Global Health, MS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Global Health

Passionate about global health and creating change? Go beyond treating symptoms --- explore the sociocultural and evolutionary roots of health disparities. In this program, you'll develop evidence-based solutions that address both local and global health challenges, making a lasting impact where medical practice leaves off.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Global Health

The Master of Science program in global health in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change prepares students to improve health for all people, in all places. Rooted in an anthropological and evolutionary approach to health, the program explores how culture, history, biology and the environment interact to shape health outcomes across time and place. Designed as a transdisciplinary and flexible degree, it equips students with the broad, adaptable skillset needed to address today's most pressing global health challenges ranging from emerging infectious diseases to chronic health disparities.

In this program, students gain both foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for impactful global health work. Through coursework that engages global health partners and the applied internship, students engage with critical health issues, including ONE Health, nutrition, maternal and child health, and infectious disease. They also develop cross-cutting competencies in epidemiology; research design; monitoring, evaluation and learning (also known as MEL); the art of crafting policy briefs; qualitative data analysis; and more. The program emphasizes developing sustainable, culturally-appropriate solutions and cultivating the ability to critically assess programs and research within diverse global contexts.

Learning Outcomes
  • Appraise the strength of evidence for shaping policy and programmatic decisions.
  • Model professional and ethical practice when collaborating with partners and stakeholders during their applied global health internship in domestic or international settings.
  • Construct strategies to address the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours and a portfolio

Required Core (3 credit hours)
ASM 503 Evolutionary Medicine and Global Health (3)

Restricted Electives (12 credit hours)
ASB 455 Practicum for Social Sciences (3)
ASB 457 Global Mental Health (3)
ASB 462 Medical Anthropology: Culture and Health (3)
ASB 494 Topic: Ethnic Disparities and Health (3)
ASB 500 Topic: Qualitative Data Analysis (3)
ASB 500 Topic: Research Design for Global Health (3)
ASB 504 Global Health Policy (3)
ASB 507 Advanced Evolutionary Medicine (3)
ASB 510 Health: Social and Biocultural Theories (3)
ASB 526 Survey Topics in Global Nutrition (3)
ASB 548 Maternal and Child Health (3)
ASB 554 One Health (3)
ASB 598 Topic: Epidemiology in Context (3)
ASB 598 Topic: Monitoring, Evaluating and Learning for Global Health Programs (3)
ASB 598 Topic: Narrative and Science Engagement (3)
ASB 598 Topic: Reproductive Ecology (3)

Electives or Research (12 credit hours)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
ASB 584 Internship (3)

Culminating Experience (0 credit hours)
portfolio (0)

Additional Curriculum Information
For restricted electives, students complete at least 12 credit hours from the list above.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. written statement
  4. two letters of recommendation
  5. professional resume
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Students who have graduated from programs in anthropology, biology, public health, applied mathematics, statistics or in a related social science degree may be particularly well positioned for this program. Applicants with previous degrees in other fields should address in the written statement how their previous studies have prepared them for this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Anthropology

Are you torn between studying history or biology? Explore both while learning about human origins, ancient cultures and what it means to be human. Obtain knowledge of human evolution, adaptability and behavior from the No. 1 school for anthropology (National Science Foundation, 2023), and you'll have an edge when pursuing a career.

Anthropology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Anthropology

Are you intrigued by the wider world and looking for a program that considers the big picture of humans in all times and all places? Study at the No. 1 school for anthropology (National Science Foundation, 2023) and help make the world a better place by finding solutions to today's most complex issues.

Anthropology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Global Health

Are you concerned about global health issues and passionate about making a difference in the world? Go beyond fighting disease and health disparities by investigating their sociocultural and evolutionary roots. Pick up where medical practice leaves off, and develop evidence-based, contextually informed and far-reaching solutions to local and universal health concerns.

Global Health Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Global Health

Do you want to improve lives around the world by advancing human health? Explore how history, culture and environment intertwine to play a critical role in today's health problems and their solutions. Prepare for a service-oriented career in global health policy, community health practice, disaster management, health education and beyond.

Global Health Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
July 1st
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
December 1st
Final


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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MS in global health program are well-positioned for careers across a variety of sectors including governmental and policy agencies, domestic and international non-governmental organizations, global research initiatives, and innovative private-sector health companies. Whether advancing policy, evaluating programs, managing health initiatives, or conducting global health research, graduates bring cultural insight and analytical rigor to the work of improving lives worldwide. Common job titles include:

  • education lead
  • evaluation specialist
  • program manager
  • research associate
  • technical advisor

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-6215


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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