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Master of Science – Global Health and Population

Valencia Lambert prepares to unpack boxes of OraQuick HIV self-tests in Mbarara, Uganda.

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Summary

The Master of Science degree in Global Health and Population is designed to prepare individuals to advance global health research and reduce the burden of disease, especially in the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Visit the Department of Global Health and Population

About

As a student in the 80-credit Master of Science in Global Health and Population program, you will:

receive rigorous quantitative and qualitative training to advance knowledge of population and global health
develop the analytical and methodological skills required to effectively respond to key challenges affecting population health in a global context
work closely with world-renowned faculty members and researchers based in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area
learn to communicate effectively and raise awareness of the biggest threats to global health
join a department whose programs and projects span more than 30 countries across the world
go on to pursue a meaningful career in applied research, policy analysis, and health education, or continue training in a doctoral program

On Campus (Fall start) • Full-time (2 years)

Curriculum

School requirements

BST 201 Intro to Statistical Methods
EPI 201 Introduction to Epidemiology: Methods I
EPI 202 Epidemiologic Methods 2: Elements of Epidemiologic Research
ID 100 Foundations for Public Health

Department requirements

GHP 220 Intro to Demographic Methods
GHP 230 Intro to Economics with Applications to Health & Development
GHP 272 Foundations of Global Health and Population
HPM 548 Responsible Conduct of Research
Case Studies: Ethics in Global Health Research
GHP 207 Risk Factors and Population Health
GHP 269 Political Economy of Global Health
GHP 506 Measuring Population Health
ID 212 Foundations of Program and Policy Evaluation
GHP 299 Master’s Thesis
Intermediate methods (10 credits)

The 2024-2025 Department Guide is available in PDF format and contains a list of course offerings, program requirements, and relevant contacts for specific degree programs. This document is a helpful resource for current and prospective students.

2024-2025 Department Guide (PDF)

ID 552 Innovations in Global Health Systems
GHP 202 Comparative Health Systems I
GHP 255 HIV Interventions, Rationale, Design & Evaluation
GHP 504 Intro to Qualitative Research for Global Health
ID 217 Nutrition and Global Health

Students may choose to focus elective coursework in global health or other disciplines such as epidemiology, nutrition, or health policy. The above list represents examples of popular electives in global health.

Semester	Class	Schedule
Fall	BST 201 Introduction to Statistical Methods	T/TH 3:45-5:15pm + Lab*
Fall 1 & 2	EPI 201 Introduction to Epidemiology / EPI 202 Epidemiologic Methods 2	T/TH 9:45-11:15am + Lab*
Fall	GHP 272 Foundations of Global Health and Population	M/W/F 9:45-11:15am
Fall 1	HPM 548 Responsible Conduct of Research	F 11:30-1:00pm
Fall 1	GHP 230 Introduction to Economics	M/W/F 2:00-3:30pm
Fall 2	GHP 220 Introduction to Demographic Methods	M/W/F 8:00-9:30am
Fall 2	RDS 280 Decision Analysis for Health and Medical Practices	T/TH 2:00-3:30pm

*Required lab section not displayed on sample schedule

Competencies

Identify and apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to the analysis of international, national, regional, or local contemporary problems of public health
Synthesize and integrate specialized knowledge and research skills in one or more areas of global health and population (e.g. demography, economics, epidemiology, human rights, law, politics, policy, and statistics) based on advanced course work and independent research study
Evaluate and apply ethical consideration in global health research

Our Community

Each cohort is comprised of 15-20 students. Students in their first year will benefit from the prior experience of those in their second year. Peer relationships are developed through academic coursework, seminars, and social activities.

Throughout the degree, students are encouraged to engage with faculty on research projects and to participate in seminars that promote discussion and networking with members of the school-wide community.

I’ve always had a game plan to use my ambitions for advocacy, to embrace different perspectives, and to fully dive into public health in my work
Valencia Lambert, SM ’24

Career Outcomes

Graduates choose a variety of career paths in the broad areas of population and global health research. Some students continue academic training in a doctoral program, others have begun research careers with foundations such as the Population Council or the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, while others have worked for international health and development agencies, companies, and nonprofit organizations such as JSI, PATH, and R4D.

Eligibility Criteria

The admissions committee looks for candidates with:

Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree in a relevant discipline
Strong academic potential, as demonstrated by grades in prior academic coursework and performance on standardized tests such as GRE or MCAT
English proficiency for applicants for whom English is not their first language and who have not received degrees from a university where English is the language of instruction
Prerequisite coursework in statistics AND calculus with a minimum grade received of B+ (SAS & Stata Introduction courses DO NOT meet this requirement)
Relevant health or public health research experience: Most successful applicants have 1 year+ full-time public health research experience

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application service for public health programs. In addition to the application, applicants must submit:

English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo), if applicable
Statement of purpose and objectives
Official test scores (required)
Three letters of reference
Resumé/curriculum vitae
Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States)

Application Deadline: December 1

Applicants may apply to only one degree program. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and decisions are released via email in late February/early March. Decisions are not released until all application components are received.