Program Overview
The global health certificate program encourages an understanding of the complex nature of health in resource-poor settings and the ability to access information concerning specific topics on global health. In line with the shift in global health policy in the U.S. and elsewhere, instruction takes a broad-based approach, focusing on determinants of health, access to health and healthcare, and primary care and interdisciplinary team-based models of sustainable healthcare, as opposed to disease-specific approaches. A blended approach of online, hands on, and lab-based coursework is used to deliver content.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program:
- Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence the health of individuals and populations globally and the relevance of this content to their future careers.
- Students will be able to gain hands-on experiences grounded in the ethical, practical and multicultural aspects of global health.
- Students will be able to learn about inter-professional global health related needs and opportunities.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Major/Minor/Certificate Policy
No selective or limited admission requirements. Students interested in pursuing the certificate can complete the standard form to declare a major, minor, or certificate program through their college's student services office. All degree-seeking undergraduates may enroll in the certificate program by completing the Update of Programs form.
External Transfer Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Recent pandemics (COVID-19, HIV, SARS, avian influenza) have shown us that health has become increasingly globalized. The increasing number of immigrants to the U.S. and U.S. travelers going abroad have, in part, contributed to the global nature of health and disease. This certificate program prepares those in the healthcare professions (i.e., nursing, medicine, public health, child life, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) to deal with cross-cultural interactions, tropical disease, emerging global infections, and multiple determinants of health within their chosen professions. The certificate also prepares students in a variety of majors to work on global health problems involving underserved populations within governmental and non-governmental agencies.