What is the Online MPH in Global Health?

The online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health is an MPH program that teaches students how to analyze the influences affecting the health and well-being of diverse populations across different cultures and contexts.

The online global health masters program is designed to train students and health professionals in the foundations of public health with an emphasis on global health. The program prepares students to:

• Analyze the roles, relationships, and resources of the entities influencing global health
• Apply ethical approaches in global health research and practice
• Apply monitoring and evaluation techniques to global health programs, policies, and outcomes
• Propose sustainable and evidence-based multisectoral interventions, considering the social determinants of health specific to the local area
• Design sustainable workforce development strategies for resource-limited settings
• Display critical self-reflection, cultural humility, and ongoing learning in global health

Why Should I Study Global Health at Drexel Dornsife?

At Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health, students learn from faculty who are actively engaged in the international community, working on critical global health issues including hunger, infectious disease, maternal and child health, occupational health, immigrant health, human rights, and urban health.

Benefits of obtaining an online MPH in Global Health at Drexel Dornsife include:

• Flexibility: No residency component required.
• Convenience: Can be completed full-time or part-time. Your advisor will work with you on customized MPH plan of study that works best for you.
• Affordability: Online students receive 40% tuition savings compared to Drexel's regular tuition rate and are eligible for financial aid.
• Student support: Online students have access to many of Drexel University's resources, including the library, writing center, and career services.
• Reputation: U.S. News & World Report ranks Dornsife the #1 graduate school of public health in Philadelphia and a top school nationwide. Dornsife is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Develop Critical Public Health Skills

Throughout the Global Health MPH program, students develop key skills required for a robust career in public health, including:

• Public health program planning, research, and communication
• How to assess, monitor and evaluate global health programs, policies, and outcomes
• How to design evidence-based programs while paying attention to ethics, social justice, and human rights

Students work with Drexel Dornsife faculty and partner with governmental and non-governmental organizations on an integrative learning and practical experience.

Read more about the Online MPH in Global Health on the Drexel University Online website.

The Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health seeks students with intellectual and interpersonal competencies as well as those with potential for leadership. We welcome those who will contribute to the richness of our student population and to that of the nation's public health professionals.

The Online MPH in Global Health is ideal for a prospective student interested in studying and addressing the world's current and emerging global public health issues.

Admissions Requirements for the Online MPH in Global Health Program

To be considered for the global health MPH program, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution.

A GPA of at least 3.0 preferred. Those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, and should highlight the following in their personal statement: relevant work experience, professional certifications, and/or continuing education that demonstrates academic excellence.

Application Requirements for the Online MPH in Global Health Program

Applicants to the global health MPH program will need to submit the following:

• Online application
• Official transcripts from every college-level institution you attended (academic records from institutions outside the U.S. must undergo a credentials evaluation)
• English proficiency test score, if applicable
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of Purpose and Objectives

Applications for Drexel Dornsife’s online MPH in Global Health program do not require GRE scores.

To learn more about admission and application requirements, visit Drexel University Online

Core Courses

All MPH students begin their studies with Public Health Foundations (which introduces the theory and practice of public health) and a three-course sequence on Public Health Methods (which includes Introduction to Epidemiology, Introduction to Biostatistics, and Qualitative Data and Mixed Methods Analysis).

These core courses meet the core competencies outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) that all MPH students must achieve.

Sample Plan of Study

MPH in Global Health Required Courses

Students in the online MPH in Global Health program are required to complete degree-specific courses, including:

• Overview of Issues in Global Health - 3 credits
• Public Health Ethics - 3 credits
• Case Studies in Global Health - 3 credits
• Process Monitoring and Outcomes Evaluation for Community Health Programs - 3 credits
• Health Systems Policy Analysis - 3 credits

To successfully complete the MPH in Global Health online program, students must complete 56 course credit hours to receive their degree.

To learn more about the online MPH in Global Health degree requirements, visit the link below.

Review Degree Requirements

Global Health MPH Program Electives

Students have flexibility to select electives that align with their research interests and professional goals, including maternal and child health; LGBTQ+ health; Latino communities; and research with rare, stigmatized and hidden populations.

MPH Applied Practical Experience

All MPH degree students must develop skills in basic public health concepts and demonstrate capacity to apply these concepts through an applied practical experience relevant to their area of specialization. “Practice” refers to implementing (doing) public health, as a compliment to understanding (studying, researching) public health. 

Applied practical experience (APE) develops skills in an area closely related to a global health MPH student's academic and professional goals. Some students complete their APE in-person while others complete it online.

Learn more about Applied Practical Experience

MPH Integrative Learning Experience

The integrative learning experience (ILE) is the culminating requirement for global health MPH students. It requires students to take 3 credits near the end of the program and engage in an assessment, evaluation, or research project that emphasizes practical applications of concepts and skill development. Students are required to complete a high-quality written product and presentation at the end of the experience.

Learn more about the Integrative Learning Experience

What Does a Career in Global Health Look Like?

Global health graduates have opportunities to work in local, national, and global public health organizations, humanitarian organizations, and development organizations. Others work in the field at government agencies, clinical practices, and research organizations.

A Master of Public Health in Global Health can open individuals up to a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Global Health Educator
• Health Communications Manager
• Research Associate
• Global Program Manager
• Senior Specialist in Research and Evaluation
• Health Services Manager
• Policy Analyst
• Senior Project Coordinator
• Research and Evaluation
• Global Program Development Specialist

MPH in Global Health Salary Scale

Salaries for careers in global health can range depending on job industry, level of education and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social and community service managers in May 2024 was $78,240. The median annual wage for health education specialists was recorded to be $63,00 in May 2024.

Is Global Health a Good Field?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for health education specialists, community health workers, and social and community service managers will be as fast or faster than average, growing 4-6% between 2024 and 2034.

An MPH in Global Health provides passionate public health professionals with the skills and training to confront timely global and urban challenges, while promoting health in all policies.

"Coming from a clinical background, I realized early on that while treating patients one-on-one is important, real change happens when we address the bigger systems that impact health," said alum Filza Zuberi, MPH ' 26.

Apply Today to Begin Working Towards Your Degree