Master of Science

Core Curriculum

The MS in Global Health equips graduates with critical conceptual and practical skills through rigorous coursework offered by a multidisciplinary faculty. Students pursuing the MS degree are required to complete the following core courses, along with three elective credits. Core courses include:

OST 821 – One Health-Transdisciplinary Collaborations to Global Health (3 credits)

Transdisciplinary collaboration amongst different animal health, human health, and non-health specialists to solve problems at the interface of people, animals, and their environment.

Students will learn about the One Health framework approach, including its history, theoretical issues, added value and application to global health, and the relationship between access to quality and security of water, sanitation, food and air on animal and human health. The One Health approach will be used to assess and analyze various human, animal and environmental global health and well-being issues. Students will also learn to recognize contributions and added value of transdisciplinary teams in solving One Health issues; the role and added value of social sciences, economics and communications in One Health and how the approach can aid in translating science into policy.

OST 822 – Introduction to Global Health Practice (3 credits)

Differences in national models of healthcare delivery, issues of social justice and human rights principles, and strategies to engage marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Students will learn about important milestones in the history of global health; roles and relationships of major entities influencing global health and development; different national models or health systems for provision of healthcare and their respective effects on health and healthcare expenditures; how global trends in healthcare practice, commerce and culture, multinational agreements and multinational organizations contribute to the quality and availability of health and healthcare locally and internationally; general trends and influences in the global availability and movement of healthcare workers; the healthcare workforce crisis in the developing world, contributing factors and strategies to address this problem; social justice and human rights principles in addressing global problem problems; how cultural context influences perceptions of health and disease; and personal motivations and roles in global health practice.

OST 823 – Global Burden of Disease (3 credits)

Major causes of, types of, and efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality around the world. Techniques for monitoring and validating the health status of populations.

Students will learn about major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world and how the risk for disease varies with regions; major public health efforts to reduce disparities in global health; how to validate the health status of populations using available data; major social and economic determinants of health and their effects on the access to, and quality of, health services and on differences in morbidity and mortality between and within countries; contribution of animal health and disease to the global burden of human disease and the impact of environmental degradation on the global burden of human and animal disease.

OST 824 – Emerging Topics in Global Health (3 credits)

Emerging topics in global health and connections to current issues.

Students will learn about key ideas in the design of health communication interventions for diverse populations based on existing communication science, and elements of health communication interventions targeting specific cultural groups.

OST 825 – Ethical Issues in Global Health (3 credits)

International standards for protection of human subjects. Social justice and human rights principles within the global context.

Students will learn basic concepts underlying global health and attendant of ethical issues; ethical concepts and theories; ethical issues in the context of various global health contexts; relationship between health, human rights and global inequities; process of learning to be a professional in global health and global health ethics; local and national codes of ethics relevant to one’s working environment; fundamental principles of international standards for the protection of human subjects in diverse cultural settings; and the role of WHO in linking health and human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects.

OST 827 – Global Health Management (3 credits)

Leadership and management within the context of global healthcare, including interprofessional and intercultural values and communication.

Students will learn about functions, skills and competencies for management and leadership in global health settings using project management tools and techniques for program planning, implementation and evaluation. Students will learn about inter-professional values and communication skills that demonstrate respect for, and awareness of, unique cultures, values, roles/responsibilities and the expertise of colleagues and stakeholders. In understanding these skills students will reflect on and evaluate their own limits in skills, knowledge and abilities. Leadership practices supporting collaborative practice and team effectiveness will be explored in the context of strengthening health systems. The inclusion of diverse constituencies in partnerships and fostering interactive learning with these partners will lead to the development of lessons with community partners to reduce barriers to healthcare in low-resource settings. Students will adapt discipline-specific skills and practice in a resource-constrained setting.

OST 828 – Global Health Capstone (3 credits)

Integration of knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in global health.

The capstone course is the opportunity for students to synthesize their learning from the program and to present this through the development of three elements. Students will spend this course working on the development of an ePortfolio where they will highlight their work and experiences from this program. Students will also produce a paper and oral presentation on a topical area of interest related to a global health issue.

OST 829 – Global Health Community Assessment (3 credits)

Assessment of community health scenarios. Techniques for collaboration and co-creation with community partners.

Students will learn about the field of community-engaged global health, methods and theories to current global health practice debates; collaborating with a host or partner organization to assess the organization’s operational capacity; co-creation strategies with communities to strengthen community capabilities and contribute to health disparity reduction and improvement of community health; integration of community assets and resources to improve health of individuals and populations; and how health, illness and medicine shape our lived experiences.

OST 831 – Evidence-Based Practice in Global Health (3 credits)

Critical appraisal of scientific studies of global health interventions.

Students will learn about evidence-based program planning and evaluation, including evidence-based decision-making, composing a valid research statement, collecting and evaluating data and evidence to answer research questions, critiquing evidence for importance and validity in a global health context, and interpreting and evaluating evidence presented within scientific literature.

Program Cost

2025/2026 Academic Year

Master of Science in Global Health

Tuition is $995 per credit. Additional fees may apply.*

Total program cost at 30 credits is $29,850.

*MSU reserves the right to make changes in types, structures, and rates for tuition and fees. Additionally, the amounts listed on this site reflect the current tuition rate only and do not take into account any additional university fees that may apply. For the most up-to-date information on tuition costs and related fees, please refer to the Student Accounts section of the MSU Controller's Office website.

Program Benefits

100% Online

Complete the Master of Science in Global Health online, at your own pace, with asynchronous courses.

30 Credits

The 30-credit-hour requirement can be completed in as little as one year.

Multi-Disciplinary Faculty

Expert global health practitioners and researchers from multiple disciplines lead the program's courses, including experts from Osteopathic Medicine, Human Medicine, Anthropology, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and more.    

Stackable Credentials

Not sure if you're able to commit to a full Master's program? The Graduate Certificate in Global Health can be completed in just three courses. Credits from the certificate can then be transferred to the Master of Science in Global Health program. 

Admission Requirements

The Global Health Studies program is currently waiving its application fee. The waiver is not automatically applied, so it is important to follow the steps outlined below to qualify.

1. Send an email to globalhealth@msu.edu. The subject line should indicate that it is an application waiver request and must include your last name. The email content should include:
   1. Application ID number
   2. First and Last Name
2. Upload all application materials into the admissions application system.
   1. Select "review" at the end of the application.
   2. Ignore the pop-up window indicating payment is required and the notification that the application will not be submitted. The program office can see that the application has been submitted and will process a waiver on your behalf. It is important that the applicant does not pay the fee themselves, as application fees are non-refundable.

Required Materials

1. Bachelor, Professional, or Equivalent Degree

• The degree must be from an accredited college or university.
• One official copy of all records of previous education (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) must be submitted directly from each institution via the National Student Clearinghouse or other secure transcript service. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be considered official.
• Records must show courses and grades earned.

International Applicant Additional Requirements

• All documents must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. If a document is translated, it must be certified as accurate and correct by an appropriate public or school official, or government or sponsoring agency. The original records should be also be included.
• Both the official transcript and an attested copy of the diploma must be included.
• International transcripts may not be submitted electronically. Only official documents within sealed envelopes from the issuing institutions will be accepted. Documents must be sent directly from the institution and cannot be delivered via the applicant.

Submission Instructions

Domestic: Applications should be sent electronically from the institution to the MSU Global Health Studies Office email (globalhealth@msu.edu). Most domestic institutions can now submit documents electronically; however, if a domestic institution does not participate in electronic transcript verification, it should send hard copies to the address listed for international applications below.  

International: Applications must be sent via mail to the address below. It is strongly encouraged that the applicant obtain a tracking number for the parcel.

MSU Global Health Studies Program
Michigan State University
Attn: Wendi Winston
909 Wilson Rd, Room 424A
East Lansing, MI 48824

2. Two Letters of Reference

• Two professional references are required. Personal references will not be accepted.
• Letters should address the applicant's:
  • Work ethic
  • Leadership qualities
  • Professional/academic capabilities
  • Ability to be successful in the completion of graduate-level work
  • Any additional information, including accomplishments

Submission Instructions

• Within the application system, the applicant is asked to provide the email addresses of those they wish to request letters of recommendation. The application system automatically sends a request to the recommender via email, which will include instructions for submitting the letter.
• Letters submitted by an applicant will not be accepted.
  It is advised that the applicant reach out to the potential recommenders before entering their email addresses. This allows them to confirm their willingness to write the letter and lets them know they will be receiving an email.
• The applicant will receive notification that a letter has been submitted, but will not be able to see the letter.

3. Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0

• A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required (demonstrated via official transcripts - see the Bachelor, Professional or Equivalent Degree section.)
  • Applicants who do not meet this requirement should address their concerns and any extenuating circumstances within the Personal Statement. They may also provide documents describing work experience, references, etc., for further evaluation.
  • Applicants not meeting the 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA requirement may be admitted provisionally. This could be a requirement of taking one course per semester for a designated period of time to demonstrate ability. Provisional acceptance does not qualify for federal financial aid.

Personal Statement

Applicants are expected to complete a personal statement that addresses each of the following aspects. Responses should be no longer than 500 words and should be thoughtful and detailed.

• Why are you interested in global health?
• What are your career goals following graduation, and how will a degree in global health help you meet those goals?
• What additional information would you like to share in consideration for admission?

Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 should also include an explanation for the lower GPA and any additional information to demonstrate their capability to excel in a master's degree program.

Submission Instructions

The personal statement is submitted by the applicant by uploading it into the Personal Statement section as a .doc or .pdf file.

4. Resume or CV

A current resume or CV is required and must be submitted by the applicant by uploading it into the application system as a .doc or .pdf file.

5. English Language Proficiency Exam (International Students Only)

If English is not the applicant's first language, an English language proficiency examination is required. Information regarding English language competency requirements is available through the MSU Graduate School.

Admissions Cycle

MSU follows a 3-semester annual cycle. Applications are accepted for the Master of Science in Global Health, Graduate Certificate in Global Health and the Undergraduate Certificate in Global Health. 

Application Deadlines

• Spring Semester: December 1
• Summer Semester: April 1
• Fall Semester: July 1

Upcoming Semester Dates

MSU semester dates can be found on the MSU academic calendar. Students should refer to their respective course syllabi for the exact course dates.