Global health is the interdisciplinary approach to studying the health of populations across the world, irrespective of national or political boundaries. Students who concentrate in global health have a strong interest in examining the ways health disparities and specific risk factors affect local and global populations. Students of global health often learn how international agencies advocate for individuals, increase access  to healthcare, and ensure top health standards are met around the world.

Sample Courses

This course gives students an understanding of the elements common to all medical care systems and the factors that influence the shape, cost, performance, and quality of health systems. It examines what national health systems are, how they differ, and how they are performing. Students will examine the major problems in health care facing low- and middle-income countries and the strategic options available to these countries.

Program design, monitoring, and evaluation are critical to public health programs locally and globally, as donors, governments, and other relevant stakeholders must validate their investments and improve program performance. This course provides intensive introduction to the principles of study program design and evaluation research. It emphasizes the ability to synthesize the population-based intervention literature, apply planning and management methods, describe and apply research methods from a range of disciplines, and prepare a program research proposal.

Through a variety of modules, this course analyzes, vulnerable groups, humanitarian operations, natural disasters, and global security. It focuses on the impact of global health threats such as HIV/AIDS, avian flu, tuberculosis, and malaria on a variety of international institutions. Students will have a solid introductory understanding of disasters and complex emergencies and introduce practical responses and interventions. Class discussions will also focus on analyzing and anticipating the consequences of emergencies.