ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Global Health Graduate Certificate Program (GHGCP) is a graduate program at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) 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.
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.
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, as it 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, 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 U.S. Military or other agencies of the U.S. government.
How to Apply
Applications are received in February each year, with matriculation beginning the following fall for those accepted into the program. Applicants should possess, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution before matriculation at USU. Candidates are evaluated for admission based on a variety of criteria. In addition to academic fitness for graduate work, applicants are assessed for how likely they are to use this education to further the tactical, operational, or strategic objectives of the DOD, or the broader U.S. government, with respect to global health engagement. The program primarily enrolls students who are in the U.S. Military, to include Active, Reserve, and National Guard.
If you are interested in being notified when the next enrollment period begins, please complete the following form https://forms.gle/Ukz6qNK42TsiFJzK9.
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 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. Note that some of the courses are graded whereas others 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. Military in the Active, Reserve, or National Guard components. We hope to expand this in the future.
Please see the AY 2024-2025 GHGCP Handbook. Thanks!