This certificate will provide an enhanced understanding of violence and injury, which have become major public health problems in our contemporary society. Injuries are the leading cause of death of children and young adults and estimates of family and community violence of all kinds are staggering.  The prevalence of violence and injury affect every major health discipline as well as social services, law enforcement, and therapeutic interventions. The Healthy People 2010 stresses the importance of violence and injury reduction through the lifespan.

Courses and Credit Hours

Thirteen (13) to 15 credit hours are required for completion of the Certificate.

Required Courses (10-12 credit hours)

• HSC 6641         Prevention and Control of Unintentional Injuries (3 credits)
• PHC 6413         Family and Community Violence in Public Health (3 credits)
• Choose one of the following:
  • PHC 6930         Public Health Seminar - Injury and Violence Topic such as Violence and Public Health Policy (1-3 credits)
  • SOW 6931 Selected Topics in Social Work such as Traumatology and Intervention (1-3 credits)
• Choose one of the following:
  • GEY 6934         Elder Abuse (3 credits)
  • PHC 6934         Maltreated Children and their Families (3 credits)

Electives   (3 credit hours)

Three (3) graduate hours of elective courses must be taken from the Department of Community and Family Health that emphasize planning and evaluation of programs.                        

Prerequisites 
The applicant must have an earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution. 

Application Process for Enrollment
Call the Graduate Certificate Office at (813) 974-2442 or visit their website at www.gradcerts.usf.edu/ to obtain the appropriate applications.

Standardized Test Requirements
There are no specific test requirements.

Registration Process for Individual Courses
Follow the accepted procedure for graduate level courses.

Time Limit for Completion of Certificate
Time limits on certificate completion comply with university standards.

Fees per Course / Credit Hour Fees parallel that of standard graduate level classes.  Please visit the USF website at http://www.usf.edu/controller/cashaccounting/tuition to view current fees.

Course Location This Certificate is offered at the Tampa campus.

Department contact information Dr. Martha Coulter at (813) 974-7841 or mcoulter@health.usf.edu

Pre-Admission Counseling and Advising (813) 974-6505 or Advisor@health.usf.edu

Special Notes:

• This graduate certificate does not require that you submit GRE scores with your application
• You may apply and/or enroll any semester as a certificate-seeking student
• The College of Public Health website is www.publichealth.usf.edu
• The College of Public Health graduate certificate website is http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/gradcert.html
• The College of Public Health toll-free number is 888-USF-COPH and press 1 for Student Advising