AHBR student, Daniel, participates in lab meetings with his mentor to discuss topics related to their research.

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Behavior Research is a 15-credit program providing enhanced training and skill development valuable to anyone wanting to develop, maintain, and evaluate health behavior and health education programs in clinical and community settings.

The Certificate curriculum is focused on key applied and theoretical concepts in health behavior to provide specific educational opportunities for working professionals to expand their areas of expertise.

Learn more

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Behavior Research.

Email us at ahbr@wustl.edu

The certificate also provides a foundation for program development and evaluation activities. Courses completed for the certificate count toward degree completion if students decide to pursue the master of science degree.

Classes are held at the Washington University School of Medicine campus after 4:00 pm, making this program convenient for working adults and graduate students.

Application deadlines

Year-round, rolling admissions. Flexible, with recommended deadlines:

  • Spring semester: Apply by November 15
  • Summer semester: Apply by April 15
  • Fall semester: Apply by June 15

The new online application is open

Spring, Summer and Fall Semesters!

Curriculum

The curriculum focuses on key applied and theoretical concepts in health behavior, as well as the processes needed for managing program development and evaluation activities in clinical and community settings.

Open Enrollment allows up to 6 hours (2 classes) of coursework for individuals who want to take courses as non-degree seeking students. Credits earned through the Open Enrollment option will count toward degree completion if students apply to the certificate or a master’s degree program later.

Health Education, Program Planning, and Evaluation

Core courses:

  • Project Management in Clinical and Community Settings (M88-508, 3 credits)
  • Health Behavior Theory (M88-514, 3 credits)
  • Health Education: Methods, Planning and Evaluation (M88-536, 3 credits)
  • Evaluation of Health Services Programs (M88-582, 3 credits)

Recommended electives:

  • Health Psychology (M88-515, 3 credits)
  • Health Disparities: Applications in Clinical Settings (M88-535, 3 credits)
  • Community Health Promotion (M88-540, 3 credits)
  • Applied Data Management (M88-548, 3 credits)

Health Behavior Research

Core Courses:

  • Project Management in Clinical and Community Settings (M88-508, 3 credits)
  • Health Behavior Theory (M88-514, 3 credits)
  • Introduction to Biostatistics (M88-525, 3 credits)
  • Foundations of Health Care Research (M88-524, 3 credits)

Recommended electives:

  • Survey Methods: Design and Evaluation (M88-560, 3 credits)
  • Leadership and Change in Health Care Services (M88-562, 3 credits)
  • Epidemiology for Clinical Research (M88-588, 3 credits)
  • Applied Data Management (M88-548, 3 credits)

See course descriptions »

Tuition & Assistance

Tuition for the 2023-2024 Academic Year is $1,485 per credit for Medical School Graduate Programs. Scholarships are available for AHBR degree and certificate seeking scholars. Workforce Development Scholarships are available to WashU employees interested in taking up to 6 credit hours of AHBR coursework.