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.

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.

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.

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

Ronald Waldman, MD, PhD

Professor

Ron Waldman, MD began his career as a volunteer in the World Health Organization's Smallpox Eradication Program and has coordinated efforts for the likes of the WHO, USAID, and the United Nations. In his spotlight, Dr. Waldman discusses his journey into public health, the importance of humanitarian work and why he chooses Washington, DC over New York City.

Watch Faculty Spotlight

Our Department's Faculty

Student Resources

GH Department Resources

As a GW student, you have many resources at your disposal through your department, the school, and the university. Click below for resources relevant to Global Health Department students.

Department Resources

GWSPH Source

The Source is home to all resources for students, faculty and staff. Simply type what you're looking for into the search bar and click the icon. You can also use the category filters under "Resources" to help you locate the resource you are looking for.

The Source

Student Life

As a student in Washington, DC, you have an opportunity to not only capitalize on all the city has to offer as a student and professional, but also on a personal level. Take advantage of all the nation's capital has to offer on your own, or join one of our student groups to experience GWSPH with your peers.

Student Life

Department News

The Lancet Poverty Commission, which includes GW Professor, Releases Report
09/10/2020

The Lancet NCDI Poverty Commission held a global virtual event to launch the Commission’s new report on non-communicable diseases and injuries.

Milken Institute School of Public Health Launches New Study of Deaths in Puerto Rico Due to Hurricane Maria
09/04/2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 9, 2020) — Milken Institute SPH today announced receiving nearly $1 million in a contract from National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Milken Institute School of Public Health Receives Grant to Combat Maternal Malnutrition
09/03/2020

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 3, 2020) – Researchers at Milken Institute SPH have received a $1.8 million grant to improve maternal and newborn health.