Sarah Lawrence College—for three decades a leader in health advocacy and human genetics master’s-level education—offers a pioneering Applied Research Ethics (ARE) Certificate Program and a Public Health Genetics/Genomics (PHG) Certificate Program designed for healthcare professionals who seek career change and advancement.

Organized as a series of theme-based modules, both certificate programs include a professional development component, featuring experts who will discuss career opportunities within the field. In addition, students will be required to complete a capstone project, which will integrate the material covered in the curriculum and connect students directly with workplace settings.

Recognizing the time-constraints faced by working professionals, the certificate programs are designed on a “low-residency” model. Courses are offered on weekends and in short, intensive sessions that require minimal time off from work. In preparation for the on-site modules, students are expected to read a set of articles provided in advance. Between on-site modules at Sarah Lawrence, students will be in consistent contact with a faculty advisor as they design, develop, and carry out their capstone projects.

Public Health Genetics/Genomics (PHG):

As health and illness become increasingly "geneticized" and as DNA technologies allow screening for genetic conditions to become more common, professionals trained in public health genetics/genomics will be essential to ensuring the translation of research into practice at both the individual and societal levels.

Modules from one of three PHG program options:

• Public Health Genomics: The Principles Underlying the Intersection of Public Health and Genetics (This module is offered three times a year; certificate program students need only take it once)
• Community-Based Participatory Research: Decision-Making, Definition of Risk, and Cultural Issues
• Genetics and Research: Unique Issues and Conflicts
• Perspectives on Genetic Variation: Substance and Practice

Please explore the PHG certificate program site for further information—including an overview of the program, faculty listing, and admission requirements and fees.

Applied Research Ethics (ARE)

Through the Applied Research Ethics Certificate Program, professionals will learn critical strategies to enhance their research skills. Topics addressed in modules include: formulating/reformulating research questions, designing/redesigning studies, insuring informed consent, monitoring human subjects’ protections, and increasing accountability to the public.

ARE Modules:

• Building Blocks of Applied Research Ethics: Theory and Practice
• Ethical Conduct of Human Subject Research
• Genetics and Research: Unique Issues and Conflicts
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• International Research: Issues, Conflicts, Dilemmas

Please explore the ARE certificate program site for further information—including an overview of the program, faculty listing, and admission requirements and fees.