About Health Equity Certificate at CSUSB
What It Is & Why It’s Beneficial
Open to anyone, CSUSB’s Health Equity Certificate provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, structural, economic, and environmental factors that shape health outcomes in diverse communities. Rooted in public health, sociology, psychology, and social justice frameworks, the program equips learners with the knowledge and tools to identify health disparities and promote equitable access to health and wellbeing.
Students explore topics such as social determinants of health, cultural competency, health policy, community engagement, environmental justice, and strategies that advance equity across health systems. Coursework emphasizes data-informed decision-making, advocacy, and collaborative approaches that improve health for historically marginalized populations.
Ideal for students and professionals in health care, social services, public administration, and community-based organizations, the certificate offers essential preparation for careers focused on improving health outcomes and reducing inequities.
Why This Certificate Is Beneficial
✔ Prepares students to address health disparities
Learners gain insight into the root causes of inequitable health outcomes and approaches for improving community wellbeing.
✔ Builds culturally responsive and community-centered skills
Students learn to engage effectively with diverse populations and design programs that reflect community needs.
✔ Enhances career opportunities in health and human services
Health agencies, clinics, nonprofits, and public organizations increasingly seek professionals trained in health equity and population health.
✔ Supports policy, advocacy, and systems-change work
The certificate strengthens preparation for roles that focus on improving health access, influencing policy, and advancing justice.
✔ Complements many majors
Ideal for those studying public health, social work, psychology, sociology, nursing, kinesiology, and public administration.
Careers in Health Equity Certificate
Potential Careers
Graduates of the Health Equity Certificate often pursue roles such as:
- Community Health Worker or Outreach Assistant
- Health Equity Program Assistant
- Public Health Education or Promotion Support Staff
- Nonprofit or Advocacy Program Coordinator
- Social Services or Case Management Support
The certificate also supports pathways into graduate programs in public health, health administration, social work, and related fields.
Sample Courses
Anthropology of Health
An introduction to medical anthropology, which focuses on the interaction of culture, society, and biology. Considers the social dimensions of health and illness, and the diverse ways in which healing is pursued.
Foundations of Public Health Education
Emphasis is placed on leadership, professionalism, career development, professional organizations, and interrelationships among physical, social, and cultural forces in the practice of health promotion and education.
Health Psychology
Examination of psychological aspects of health related behaviors with emphasis on the effects of interpersonal and social psychological factors on physical health and effective medical care.
In Summary
CSUSB’s Health Equity Certificate prepares students to advance health justice by understanding and addressing the diverse factors that influence community wellbeing. Through interdisciplinary coursework and equity-focused practice, the program equips graduates to support healthier, more equitable outcomes across health care systems and communities.
Similar to Health Equity Certificate
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