Dec 05, 2025  
Ohio University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Ohio University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Veterans Advocacy Certificate


Certificate Code CTVACU

College of Health Sciences and Professions   
Interdisciplinary Health Studies  
Grover Center E118
Athens, OH 45701
Phone:  740.593.2359
ihs@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/chsp/health-studies

Interdisciplinary Health Studies, contact email
ihs@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Veterans dedicate their lives to defending our freedom, yet many face significant medical, legal and social challenges when transitioning to civilian life. The Veterans Advocacy Certificate (100% online) prepares students to work with veterans, equipping them with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective advocacy in health and legal matters. 

This online certificate enables students to understand military culture and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, address health needs and disparities, including emotional and mental health support and healthcare challenges, and respond to civil legal issues while shaping the development of law and public policy related to veterans’ needs. 

Through interdisciplinary coursework, students gain insight into the social, legal, and healthcare challenges impacting veterans, empowering them to advocate for comprehensive and culturally competent support and care.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program:

  • Students will be able to discuss the healthcare needs and disparities affecting veterans and identify strategies for addressing health and wellbeing and improving access to care for diverse groups.
  • Students will be able to discuss the legal needs and challenges facing veterans and identify strategies for advocacy that address civil legal issues, improve access to justice and influence the development of public policies supporting veterans.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Major/Minor/Certificate Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements. Students interested in pursuing the certificate can complete the standard form to declare a major, minor, or certificate program through their college’s student services office. All degree-seeking undergraduates may enroll in the certificate program by completing the Update of Programs form.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The Veterans Advocacy Certificate creates a continuum for undergraduate students who wish to support veterans. Those who complete the certificate can transition seamlessly into the graduate Veterans Health Certificate and, potentially, the Master of Integrated Health Studies, as it is a stackable certificate master’s program in which the Veterans Health Certificate is an option.

Requirements

Certificate Hours Requirement


The Veterans Advocacy Certificate program requires a minimum of 12 credit hours. 

Required Courses (6 credits)


Complete the following courses:

Required Electives


Complete two courses (6 credit hours) from the following courses.