About the Program
The Bachelor of Science in Global Health is a four-year program that blends public health and health systems management with an emphasis on how the environment, culture, economics, and politics affect the health status of whole populations. The program, one of the few of its kind in the nation, provides students with dynamic and transformational educational opportunities in the United States and abroad. From 2003 to present, more than 300 students have taken part in the program’s innovative, semester-long research practicum abroad for seniors.
Unique Program Features
- The program exposes students to the fields of international affairs, health science, public health, and health systems management
- Grounded in Catholic, Jesuit values, including cura personalis, care of the whole person
- Opportunities for hands-on learning and credit-bearing research experience locally, nationally, and abroad
- Internship experience at the community, national, and international levels
- Taps the extensive resources of international and non-governmental organizations based in Washington, D.C.
- A strong emphasis on service learning
- Pre-med and study abroad opportunities
The crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased attention and opportunities in global public health. The global health program is well-positioned at the forefront of this work.
Jennifer Huang Bouey, Associate Professor, Department Chair
Why Choose This Program?
Student Experience
Shreya Arora (H’24)
“I knew Georgetown’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and the breadth of courses offered through the global health major would enable me to develop a holistic approach to addressing health inequities.”
Read More About Shreya’s Experience
______________________________________________________
Doha Maaty (H’23)
“I always know that my professors are willing to talk to me and discuss academic, professional, or even personal matters and help positively guide me.”
Read More About Doha’s Experience
_______________________________________________________
Lara Adekunle (NHS’22)
“There’s been so many interesting speakers and topics discussed in many of my courses. I love the intersectionality of the field and the many different aspects that global health touches on — mental health, demographics, health economics, and sustainable development, just to name a few.”
Internship
Chiapas, Mexico
During the fall of their senior year, Global Health students undertake a semester-long practical experience, gaining first hand knowledge of health issues faced by other countries, cultures, and populations. Students conduct an internship focused on program, policy, or research issues, usually involving the health of underserved populations. They are placed for the semester with an organization based within the U.S. or abroad, including research organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and health ministries. During this time, the students work closely with an on-site preceptor, they observe and contribute to the organization’s activities, and write a scholarly thesis.
Current internship sites include Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Peru, Mexico, Ghana, and Tanzania, as well as Alaska and West Virginia in the United States.
From 2003 to present, more than 300 students have participated in this transformational experience.
“My semester abroad played a vital role in igniting my passion for global health. More importantly, it instilled a greater sensitivity and awareness of health and economic disparities across the world. My semester abroad played a formative role in both my career choice and personal philanthropy.” (Global Health Internship Abroad, Ghana, 2006)
“Every day during my practical experience abroad, my perceptions of Tanzania, international development, public health, and really the continent as a whole were challenged, torn down, and built anew. I personally witnessed the challenges and hardships Tanzanians go through that I’d only read and studied about in the classroom prior. It was also a time of personal reflection, making me realize the amount of untapped potential and opportunities for the advancement of Africa.” (Global Health Internship Abroad, Tanzania, 2015)
Admissions
Application Deadlines
Early Action – November 1
Regular Decision – January 10
Transfer – March 1
Current Students
