Global Health, MS


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Are you concerned about global health issues? Passionate about changing the world? Go beyond fighting disease and health disparities by digging deeper into their sociocultural and evolutionary roots. Pick up where medical practice leaves off, and create evidence-based, contextually informed and far-reaching solutions to localized and universal health concerns.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Global Health

The MS program in global health in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change exposes students to a comprehensive understanding of the factors that lead to morbidity around the world, including ecological, political, cultural, institutional, historical, evolutionary, social and technological factors. This program equips students with the necessary skills to create effective, sustainable and culturally appropriate approaches to prevent, assess and mitigate disease as well as to critically assess the work of others in their professional environments.

The program helps learners to cultivate professional practice through focus on application of technical knowledge into professional settings by integrating recognized global health competencies.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours and a portfolio

Required Core (6 credit hours)
ASB 504 Global Health Policy (3)
ASM 503 Evolutionary Medicine and Global Health (3)

Restricted Electives (9 credit hours)
ASB 455 Practicum for Social Sciences (3)
ASB 462 Medical Anthropology: Culture and Health (3)
ASB 526 Survey Topics in Global Nutrition (3)
ASB 548 Maternal and Child Health (3)
ASB 598 Topic: Reproductive Ecology (3)

Electives or Research (12 credit hours)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
ASB 584 Internship (3)

Culminating Experience (0 credit hours)
portfolio (0)

Additional Curriculum Information
For restricted electives, students complete at least nine credit hours from the list above.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. written statement
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. professional resume
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Students who have graduated from programs in anthropology, biology, public health, applied mathematics, statistics, or in a related social science degree may be particularly well positioned for this program. Applicants with previous degrees in other fields should address in the written statement how their previous studies have prepared them for this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Anthropology

Are you torn between which to study: history or biology? You can explore both while learning about human origins, ancient cultures and what it means to be human. Gain in-depth knowledge of human evolution, adaptability and behavior, and you'll have an edge when pursuing your chosen career.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Anthropology

Are you intrigued by the wider world? Do you want to understand the big picture of humans in all times and all places? Become a changemaker ready to help make the world a better place.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Global Health

Are you concerned about global health issues? Passionate about changing the world? Go beyond fighting disease and health disparities by digging deeper into their sociocultural and evolutionary roots. Pick up where medical practice leaves off and create evidence-based, contextually-informed and far-reaching solutions to localized and universal health concerns.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Global Health

Do you want to improve lives around the world by advancing human health? Explore how history, culture and environment intertwine to play a critical role in today's health problems and their solutions. Prepare for a service-oriented career in global health policy, community health practice, disaster management, health education and beyond.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Learning Outcomes

  • Appraise the strength of evidence for shaping policy and programmatic decisions.
  • Articulate strategies to address the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health.
  • Apply the standards of professional practice and ethics to their collaboration with partners and stakeholders during their applied global health internship in a domestic or international setting.

Career Opportunities

Nationally and internationally, the health field provides varied career opportunities, and demand is growing for graduates with specific skills. The program supports the goals of those pursuing careers in academic research, programming, teaching and policy. Sample employment venues include:

  • data analyst
  • learning specialist
  • program manager
  • research associate
  • technical advisor

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.