk management, employee benefits, criminology and criminal justice, policy analysis, and law.

• The Genomics, Health, and Public Policy Graduate Certificate Program is a 15-credit-hour program that can be completed entirely online or on the ISU campus. Individuals have the option of completing the certificate or enrolling in one (or more) courses.
• The program offers students an interdisciplinary approach, combining studies in biology, political science, business, and ethics.
• Coursework includes four core courses covering topics in genome science, bioethics, public policy, and business and consumer implications of genomics. In addition, students select an elective, which enables them to customize the program to fit their particular needs and interests. The program can be completed in 12-18 months, depending on the elective selected.
• All courses are developed and taught by ISU faculty members who hold doctoral degrees and engage in scholarly research.
• Courses in this certificate program may partially satisfy requirements in other ISU graduate programs in areas such as biology, criminology and criminal justice, health sciences, human resource development, nursing, public administration, public health, business, and social work. Students should check with their advisors to determine course applicability.
• Upon successful completion of program requirements, students are awarded a certificate.
• The online Genomics, Health, and Public Policy Certificate Program is open to eligible students in the U.S. (including the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories). The program also is open to students in Canada (all provinces). The program is closed to students residing in countries other than the U.S. and Canada except for U.S. military and State Department personnel and their family members with APO/FPO addresses.

Note: In addition to offering the online Genomics, Health, and Public Policy Graduate Certificate Program, the University has established The Center for Genomic Advocacy, whose mission is to develop a community of advocates through interdisciplinary studies in biology, political science, business, ethics, and health. Visit the site to browse a variety of resources including reading materials and video presentations.