Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Certificate of Graduate Study
Accepting Applications now for Spring 2024
Deadline for Fall 2024 applications: April 15, 2024
Overview
The MCH Certificate of Graduate Study provides students an opportunity to expand their knowledge and increase their comprehension of mothers, children, and their families to improve their health and well-being. Through course content and mentorship, you will learn about:
- MCH foundational knowledge, research and practice
- How theories and evidence translate into policy
You will develop skills necessary to
- Communicate with all persons from diverse groups
- be leaders in the MCH workforce
Certificate Requirements
The MCH Certificate of Graduate Study is 15 credit hours. Students are required to take three core courses* (9 credits) and two electives (6 credits), chosen from the approved list based on your interest. Students currently enrolled in another degree program at UofSC may share up to 12 credit hours between both programs. The MCH Program Director and your MCH Certificate mentor will assist you in elective course selection and course sequencing.
*All core courses are offered in-person only.
Admissions Requirements
- A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- Grade point average 3.00/4.00 or higher
- GRE scores – not required
- For international applicants, a satisfactory score of one of the following is needed (this requirement may be waived for applicants that have earned a prior degree from a US institution):
- TOEFL – minimum score of 90
- IELTS- minimum overall band of 7.0
- On Duolingo- minimum score of 115
Application Requirements
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement describing your academic and professional experience, your interest in maternal and child health, and why you wish to earn an MCH Certificate of Graduate Study
- At least two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources written on either institutional or organizational letterhead
- GRE scores – not required
- Official Transcripts from all completed degree programs, undergraduate and graduate
- Non-US institution transcripts must be verified by World Education Services (WES) or equivalent evaluation service. Please submit a comprehensive course-by-course evaluation (WES ICAP).
- TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores are required for those whose native language is not English (may be waived for applicants that have earned a prior degree from a US institution). We do not accept Duolingo Scores.
- TOEFL: Scores should be submitted electronically using the USC Institutional code: 5818
- IELTS: Scores should be mailed directly to the USC Graduate School:
The Graduate School
University of South Carolina
1705 College Street, Suite 552
Columbia, SC 29208 - Currently enrolled applicants will need to complete the Update Request Form for Concurrent Enrollment to apply.
If you are an epidemiology student and/or an incoming student, contact the program director for more information.
How to apply
Current EPID/BIOS students at USC:
Email the MCHC Program Director, Dr. Linda Hazlett, at ljhazlet@mailbox.sc.edu, expressing your interest in applying for the MCH Certificate program.
USC students (not in the EPID/BIOS department):
Complete the “Second Degree-Seeking Application” found here under the “Request Concurrent Enrollment” tab.
Prospective USC graduate students:
First, complete the application for the other degree program.
Then, complete the “Second Degree-Seeking Application” found here under the “Request Concurrent Enrollment” tab.
Non-USC students who are not seeking another degree program currently:
Complete the application found here by clicking on “Apply Now”.
*If you are a former USC student, you can submit a document with the sentence “Please pull my USC academic transcript.” in the placement of your transcript submission.
Please email the MCH Certificate Program Coordinator, Peyton Mosher, at pmosher@email.sc.edu, with any questions about the application process.
What jobs will the MCH Certificate of Graduate Study help prepare you for?
- Research Coordinator
- Project Coordinator
- Health Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Outreach and Community Engagement Manager
- Health Education Coordinator
- WIC Assistant
- MCH in state or local health departments
FAQs
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Who can apply for the MCH Certificate Program?
All applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
We welcome applications from current USC students and individuals outside the university who are interested in additional training in maternal and child health.
Can only USC students apply?
No. Any US citizen or permanent resident with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is eligible to apply. Current USC graduate students are welcome to apply for this program; however, you do not need to be a previous or current USC student to apply.
What is the minimum number of credit hours I need to take each semester?
Enrolled program participants must complete a minimum of 3 credits per semester.
How long will it take me to complete this certificate?
How much will this cost me?
Current USC students completing the certificate program will pay the same amount it costs for their regular graduate-level courses according to their program inside USC. Students will not pay any extra costs to be admitted or complete the certificate.
Non-students will pay the same price for courses taken per credit hour as enrolled USC students. As the certificate program is under the Arnold School of Public Health, course fees are based on the rates of the ASPH.
Does the Certificate program offer financial assistance or support?
Scholarship money is available each year for up to 4 students per academic year. Beginning AY 2022-23, selected students will each receive up to $6000 applied towards their MCH Certificate course-specific tuition costs.
What will happen once I apply?
Your application is transferred to the Arnold School of Public Health’s student record file (PHGRAD) and made available to the MCHC Admissions Committee for review. Applications for fall admission are reviewed in May, and applications for spring admissions are reviewed in December. The admissions decision will be sent to you via email by the Program Director followed by an official letter by the Graduate School. Applicants will receive notice of their acceptance after the application deadline date for the term you are applying for.
Certificate competencies
View the six competencies that reflect the
knowledge and skills required to be an active member
of the MCH workforce.
What more information about the MCHC degree or have questions about applying?
Click here to email the MCHC Program Director,
Dr. Linda Hazlett
ljhazlet@mailbox.sc.edu