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Implementation Science & Community Health Outcomes (Capstone)

Solve problems in community health, health services, or health policy with the certificate in Implementation Science and Community Health Outcomes from UW–Madison. Learn to translate research into positive outcomes for people.


Is this program right for you?

The UW–Madison Capstone Certificate in Implementation Science and Community Health Outcomes (ISCHO) covers a range of research methods and practical knowledge for use in finding solutions to real-world health problems facing our clinics and communities.

This program is ideally suited for current and future health researchers who wish to acquire a working knowledge of the various methods of translational and outcomes research, including qualitative, dissemination, implementation, effectiveness, and community-based participatory research methods.

Recent grants for health research reflect the urgent need to find ways to translate what has been learned from controlled experiments into positive outcomes for clinical practice and community health (translational research). This research requires people who can form and manage research partnerships between academic researchers and community-based health stakeholders, consider multiple factors that influence a community or organization, evaluate whether a health intervention or prevention method works or will be used, and articulate policy implications of health issues and interventions.

Implementation science supports methods that promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services.

Our program helps you develop these skills. You also acquire the knowledge to design effective studies and develop competitive funding proposals. You learn how to determine which research methods are appropriate for different research objectives and how to properly collect and analyze your data.

Our current students include UW–Madison students in graduate and professional programs, post-doctoral trainees and fellows, research project assistants, and professional development grant awardees from among the fields of medicine, nursing, industrial and systems engineering, pharmacy, and population health. We also welcome students and professionals from non-health fields, such as public policy, social work, and business.

Is this program right for you?

The UW–Madison Capstone Certificate in Implementation Science and Community Health Outcomes (ISCHO) covers a range of research methods and practical knowledge for use in finding solutions to real-world health problems facing our clinics and communities.

This program is ideally suited for current and future health researchers who wish to acquire a working knowledge of the various methods of translational and outcomes research, including qualitative, dissemination, implementation, effectiveness, and community-based participatory research methods.

Recent grants for health research reflect the urgent need to find ways to translate what has been learned from controlled experiments into positive outcomes for clinical practice and community health (translational research). This research requires people who can form and manage research partnerships between academic researchers and community-based health stakeholders, consider multiple factors that influence a community or organization, evaluate whether a health intervention or prevention method works or will be used, and articulate policy implications of health issues and interventions.

Implementation science supports methods that promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services.

Our program helps you develop these skills. You also acquire the knowledge to design effective studies and develop competitive funding proposals. You learn how to determine which research methods are appropriate for different research objectives and how to properly collect and analyze your data.

Our current students include UW–Madison students in graduate and professional programs, post-doctoral trainees and fellows, research project assistants, and professional development grant awardees from among the fields of medicine, nursing, industrial and systems engineering, pharmacy, and population health. We also welcome students and professionals from non-health fields, such as public policy, social work, and business.

Admissions requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.

Ideal applicants will:

  • Have completed at least one or two courses in research design and/or analysis.

Application materials required:

  • Online application
  • Supplemental application
  • Resume/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Copies of your current licenses and/or credentials, if applicable

Note: This is not a full-time program and therefore cannot admit international students needing an F-1 or J-1 visa.

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Program highlights

  • Certificate requirements are flexible. You may propose qualifying courses for elective credits. Additionally, components of your master’s or PhD project may fit our project requirement for the certificate.
  • Many of our current students include research project assistants, post-doctoral trainees and fellows, and more. You connect not only with current professionals in a wide variety of fields, but also with accredited, knowledgeable instructors.
  • Our program is face-to-face, giving you the chance to work alongside UW–Madison’s renowned faculty in the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research.

How you'll learn

  • No more than two years of study on campus to earn your certificate; classes taught on weekdays.
  • Certificate requirements are flexible. You may propose qualifying courses for elective credits. Additionally, components of your master’s or PhD project may fit our project requirement for the certificate.

Sample curriculum

Required Courses

  • Translational and Outcomes Research in Health and Health Care
  • Research Project
  • Seminar

Elective Areas (choose from approved electives)

  • Working with Communities and Implementation Science
  • Qualitative Methods Relevant to Translational and Outcomes Research

Job outlook

Top Job Titles
  • Medical science liaisons
  • Research associates
  • Clinical research coordinators
  • Epidemiologists
  • Clinical research associates
Top Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare and social assistance
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Educational services
  • Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services

Projected Job Growth
15.70% (2020-2030)

Job Postings
6,238 in 2021

Top Employers
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Bayer
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb
  • Pfizer
  • Merck

Source: Lightcast™ 2022

Ready to learn more about Implementation Science & Community Health Outcomes (Capstone)?
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Connect with our enrollment coaches

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:

  • Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
  • Get help with your application
  • Determine if financial aid is available

Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.

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