Certificate Program in Maternal and Child Health (MCH)

Drexel’s online Certificate in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program, offered through the CEPH-accredited Dornsife School of Public Health, provides the knowledge and skills needed to effectively promote the health and well-being of women, mothers, infants, children, adolescents, and families in local, domestic, and global settings.

Access a tailored maternal and child health course curriculum, informed by federal MCH leadership competencies, to learn how to translate data into practice, plan and evaluate programs, and communicate with distinct and diverse audiences guided by mentors/faculty with MCH experience. As a student of Drexel's maternal and child health certificate program, you will apply skills in a required local field experience, as well as elective domestic and global practical experiences using innovative technology and enhance your capacity in the MCH workforce.

Maternal and Child Health Certificate Program Features

• Maternal and Child Health Courses taught by experienced faculty from Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health, which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
• Convenient 100% online format for busy professionals looking for distance learning options
• Curriculum shaped by the five Maternal and Child Health core competencies:
  • Scientific Basis
  • Methodological/Analytical Skills
  • Management and Communication Skills
  • Policy and Advocacy Skills
  • Values and Ethics in MCH Public Health Practice
• An HRSA-Funded Grant MCH Public Health Catalyst Program
• MCH certificate program courses are taught by Drexel faculty and guest lectures by national and international experts in MCH 

What Does an HRSA Grant Program Mean?

HRSA, or the Health Resources and Services Administration, assists millions of US residents with access to healthcare and health related services. As part of their mission, they provide HRSA grants to programs that aid in fostering health outcome improvements, and health education that aligns with the goals of HRSA. One area of focus for HRSA is maternal and child health (MCH) public health initiatives. Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health’s Certificate in Maternal and Child Health is proud to be selected as one of only nine HRSA funded MCH Public Health Catalyst programs.

MCH Certificate Program Graduates are Able to:

• Understand the historical development of the maternal and child health field, including the history of local, state, and federal MCH agencies and their structure, and national legislative mandates relative to MCH
• Define the MCH population in a community
• Apply the life course perspective to MCH public health problems
• Utilize core public health analysis and research methods to interpret MCH data and translate it into MCH practice
• Describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of MCH programs domestically and internationally
• Explain the tenets of MCH program planning and evaluation and identify essential gaps in existing programs serving mothers and children
• Effectively communicate to diverse MCH populations
• Identify the biological, social, and behavioral basis for a MCH program

Online Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Program FAQs

Is Drexel’s Maternal and Child Health Certificate financial aid eligible?
Yes, Drexel Dornsife’s Maternal and Child Health Certificate is financial aid eligible.

What can you do with a certificate in maternal and child health?
Upon completion of Drexel Dornsife’s Certificate in Maternal and Child Health, you'll be able to utilize your newfound knowledge to practice, plan, and evaluate maternal and child public health programs. Learn more.

What is a maternal and child health program?
Drexel Dornsife’s maternal and child health program is designed to help you develop the skills and expertise to effectively promote the health and well-being of women, mothers, infants, children, adolescents, and families in local, domestic, and global settings.

What is maternal and child health in public health?
Maternal and child health is an important topic in public health both locally and globally. Education and research are the key to addressing health disparity and complex health challenges faced by mothers and children. Reproductive health, child mortality, and vaccination are just a few examples of maternal and child health concerns that can benefit from public health research, education, and advocacy. 

Does Drexel Dornsife's maternal and child health program offer events and career opportunities?
As a maternal and child health certificate student, you'll have many opportunities to stay connected and get involved in Drexel's Maternal and Child Health Program through its monthly newsletter, MCH Journal Club, MCH Student Organization, and events such as the MCH speaker series, annual MCH student career networking session, and annual symposium. Learn more.

Online Open House

View our previously recorded online open house to learn more about the online Certificate in Maternal and Child Health program.

Related Programs

• Certificate in Infectious Disease Prevention and Control
• Certificate in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
• Certificate in Public Health
• Certificate in Urban Health

State restrictions may apply to some programs.