During the last half of the 20th Century, most nations experienced unprecedented improvements in the health of their populations as modern public health and medical science contributed to the substantial reduction of morbidity and mortality around the world. In the 21st Century, continued improvements in the health and development of the worlds societies will depend on our response to the challenges of poverty, disease, and inequity.  Emerging and re-emerging health threats, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, smoking, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, as well as the more subtle pandemics of gender-based violence, road accidents, and mental illness, challenge international public health in profound ways.  For example, new approaches to the provision, financing and management of health services must be developed and carefully evaluated. Increasing global urbanization means that large populations in formal and informal settlements must have access to clean water and sanitation, and be protected from environmental hazards, in addition to having access to appropriate preventive health and curative medical services.  The International Health concentration develops public health professionals with the skills and expertise to respond in innovative ways to these health challenges.  

The goal of the Masters of Public Health with a concentration in International Health is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively on health issues in both domestic and overseas settings.  Students have the flexibility to combine coursework from a wide variety of fields in order to gain professional skills in program design, management, evaluation, and research, as well as building a core international health knowledge base with which to address the social, cultural, and epidemiological challenges that affect the health of populations.  

Career paths for International Health concentrators include private sector and civil society employment in relief and development organizations, consulting, research, and government service, both domestically and abroad. Our alumni can be found in organizations such as the World Health Organization, USAID, The World Bank, Peace Corps, Doctors without Borders, as well as a wide variety of governmental and non-governmental organizations.   In addition, our graduates often pursue further advanced studies in medicine or public health. However, employment in international health is highly competitive, and foreign language competency combined with experiences living and working abroad are essential prerequisites for many jobs.  Students matriculating into the program without these requisite skills and experiences should be prepared to devote extra time and resources to develop a competitive resume.

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Master of Public Health, Concentration in International Health