Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Department of Public Health Sciences' Global Health Program gives students the option of pursuing the global health track as part of a graduate degree or obtaining a graduate certificate in global health. In addition, students can participate in the Global Health Exchange Program, which provides international opportunities to study public health in diverse settings.

These areas of focus reflect Penn State's broader commitment to improve overall health and well-being and to promote a global understanding through integrated programs in education, research and service.

Global Health Exchange Program

International fieldwork is a critical step for students to gain practical experience in global health.

Each summer, this program sends MPH students abroad to India, Ghana, Taiwan and other international sites.

These international field experiences can fulfill the program’s practicum requirement. While abroad, students engage with the local community to address identified local public health issues.

Students are also able to participate in a domestic global health internship to fulfill the practicum requirement.

Here's what some participants have said about the program:

• "The internship may have only been eight weeks in duration, but its effects in me have truly altered the trajectory of my career."
• "Going to Bahrain was eye-opening, mind-blowing, and rewarding. I got opportunities to conduct public health research projects in collaboration with local researchers. This was a precious opportunity for me to translate my skills and knowledge to real-world practice."
• "Having the opportunity to experience these prominent global health threats firsthand has influenced my education and has helped me to become a better, more compassionate, and knowledgeable public health professional."

As part of the Global Health Exchange Program, the Department of Public Health Sciences hosts a group of incoming health professional students from international partner sites for three weeks in the summer. The program features educational lectures by faculty, shadowing and observational learning, visits to regional and national public health organizations, and cultural exchange of public health topics with public health students.

Training Opportunities

A number of workshops on global health topics are offered, such as Writing for Health Policy and Advocacy. Additional opportunities will be added to the website as they become available.

Global Health Case Competition

Each year, Penn State assembles an interprofessional team comprised of students from the College of Medicine, Dickinson Law and University Park campuses to participate in The Emory Morningside Global Health Case Competition. The competition poses a hypothetical public health crisis for teams to solve. Each team must successfully work together to create and present a comprehensive plan that addresses the problem. Presentations are judged by a panel of experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), academia, State Health Departments, private industries, and nongovernmental organizations.

The Penn State team consists of up to six students from an array of degree programs such as public health sciences, medicine, nursing, engineering, biology, business and law. To participate, interested graduate and undergraduate students must apply each fall.

View details on the Global Health Case Competition.