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New PhD in Global Public Health Sciences. Find out more here.

Global Health

Making a difference in the health of people around the world

From Ghana to Greece: Global Health Student Gains Invaluable Fieldwork Experience


This past summer, passionate and hardworking second-year global health student Tara Pokras was looking to gain more real-world experience outside of the classroom. She was fortunate to land two incredible opportunities that helped expand her exposure to fieldwork as well as her experience in program design, monitoring and evaluation.

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What is Global Health?


Global health focuses on improving the health and health equity of all people worldwide by collaborating across country boundaries to research and implement multi-sector policies and programs. Combining courses in DC with international practice, our students leave with the knowledge and experience needed to respond to the changing health and disease environment of the 21st century. Our department works closely with worldwide partners to improve the rigor of educational global health programs, expand research and policy collaborations, and address national and international public health challenges.

Program Offerings


MPH and DrPH Programs

Whether you are interested in Global Health Policy, Program Design or Communications, we have the graduate program for you. https://cnn.com

Our Global Health Department offers several different master's programs including Global Health Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation, Global Health Policy, Global Environmental Health and Global Health Epidemiology and Disease Control. Additionally, there are joint MA/MPH and DrPH programs available to interested prospective students. https://cnn.com

Graduate Programs

Doctorate Program

Student Opportunities


Opportunities Abroad

Each semester, faculty, staff and students from the Department of Global Health can be found around the world practicing what they teach and learn in the classrooms of GW.

Global Health Overseas
In Our Own Community

Located in the heart of the nation's capital, the Department of Global Health offers a front row seat on the city – and the world.

Global Health in DC
Here On Campus

GW is home to a wide range of global health research and practice activities both within the Department of Global Health and across the University.

Global Health at GW

Explore Global Health

Research


GWSPH students have opportunities to impact health here in our own community at GW, in DC and also in different countries abroad.

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Practice Experience


Our extensive partner network enables students to work with top Washington, D.C. health organizations as practice settings.

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Careers and Alumni


Earning one of our degrees can lead to a wide range of professional opportunities. Click for a sampling and alumni profiles.

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Meet Our Faculty


James M. Tielsch, PhD, MHSc

Chair and Professor

James M. Tielsch is Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Tielsch also holds an Adjunct Professor appointment in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. A graduate of the University of Washington and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Professor Tielsch has been engaged in epidemiologic research and service in a number of areas both domestically and internationally.

James Tielsch Bio

Our Department's Faculty

Student Resources


Department News


Public Health Experts Available to Discuss Rising Death Toll in Turkey and Syria

WASHINGTON (February 13, 2023) -- The earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6 killed or injured more than 100,000 people in the first few days. The human toll...

COVID-19 During Pregnancy Ramps up Serious Health Risks

WASHINGTON (Jan 16, 2023) — Pregnant women who are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 face a 7 times increased risk of dying and a significantly elevated risk...

Media Tip Sheet: GW Experts Say Hold the Gun Industry Accountable for Violence

WASHINGTON (Jan. 11, 2023) — Today the Supreme Court said it will allow New York to enforce restrictions on carrying concealed weapons while legal challenges to the case...