Help guide the health care conversation
Oregon State's undergraduate certificate in medical humanities, delivered online through Oregon State Ecampus, is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on the study of health, medicine and the healing professions. The certificate program emphasizes professional development focused on “the art of healing” by developing skills in professional identity, reflective writing, cultural competency and diversity as a complement to the scientific features of the healing professions.
By completing the certificate, you will develop knowledge and experience that will prepare you to:
- Empathize with the sufferings of others
- Reflect critically on medical knowledge and discourse
- Create new representations of the medical experience
- Confront moral, psychological and ethical dilemmas
Coursework
The medical humanities certificate consists of 27 credits and centers on key courses including:
- Medical anthropology
- Literature and medicine
- Medical history
- Philosophical courses in disability studies, medical ethics, and death and dying
Visit Oregon State's academic catalog for curriculum details and certificate requirements.
Prerequisites
You may need to complete additional coursework prior to enrolling in this program and taking the required certificate courses. This could mean completing 3 or more additional credits, depending on your individual educational background as it relates to the program requirements. We recommend that you evaluate this prior to applying for admission.
My health humanities training from Oregon State has changed my approach to medicine because I understand the importance of communication in bridging the cultural gap and paying attention to patients' understanding of their own health so I can better serve them and build trusting doctor-patient relationships.
– Jamie Faulkner, Oregon State biology graduate with a medical humanities certificate
Benefits of learning online with Oregon State
- All classes are developed by OSU's world-class faculty, who are known worldwide for their expertise, research and innovation.
- Oregon State is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- OSU Ecampus students receive the same transcript-visible certificate as on-campus students.
NOTE: The U.S. Department of Education has approved this certificate for federal financial aid eligibility as part of a full degree program, but not as an independent certificate program. Alternate funding sources (e.g. loans, private funds) may be required to cover the costs associated with this program.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 27 quarter credits are equal to 18 semester credits.
† Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
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Ready to apply?
Once you've gathered the information you need to know before you apply to Oregon State University, take the next steps.