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Certificate of Graduate Study

Global Health Studies

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Solve Public and Environmental Health Problems of Global Significance

Learn how to design, implement, maintain, and evaluate large-scale public health interventions and expand health services in domestic settings and developing countries.

The 15-credit online graduate certificate in global health studies can be earned as a standalone credential or as an add-on to the Master of Public Health or any other graduate degree.

The program provides an overview of the institutions, policies, economics, and activities that affect the health of individuals, communities, and nations worldwide. Courses examine topics and challenges through case studies that highlight cultural competency, ethical reasoning, social justice, and human rights in practice.

Program of Study

programofstudy

You can complete coursework part-time and online in any order. Rolling admission allows you to start in spring, summer, or fall. The graduate global health certificate does not require an internship. You’ll complete the following courses to earn the certificate:

Required Courses
 

Global Health

Study international public health issues and national health care systems and make recommendations to improve health outcomes in diverse populations. Topics include infectious disease, reproductive health, nutrition, chronic disease, mental health, injuries, violence, and health and the economy.
 

Comparative Health Systems: A Global Perspective

Analyze different approaches to managing and delivering health care in first-world and developing countries. Consider issues of access, cost, quality, politics, economics, and demographics.
 

Global Environmental Health Policy

Examine global health policies of social, economic, and political importance. Issues include toxic substances, vector-borne diseases, climate change, health disparities, environmental risk, occupational health, and risk management. Prerequisite: Introduction to Environmental Health or equivalent.
 

Global Perspectives in Epidemiology

Devise ways to reduce the spread of disease and disability. Topics include disease emergence, biological terrorism, mosquito and water-borne diseases, drug-resistant pathogens, the return of polio, and the spread of infectious diseases. Prerequisites: Principles and Methods of Epidemiology I (Epidemiology II is recommended but not required).   OR

Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Review infectious disease principles and the use of epidemiologic methods in the assessment of selected communicable diseases of national and international importance.
 

Electives


Choose one:

Global Maternal and Child Health

Learn about maternal child health, including reproductive health, with a focus on low-and middle-income countries.
 

Global Health Economics

Use economic theories and tools to examine health care sector financial performance and determine when and how government should regulate health care provision and intervene in ways that affect the international market.
 

Universal Health Care in Costa Rica

Examine the universal health care system of Costa Rica, a middle income country, that has health status indicators, including longevity and infant mortality rates, to rival that of the U.S. while spending much less on health care.
 

Global Climate Change, Extreme Weather and Public Health

Gain a comprehensive picture of how a changing climate and extreme weather or natural disasters affect public health.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact John Justino at [email protected].

Career Paths in Global Health

Earning the global health certificate prepares you for a variety of roles in organizations with public health agendas.

Graduates can be found managing projects, recommending strategies, establishing partnerships, and providing cultural and political insights as public health administrators and practitioners around the world.

Employers include international social justice organizations, human services agencies, medical clinics, treatment centers, and community health organizations.

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careers

Admission Requirements

Deadlines

Rolling Fall, Spring, Summer

Certificate in Global Health Application

The application and all supporting materials must be submitted directly to The Graduate School at the University at Albany.


Application Requirements

  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing
  • Applicants should be familiar with the core public health concepts gained through previous studies or professional experience

For application specific questions, contact us at [email protected].


International Requirements

  • International students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 98 or IELTS score of 7.0. We will only accept official scores sent by the testing institution.
  • UAlbany SOPHAS TOEFL code is 2532. We do not use department codes. For electronic IELTS score results reporting, provide the following information to your test center:
    University at Albany (SUNY)
    1400 Washington Avenue
    Albany, NY 12222
  • The TOEFL or IELTS is not required for international students who have completed at least four semesters of full-time study within a four-year time frame from time of application, and maintained at least a B average at a college or university in the United States or a country from an approved list.  For questions regarding English Language Proficiency waivers, please email Soha Acosta at [email protected].
  • Applicants on an F1 or J1 visa are not permitted to enroll in a fully online program, due to visa restrictions.


Required Application Materials

Official transcripts

  • Official transcripts from EVERY post-secondary academic institution attended, including college coursework completed during high school, must be sent directly from the institution to University at Albany Office of Graduate Admissions. You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. 

Two letters of recommendation

  • A minimum of one must be from academic faculty 
  • At least one from a university faculty member in the major field of study
  • Applicants who have been out of school more than five years may submit professional references
  • Letters must be signed and on institutional/organizational letterhead

Personal Statement

  • Why do you wish to pursue this certificate and why are you interested in your chosen area of concentration?
  • 1500 word limit

CV/Resume

Application Information for Current UAlbany Students

Current UAlbany students should login to MyUAlbany and follow these steps to apply:

  1. In the MyUAlbany portal, select the Graduate Education tab at the top of the page.
  2. At the bottom left of the page under Application and Graduation Information, select Supplemental Degree Application.
  3. Click on the Supplemental Degree Application icon.
  4. Click the Add To Cart button.
  5. Fill out the form. Select your current degree level and current program name. Make sure to enter "Graduate Certificate in Global Health Studies" in the Requested Supplemental Degree Program Name field and select CGS in the Requested Supplemental Degree dropdown menu.
  6. Click Continue to submit your supplemental application form.
  7. Select Checkout to submit your payment information.


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