Global Health Specialization
The Global Health specialization prepares students to confront complex issues primarily impacting resource-poor populations around the world.
Students learn the basic biology and epidemiology of major infectious and chronic diseases, as well as other health conditions contributing significantly to global health inequity. Underlying risk factors for these conditions, such as socio-economic determinants and environmental exposures, are explored.
The curriculum builds a context-specific understanding of the root causes that lead to health outcomes. Coursework emphasizes transdisciplinary problem solving approaches and students learn to integrate multiple sectors to build creative solutions. Students are prepared to create program and policy solutions that address pressing global health issues. Throughout the program, students are exposed to best strategies to support vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, adolescents, and pregnant and lactating women.
Graduates pursue careers in multi-lateral organizations (WHO, World Bank), the U.S. Federal Government (CDC, USAID), non-governmental organizations based in the U.S. and abroad (Save the Children, Helen Keller International), as well as academic research or policy centers.