What is a Bachelor of Arts in Global Health?
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Global Public Health program at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health is an innovative undergraduate major that utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to global public health.
Global Health vs. Public Health
Public health and global health are deeply interconnected, as both focus on improving the health of communities and populations. Both require responses that overcome challenges, foster innovation, and collaborate through partnerships.
While public health professionals examine population health issues locally and nationally, those working in global health study issues in different countries and across countries. Global health requires interdisciplinary, critical thinking, and deep appreciation for, and sensitivity to, diverse cultures and settings.
Why Pursue a Global Health Undergraduate Degree at Drexel Dornsife?
At Drexel Dornsife, learning is through global experiences, data analysis, and innovative problem solving. This is accomplished through a unique education combining:
- Global Studies
- Modern Languages
- Policy Analysis
While at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health, students can:
Students are encouraged to explore global experiences for added breadth and depth.
The Dornsife School of Public Health has continuously earned accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), which is the organization that accredits public health schools and programs. Dornsife ranks as the top graduate school of public health in Philadelphia.
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This program is offered in collaboration with Drexel's College of Arts and Sciences and its Department of Global Studies & Modern Languages.
Admissions Requirements for Drexel's Global Public Health Program
Applicants to Drexel University are expected to have completed the high school curriculum that will best prepare them for freshman-year studies at the college level.
In general, applicants will need to submit the following:
- Undergraduate admission application
- Application fee
- Essay
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Financial aid information
Standardized test scores are optional for most applicants.
Application Instructions for Drexel's Global Public Health Program
Learn more about Drexel University's Undergraduate Admissions criteria and complete your application at the links below.
Review Undergraduate Admission Prerequisites
Complete Your Application
Learn more about Drexel's Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Global Public Health Curriculum and Courses
With an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students to take on today's global public health challenges, the Global Health undergraduate major activates a unique experiential learning experience that empowers students to make new connections, synthesize data, and become solution-driven public health professionals.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Global Public Health Course Requirements
The Global Health undergraduate degree program requires four years of structured coursework, consisting of required core courses and electives in the Dornsife School of Public Health, and in other academic units across Drexel University.
Students take a range of core courses at Dornsife including:
- PBHL 101 Public Health 101 - 3 credits
- PBHL 301 Epidemiology in Public Health - 3 credits
- PBHL 302 Introduction to the History of Public Health - 3 credits
- PBHL 303 Overview of Issues in Global Health - 3 credits
- PBHL 304 Introduction to Health & Human Rights - 3 credits
- PBHL 308 The U.S. Public Health System - 3 credits
- PBHL 314 Environmental and Occupational Health - 3 credits
Requirements also include courses in Global Studies and Modern Languages. Students choose from a number of elective courses in social sciences and public health, as well as a number of free electives and a public health capstone experience, to complete their degree.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
In order to receive a BA in Global Public Health, students are required to meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 180 credits, including required courses in general university education, language, social sciences, global health, and public health
- Pass three writing-intensive courses (two in a student's major and the third in any discipline)
- Completion of senior capstone experience
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Practical Experience
The Drexel Co-op is a key component in the curriculum for the Global Public Health major and provides students with professional employment experiences. Students graduate prepared to make real-world contributions to population health or pursue a professional or other graduate degree.
Global Learning
Dornsife students have access to tailored global public health field experiences, including learning and research opportunities with partners in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Undergraduate Global Public Health students have the opportunity for education abroad through intensive courses abroad or a full-term program.
Past students have had memorable experiences abroad:
To learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Global Public Health curriculum, requirements, and to see a sample plan of study, please visit the pages below.
Degree Requirements
Review a Sample Plan of Study
What Can You Do With a Global Health Degree?
There are a variety of global public health careers available to students, including positions in public service (local, city and state government), non-governmental organizations (local and international) and healthcare settings.
A degree in Global Public Health can open up unique career opportunities in a variety of industries, including:
- Public health analyst
- Health educator
- Health coordinator
- Education specialist
- Health promotion assistant
- Behavioral health workers
- Site prevention specialist
- Site community health worker
Careers in global public health are not only rewarding, but also promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a predicted faster-than-average growth rate of 14% for community health workers.
"[I]t is clear that technology, adaptability, and a sense of how the global affects the local and vice versa are indispensable features in today's professional and civic life," Rogelio Minana, PhD, Drexel's Vice Provost for Global Engagement, told Zippia.com about job market trends.
Drexel Dornsife provides a world-class education that provides students with the skill set to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. According to a survey of Drexel graduates, 96.9% are working or enrolled in graduate or professional education, while 92% of those working full-time were satisfied with their position. And 46.1% of Drexel Co-op participants working full-time had received a job offer from a Co-op employer. For more graduate and employment statistics visit the Co-op website.
Learn more about what you can do with a public health degree and the benefits of studying public health in Philadelphia.
Furthering Your Public Health Education with a Graduate Degree
Majoring in global public health also prepares students for medical school and schools of health-related professions.
Our graduates can also pursue advanced degrees in non-clinical disciplines, including MPH, MS, JD, and PhD degree programs.
Learn more about public health graduate degree opportunities at Drexel Dornsife.