M.S. in Global Health

Program Description

The Duke Global Health Institute offers a Master of Science in Global Health (MS-GH). Our academic programs are among the strongest examples of interdisciplinary global health education nationally. DGHI aims to attract and enroll students from a wide variety of academic and personal backgrounds who share a mutual interest in improving health outcomes and health equity for people and communities anywhere in the world. Students can enter our program directly from their undergraduate studies; as health professionals seeking enhanced research training or global health perspective; or as individuals with volunteer, international, and/or professional work experiences.

M.S. in Global Health

The Master of Science in Global Health program is guided by the principle that complex global health challenges are never solved alone; they require a multidisciplinary, multisector approach that leverages diverse perspectives including those from the communities we work alongside. Our faculty include experts in medicine, public health, the environment, public policy, law, business, social sciences, humanities and engineering.

Through a tailored, flexible MS-GH curriculum, students will examine the larger context of global health and learn how to work across boundaries to build lasting partnerships that drive real change. The 38-credit curriculum, requiring at least three full-time terms of study, focuses on the following core knowledge and skills:

• An understanding of key global health concepts and challenges
• A solid foundation in core methodologies used in global health research
• Ethics training and considerations applicable across cultures
• Core concepts to help students evaluate and understand health systems

In addition to coursework, all students will spend at least ten weeks pursuing a closely mentored, field-based global health research project or practice-based internship, which will lead to a culminating thesis or master’s paper. 

More details on the curriculum and approach can be found on the program website.

M.S. in Global Health at Duke Kunshan

See https://globalhealth.dukekunshan.edu.cn for information about the M.S. in Global Health program at Duke Kunshan.

Statistics

• Global Health: Master's Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Global Health: Master's Career Outcomes Statistics
• Global Health (Duke Kunshan): Master's Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available: Fall

Application Deadline: February 27
The priority deadline is January 9, 2025.
Applications received by February 27, 2025 are guaranteed review. After February 27, 2025, applications will be accepted on a space-available basis through May 31, 2025.

Graduate School Application Requirements
See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General or MCAT (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English
  *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)
Applicants must submit responses to two short answer questions:

1. Please tell us about a cross-cultural experience you have had, either internationally or within your own country or community.  What were your greatest challenges?  What did you learn from the experience, about yourself and working with others?  Please write no more than 1 page, single-spaced, in a 12-point font.
2. Please write no more than 1 page where you briefly highlight the following:
   • Your academic preparation and/or professional experience in quantitative methods and skills (e.g., math, statistics, epidemiology).
   • Please provide a bulleted list of relevant academic coursework with final grades, and any relevant research projects, extracurricular engagement, experience with software, and/or professional responsibilities (no more than one page).
   • Your academic and/or professional writing experiences, as evidenced through research papers, an undergraduate thesis, scientific writing courses, or professional writing.

Writing Sample
None required

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