PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, Global Health

Global health relates to health issues and concerns that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity and culture. Studies in global health stress the commonality of health issues for the United States and international partners, and involve collective, science-based interventions to resolve these issues. Thus, knowledge about how national governments, multi-national organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector must work together is essential to the success of global health programs. Accordingly, emphasis is on preparing graduates with the fundamental scientific knowledge, ethical understanding, and specific skills necessary to become public health researchers and professional leaders in multiple settings. Proximity to the U.S./Mexico border and the expertise of many current faculty members at both SDSU and UCSD support and encourage a focus on transborder problems including infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, TB, STDs), non-communicable diseases (diabetes, CVD), and migrant health. Students may develop other areas of specialization such as environmental health, health policy, geographic information systems, and maternal/child health. Required and elective courses include global health practice and theory, program planning and evaluation, emerging infectious diseases, advanced epidemiology and biostatistics, research methods, environmental health, and global maternal/child health. In addition to didactic classes at both partner institutions, students will be expected to complete an international field practicum involving research, policy work, or cultural training. Graduates of the program are competitive for a variety of research, teaching and service positions in academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and businesses with global health interests both within and outside of the United States.