1. Who should enroll in the BEAM Certificate Program?
BEAM was designed by public health professionals for public health professionals to strengthen foundational business skills across the public health profession. Among the individuals who will benefit from the course are governmental and non-profit public health professionals focused on project budgeting, RFP and contract development, and project risk management. Public health graduate students can also benefit from the business-focused courses.
BEAM’s case studies draw from real-world historical and contemporary public health scenarios that can be applied immediately in the public health workplace, enhancing individual careers and advancing organizations and the public health profession nationwide.
2. How do I know if BEAM is right for me or for my organization?
BEAM is an excellent program for both governmental and non-profit public health professionals, as well as for public health graduate students looking to develop their foundational business skills. Examples and case studies draw from real-world historical and contemporary governmental public health scenarios that are relevant across the public health sector. Learn more here.
3. How do individuals and organizations benefit from BEAM?
The University of Miami and the de Beaumont Foundation developed BEAM to address business knowledge gaps that more than half of governmental public health workers had identified as the profession’s top training need. Individual learners gain critical professional knowledge that complements existing skills, strategic and analytical skills, and a credential from a leading university. Organizations benefit from BEAM by promoting best practices that increase funding opportunities and improve community outcomes, providing valuable employee recruitment, development and retention opportunities, and fulfilling accreditation requirements. Learn more here.
4. What topics does the curriculum cover?
BEAM covers public health administration and management topics critical to successfully developing and implementing public health initiatives, building thriving organizations and promoting positive community outcomes. The 15- to 20-hour interactive program is based on six areas public health professionals have identified as learning priorities: Strategic Problem Definition, Budgeting, Procurement Contracts, Contract Monitoring, and Financial Health.
5. Is the curriculum directly relevant to the public health workplace?
Yes! Students who successfully complete the BEAM Certificate Program will have an understanding of basic budgeting in public health, finance, accounting, contracts, process management, and strategic thinking. Real-world public health case studies tie together the learning material, so students will be able to immediately apply what they learn as part of their daily professional responsibilities and organizational processes.
6. How is the BEAM Certificate Program different from other programs?
The program is built on practice experience and expertise. BEAM was designed by nationally recognized public health leaders and practitioners at the University of Miami’s public health and business programs, the de Beaumont Foundation, and other organizations.
Second, the program is built around a cohesive public health business curriculum, eliminating the need to search through and compile hundreds, often unrelated, courses to meet business-focused training requirements. BEAM’s six modules are packaged into one robust integrated business curriculum informed by the knowledge needs public health professionals have identified.
And finally, BEAM leverages user-friendly, self-paced learning. The online platform allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedules. Engaging, real-world content is enhanced by videos and other leading-edge learning techniques.
7. Are there any prerequisites or language requirements?
There are no pre-requisite courses for the BEAM Certificate Program. The course is conducted in English.
8. How long is the course?
The BEAM Certificate Program is self-paced and can be completed between 15-20 hours over a period of up to three months.
9. Are in-person sessions required? Or is the course entirely online?
The BEAM Certificate Program is completed entirely online and is self-paced. That means participants can take the courses on their own schedule and at their own pace. In order to earn the certificate, the course must be completed within three months from the time you start.
10. Is there an opportunity to interact with the faculty?
This is an asynchronous course, so interactions with faculty members are not integrated into the curriculum.
11. When is BEAM offered?
BEAM offers three cohorts a year in February, May and August. Early-bird registration ends approximately 30 days prior to the start of each cohort. Regular registration ends 7 days prior to the beginning of each course.
12. What happens after enrolling in the course?
Students will receive a confirmation email with information on how to access the course via the University of Miami’s Blackboard Learning platform.
13. What happens after successfully completing the course?
Students will receive a digital certificate of completion after two weeks.
Our certificate platform permits you to share your achievement on various social media platforms, embed it on your website, and add it to your LinkedIn profile.
14. How much does the course cost?
BEAM offers a number of attractive pricing options for individuals and organizations. The course costs no more than $500 per individual, but early registration discounts are available, as are volume discounts. Learn more here.
15. Does BEAM provide discounts for organizations?
Yes! Discounts increase based on the number of courses purchased by each organization. The higher the number of students, the higher the discount. Learn more here.
16. Are there any technical considerations to be aware of?
You should have an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer. BEAM works best with Chrome.
17. Is technical support available?
For technical concerns with the University of Miami’s Blackboard Learning platform, please contact 305-284-3949, Monday – Thursday: 9am-9pm, Friday: 9am-6pm, Saturday & Sunday: 9am-2pm or via email learningplatforms@miami.edu.
18. Who should I contact with additional questions?
Call 305-284-4000 or email opa@miami.edu. Our enrollment advisors can answer any questions or schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and opportunities.
