MPH with Global Health Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights

The Global Health track within Vanderbilt University's MPH program is dedicated to improving global public health through leadership, service, and the dissemination of knowledge. It aims to educate innovative and effective public health professionals capable of developing and managing impactful global health initiatives, contributing to sound public health policies, and engaging in meaningful partnerships with diverse communities. A key feature of this track is the close collaboration students have with the faculty and staff of the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) .

Delivery Modes

The program is delivered on-campus in Nashville, TN, facilitating direct interaction with faculty and resources at the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, which is located at 2525 West End Avenue.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum combines core public health coursework with specialized training in global health. Core areas include Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Social and Behavioral Science, Environmental Science, and Health Services Administration.

Specific courses for the Global Health track cover Foundations of Global Health, Essential Skills in Global Health, and Leadership, Policy and Management in Public Health. For detailed course listings, please click here to view course requirements .

A significant component of the program is a 400-hour public health practicum. Students in the Global Health track typically undertake their practicum in an international low-resource setting or work with international populations within the U.S.

All MPH students are required to complete a culminating experience, which allows them to synthesize their learning. Students can choose between a thesis or a capstone project, selecting a research topic or focus area relevant to their interests and career goals. Click here to learn more about the culminating experience .

Admissions Requirements

Eligibility for the Global Health track requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Additionally, it is strongly preferred that candidates possess at least two years of relevant, post-undergraduate professional experience. This experience should ideally be in a low-resource setting internationally or involve working with international populations in the United States.

Career & Practical Experience

The Global Health Track is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in a variety of settings. Target careers are with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), immigrant health agencies, philanthropic foundations, private industry, and academic institutions.

Practical experience is central to the program, highlighted by the 400-hour practicum. Previous practicum placements have included:

• Lwala Community Alliance

• World Health Organization

• Partners in Health / Compañeros En Salud

• Fundación INFANT

• Ministries of health and non-governmental agencies in countries like Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Guatemala, Haiti, and China.

Students also benefit from their close working relationship with the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), gaining exposure to ongoing research and projects.