What Is an International Public Health Degree?
If you are interested in improving the health of people in other countries, you might explore international public health education programs. Undergraduate- and graduate-level programs are designed to teach you about international public health and the policies that affect it. Read on to learn about the different types of degree programs, the coursework you can expect to complete, and the positions you might pursue with such a degree.
International Public Health Degrees
<h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeProgramsInInternationalPublicHealth">Bachelor's Degree Programs in International Public Health</h3>
<p>At the undergraduate level, you can receive an education in international public health through a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in International Health. Some schools may offer similar programs such as a B.S. in Global Health or a B.S. in Community Health with a concentration in international health. All of these bachelor's degree programs focus on comprehending and bettering the health of various worldwide populations. You could learn how to administer public health systems in foreign countries and study the factors that influence the health of a given population. These include environment, economics, and culture.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Online Availability</td><td>Partly online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td>A minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of certain courses</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses</td><td>Design and conduct of clinical trials, introduction to statistical computing, meta-analysis for public health & medical research</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degrees/Certificates</td><td>Undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs, are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2022) </td><td> $50,625 (<i>for public health educators</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 8% (<i>for health educators</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---ProgramCoursework">Program Coursework</h3>
<p>A bachelor's degree program in international public health typically lasts four years and consists of 120-128 credit hours. Classes in biology and chemistry are usually required in order to prepare you for health classes involving human diseases and medicine. Courses involving health promotion and disease prevention are also highlighted, including courses on sexually transmitted diseases, maternal health, and health promotion in developing countries. You may also take classes that highlight the politics and economics of various foreign countries so that you may learn how they affect the health and health policies of their populations. Some bachelor's degree programs include 'study-abroad' internships that allow learners to gain first-hand knowledge of other cultures.
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<h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3>
<p>An undergraduate degree program in international public health prepares you for employment in a wide range of fields, including medicine, health behavior research, epidemiology, international relations, and law. Upon graduation, you may pursue entry-level positions such as public health educator, research assistant, or program assistant for agencies or programs that are involved with international health. Alternatively, you might continue your education at the master's degree level.
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<h3 id="section---MasterSDegreeProgramsInInternationalPublicHealth">Master's Degree Programs in International Public Health</h3>
<p>Some schools offer a Master of Public Health with concentrations in international health or community and international health. You may also get to choose an area of emphasis such as health program management and policy, epidemiology, and health promotion. These graduate-degree programs teach you how to research, develop, and improve health policies and standards, particularly in nations with low-income or at-risk populations. You could be able to learn how to implement intervention strategies for the purpose of improving the health and quality of life of foreign populations while navigating the intricate laws and policies involved.
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<h3 id="section---ProgramCoursework-2">Program Coursework</h3>
<p>A master's degree program in international public health is made up of 46-62 credit hours. The curriculum usually consists of advanced classes on the creation and administration of health programs and policies. Core courses include the study of biostatistics and health program management. You may be able to choose electives to focus your study in areas such as research or disaster management. You may also take classes that are concerned with environmental health, medical anthropology, public health research methods, and health issues specific to areas such as Mexico, the Philippines, or South Africa. An internship is frequently required in addition to a final project, essay, or other culminating experience.
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<h3 id="section---CareerOptions-2">Career Options</h3>
<p>Graduate training in international public health can lead to leadership or administrative positions in international health agencies. Opportunities may exist overseas and with domestic agencies that specialize in consulting, relief, research, and the development of health promotion and intervention programs. Certain governmental positions might also be available to you with a master's degree in international public health.</p>