Global Health Certificate

Global health refers to health issues that transcend national boundaries. The field faces unprecedented challenges brought on by issues such as shifting immigration patterns, climate change, conflict, and global commerce. The Certificate in Global Health prepares students for occupations in public health, health care, and affiliated fields that increasingly demand interdisciplinary and international thinking skills and competence in responding to challenges brought on by this dynamic global environment.

The University of Pittsburgh has a history of research discoveries that have improved the health of populations around the globe. This tradition endures through Pitt's world-class faculty who continue to build upon the legacy of individuals such as Jonas Salk, William Hammond, and Peter Safar, and through Pitt's outstanding student body who continually embraces the field of global health and truly makes a difference on a worldwide scale.The 15-credit Certificate in Global Health features specially designed courses and co-curricular activities that prepare students to meet the challenges of today's complex health problems and work in settings that increasingly demand interdisciplinary and global thinking skills.

Academic Requirements

Required courses

• PUBHLT 2025 Concepts and Methods in Global Health (2 credits)
• PUBHLT 2027 Transforming Global Health Education Into Action (2 credits)
• One course from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is required from the list of approved classes (3 credits)

The certificate core courses cannot overlap with any other departmental requirement. Overlap is permitted for the remaining required courses and these may also fulfill departmental requirements.

Co-curriculars
In addition, students are able to engage in the various co-curricular opportunities offered throughout the academic year. These co-curriculars consist of events such as symposia, film and video programs, workshops, and lectures. Content covers a range of issues relevant to global health, such as policy analysis, ethics, human rights, epidemiologic trends, and evaluation of global health programs.

Global Health Certificate Handbook
Global Health Certificate Checklist

Admissions

The requirements for admission to the Global Health Certificate are equivalent to those for an MPH degree. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose and objectives (no more than 1500 words) which should address the following:

1. reason for interest in global health
2. previous experience in global health (if any)
3. how the certificate will contribute to career goals

Admission decisions are made by the program director.

How to Apply...

For more information, contact   

Cynthia L Salter, PhD, MPH 
412-383-4403 
cgh@pitt.edu

This program is managed by the Center for Global Health.

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