Online Master of Science in Global Health
MS in Global Health
Drexel University’s online Master’s in Global Health prepares you to make a difference on a global scale. Interdisciplinary in nature and taught by the highly respected faculty at the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, this program is designed to help you gain a broad understanding of global health. With a focus on issues like urban and environmental health, maternal and child health, and human rights, social justice, and ethics, you’ll learn to act ethically and think creatively to find solutions to global health issues, all while analyzing national and international health systems and finding the best ways to engage with vulnerable communities. Drexel Dornsife’s global health master’s program is deeply rooted in the idea that health is a human right, and the curriculum will prepare you to fight for underserved communities both abroad and at home.
Master's Degree in Global Health Program Features
- 100% online program
- Can be completed in 12 months (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
- No residency component required
- Drexel Dornsife is proud to be the first school of public health in Philadelphia to earn CEPH accreditation
- Credits earned in the Online Global Health Certificate can be applied toward this degree
- Program is taught by faculty with global health industry experience
- U.S. News & World Report has ranked the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health #1 in Philadelphia and in the top 15% in the nation for public health graduate schools
- No GRE required
What is a Master’s in Global Health Program?
Drexel Dornsife’s global health master’s program is designed for clinicians, researchers, program managers, policy analysts, social entrepreneurs, and others who want to study both the theory and practice of global health.
As an MS student in Global Health, you will learn how to:
- Analyze the diverse factors that influence the health of global populations and think critically and creatively about how to develop effective and sustainable solutions
- Engage with communities and key stakeholders to understand the challenges of partnership and importance of country ownership
- Analyze global and national health systems, while examining and assessing the equitable distribution of resources and the prioritization of healthcare across populations
- Act ethically, promoting the right to health, and integrating scientific knowledge and global evidence to advance health policies and interventions that address social determinants of health, with an emphasis on underserved and marginalized populations
What Can I Do with an MS in Global Health?
Graduates with an MS in Global Health will be prepared for careers in research, policy, program management, and evaluation. You will be qualified to work in several industries both globally and domestically. Some go on to work for international NGOs such as CARE or Save the Children, while others turn to domestic non-profits, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or Catholic Charities. Universities, including Drexel University, hire global health experts in their research programs. Still others go on to be employed by governmental agencies like the Department of Veteran Affairs or private sector companies like GlaxoSmithKline.
What is the difference between an MS in Global Health and an MPH in Global Health?
There are some key differences between Drexel Dornsife’s online MS in Global Health and the online MPH in Global Health. In general, the MS in Global Health is better suited for those who are interested in conducting research, rather than becoming public health practitioners. The MS in Global Health can also be completed in a shorter amount of time, as it has no practice component.
What is CEPH Accreditation?
Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health is the first school of public health in Philadelphia, PA to earn the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation. This is an important distinction because CEPH accreditation means that the program has been proven, through a rigorous accreditation process, to meet a high standard of curriculum quality.
What are the Requirements for an MS in Global Health?
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution, is required. A GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred, but applicants with lower GPAs are still encouraged to apply. Please be prepared to highlight relevant work experience, professional certification, and/or continuing education in your personal statement. Graduates of any major are invited to apply. However, a previous course in statistics is highly recommended. The GRE is not required.
What Does it Mean to be a Global Health Professional and How Can I Make a Difference?
As a global health professional, you’ll work with some of the most vulnerable populations on the planet. Whether working directly in the field or supporting health organizations in other capacities, global health professionals help promote health-related awareness on a world-wide scale. This can mean studying diseases as an epidemiologist, working with governments and health organizations as a policy analyst, or caring for at-risk and marginalized communities, among other roles. The work you do has a direct impact on the health and safety of some of the most underserved members of society both domestically and around the globe.
Salary Expectations for MS in Global Health Graduates
While salary estimates vary for Master’s-educated professionals in the public health industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most updated figures range from $34,000 to $90,900. Learn more about public health salaries.
Related Programs
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Certificate in Global Health
- Certificate in LGBT Health
- Certificate in Maternal and Child Health
- Certificate in Public Health
- Certificate in Urban Health
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period.
Required Courses | ||
BST 571 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3.0 |
CHP 561 | Overview of Issues in Global Health | 3.0 |
CHP 607 | Public Health Ethics | 3.0 |
CHP 662 | Case Studies in Global Health | 3.0 |
CHP 673 | Process Monitoring and Outcomes Evaluation for Community Health Programs | 3.0 |
EPI 570 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3.5 |
HMP 603 | Health Systems Policy Analysis | 3.0 |
PBHL 501 | Introduction to Public Health* | 3.0 |
Capstone Courses | ||
CHP 752 | Integrated Learning Experience Global Health I | 1.5 |
CHP 753 | Integrated Learning Experience Global Health II | 1.5 |
Elective Courses |
21.0 | |
Total Credits | 45.0 |
*PBHL 501 is only required for those who do not have a degree from a CEPH accredited school.
Admissions Criteria
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution
- GPA of at least 3.0 preferred
- Those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, and should highlight the following in their personal statement: relevant work experience, professional certifications, and/or continuing education that demonstrates academic excellence
- Standardized Test Scores are NOT required
- However, you may choose to submit scores to strengthen your application
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our supporting document submission guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Essay of approximately 500 words discussing your interest in public health, current career goals, and why you are interested in Drexel University.
- Additional requirements for International Students
Transfer Credit Opportunities
If you're considering transferring into this online program, you may be eligible to transfer up to 15 graduate-level quarter credits. Learn more about Drexel Dornsife’s transfer requirements and guidelines.
Computer Requirements
Working knowledge of and access to a personal computer (no more than 4 years old), high-speed connection to the Internet, and Microsoft Office applications.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2024-2025 is $1032 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1375 per credit)
For the academic year 2024-2025, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2024-2025 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2024
September 23, 2024
December 7, 2024
December 9, 2024
December 14, 2024
Winter 2025
January 6, 2025
March 15, 2025
March 17, 2025
March 22, 2025
Spring 2025
March 31, 2025
June 7, 2025
June 9, 2025
June 14, 2025
Summer 2025
June 23, 2025
August 30, 2024
September 2, 2025
September 6, 2025
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