ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Global Health Graduate Certificate Program (GHGCP) is a graduate program that offers coursework in global health science and policy with an extra emphasis on real-world applications relevant to the U.S. military, the U.S. federal government, and our allies and partners. Begun in 2016 and fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the program’s students earn a “Graduate Certificate in Global Health and Global Health Engagement” after successful completion of the required coursework, all of which can be completed by distance learning. This certificate program is administered through the Division of Global Public Health in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics. Graduate certificates are an increasingly recognized and valued credential in global health and are often earned by mid-career professionals interested in obtaining formal education in this diverse and rapidly changing field.
Starting in Academic Year (AY) 2024-2025, students can earn an accredited graduate certificate upon successful completion of five courses totaling at least 12.0 credit hours of coursework. The courses are offered in a Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) format to offer maximal flexibility for students. You can take the course asynchronously (watching recorded lectures and participating in activities such as discussion boards) or you can take the course synchronously (via “live-time” video conferencing or in-person). All courses will include various activities such as readings, videos, group discussions, presentations, written papers, or exams.
We have taken a limited number of new admissions into the GHGCP for AY 2024-2025. Students enrolled during prior years will be able to continue their progress through the program. Please see below regarding AY 2025-2026.
PREREQUISITES
This is a graduate program and therefore all students must already have at least a baccalaureate degree before applying to the program. No exceptions can be made to this policy for several reasons, including the fact that this is a requirement of the program’s accreditation. Otherwise, the program has wide latitude to admit students from disparate backgrounds and levels of experience. Students in USU’s graduate programs have typically included physicians, nurses, dentists, medical planners, veterinarians and health administrators, but a background in the health professions is not a requirement for matriculation into this program.
In addition to students who take this coursework early or midway through their careers, students also enroll in our program who already possess significant academic credentials and an impressive amount of field experience in global health. We welcome these students into our program, too, as they add expertise, diversity, and valuable insight to class discussions, among many other benefits. Often these are highly motivated, fast-tracked individuals who smartly choose to “brush up” on global health material prior to assuming leadership positions at some of the highest levels of the DoD and other departments of the U.S. government.
How to Apply
Enrollment occurs once a year with matriculation in the fall. A pre-application was disseminated to about 900 people (who were on the waiting list) in mid-December 2024 and we have already selected students for the incoming AY 2025-2026 class that will start in August 2025. The pre-application for the AY 2026-2027 will be available on this website in mid-December 2025.
Incidentally, we are discontinuing the use of a waitlist, since everyone will now be able to apply during the pre-application window. Also, acceptance into the GHGCP is highly competitive. During AY 2024-2025 we had a 3% acceptance rate and we expect a similar acceptance rate in AY 2025-2026.
Applicants will be rated higher if their current or near future primary job duty is in Global Health/Global Health Engagement (GH/GHE). Also, if they are currently at or being assigned to a position in a Combatant Command office, supporting Service Component, or other operational billet with specified GH/GHE duties. Finally, those with Skill Identifiers in Global Health, such as US Army Veterinarians, will be more competitive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to complete the program and earn the certificate?
A highly motivated student without too many extra commitments could complete the program in one year. A typical student who takes one course per term will earn the certificate in about two years. Students must complete all requirements within three years to earn the certificate.
May I take coursework via distance learning at USU and then transfer the credit elsewhere?
Yes. Students will have a formal transcript maintained by the USU Office of the University Registrar. Upon successful completion of each distance learning course, there will be a letter grade recorded on the student’s transcript along with the credit value of each course. Any student may, at any time, request a transcript be sent and credits transferred to any other university or program that accepts transfer credits. Some of the courses are Pass/Fail.
I am not a member of the U.S. military; may I apply to take global health courses at Uniformed Services University?
At this time, the program primarily enrolls members of the U.S. armed services who are on active duty or reserve status. We hope to expand this in the future.
Where can I get additional information about the GHGCP?
Please see the AY 2024-2025 GHGCP Handbook. Thanks!