Global Health

The Global Health program at The George Washington University is designed to prepare students to address complex health issues that transcend national borders and require collaborative international solutions. This multidisciplinary program combines coursework in public health, medicine, social sciences, and policy, providing a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of health and the strategies necessary to improve health outcomes worldwide. Students will explore a wide range of topics including infectious diseases, health policy, health systems, epidemiology, environmental health, and health equity, all within the context of global interconnectedness. The program emphasizes experiential learning through fieldwork, internships, and research projects, allowing students to gain practical skills and work alongside global health practitioners and organizations. Graduates will be equipped to work in diverse settings such as international health agencies, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and research institutions, contributing to the development and implementation of effective public health interventions across different cultural and socio-economic contexts. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, cultural competence, and leadership skills necessary to tackle current and emerging global health challenges. Students also have access to GW’s extensive network of health professionals, policymakers, and academic experts. With a focus on innovation and solutions-oriented approaches, the Global Health program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to advancing health equity and building resilient health systems worldwide. Whether interested in research, policy, or direct health service delivery, students will find a rich and dynamic academic environment supported by faculty engaged in cutting-edge global health scholarship.

Graduation Requirements

1. Graduate credit requirement: 48 graduate credits are required.
2. Course requirements: successful completion of the foundational and research methods courses. The program-specific specialty field courses and the professional leadership credits are required.
3. Comprehensive exam: Once the course of study is completed, students are required to pass the comprehensive exam to be officially admitted to the candidacy phase.
4. Dissertation: PUBH 8422 Advanced Health Care and Public Health Research Design plus 6-9 dissertation research credits are required. Once the proposal has been successfully defended and dissertation research credits have been met, the oral defense may be scheduled.
5. Grade point requirement: A 3.0 (B average) overall grade-point average is required.
6. Time limit requirement: The degree must be completed within seven (7) years.
7. No transfer credits are accepted.

• The SOPHAS online application form
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions from which you earned credit
• Official and current GRE test scores (GW Institution Code: 5268)
• Two letters of recommendation (Note: A third letter is required of doctoral applicants)
• Applicants who hold a master’s degree are exempt from the GRE requirement (faculty have the option of requesting a GRE). However, international applicants are not eligible for this waiver. International applicants should review the Milken Institute School of Public Health Language Proficiency and International Testing Requirement.
• Applicants to graduate certificate programs with at least four years of relevant work experience may be eligible for a waiver of the standardized exam requirement.
• Statement of purpose
• Official TOEFL or IELTS score

The George Washington University offers a variety of financing options for students enrolled in its Global Health programs. Funding opportunities include federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, grants, assistantships, and private loans. For U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans are available, providing substantial support to mitigate tuition costs and living expenses. International students are encouraged to explore scholarships specifically designated for international applicants, which are awarded based on academic merit and need. The university also offers merit-based scholarships for domestic and international students that can significantly reduce the financial burden. Additionally, students may pursue departmental scholarships and fellowships, which are competitive and awarded based on academic achievement and professional potential in global health. The GW Global Health program encourages students to seek external funding sources, including grants from health organizations, foundations, and governmental agencies. Private loans from recognized financial institutions are an option for students who require supplementary funding, though they often involve higher interest rates and stricter repayment terms. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and assistance in navigating these options, helping students prepare applications and meet deadlines. Tuition fees vary depending on the program track and student residency status, and students are advised to consult the official GW website or contact the financial aid office for current figures. Furthermore, students are encouraged to participate in assistantship opportunities, including research and teaching positions, which can offer stipends and tuition remission. Overall, the GW Global Health program is committed to making education accessible through a comprehensive system of financial support, aiming to enable students from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the field of global health at an advanced academic level.

The George Washington University offers a comprehensive program in Global Health that aims to prepare students for leadership roles in addressing health issues that transcend national boundaries. The program focuses on the complex interplay of social, economic, political, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes worldwide. Students gain a solid foundation in public health principles, epidemiology, health policy, and health systems, with an emphasis on innovative solutions to global health challenges. The curriculum includes coursework in global health policy, epidemiology, health disparities, health economics, and infectious disease management, providing learners with the necessary skills to design, implement, and evaluate health interventions in diverse settings.

In addition to classroom instruction, students have access to practical experiences through fieldwork, internships, and collaborations with international health organizations. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating perspectives from medicine, public health, policy, and social sciences. Students are also exposed to pressing issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, environmental health risks, and health equity. The program prepares graduates for careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, international agencies, research institutions, and consultancy firms engaged in global health efforts.

The GW Global Health program emphasizes cultural competence, ethical considerations, and sustainable development practices, ensuring graduates are equipped to work effectively across different cultural contexts. Faculty members are experts in their fields, often involved in pioneering research and global health initiatives, enriching the learning environment with practical insights and up-to-date knowledge. The university also offers networking opportunities, conferences, and seminars that connect students with professionals in the global health arena. Overall, this program aims to develop skilled practitioners and policy makers committed to improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities worldwide.