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.