Program Overview

M.S. in Global Health

General Info

• Faculty working with students: 50
• Students: 35-40
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: February 27

Program Description

The Duke Global Health Institute offers a Master of Science in Global Health (MS-GH). Our academic programs are among the strongest examples of interdisciplinary global health education nationally. DGHI aims to attract and enroll students from a wide variety of academic and personal backgrounds who share a mutual interest in improving health outcomes and health equity for people and communities anywhere in the world. Students can enter our program directly from their undergraduate studies; as health professionals seeking enhanced research training or global health perspective; or as individuals with volunteer, international, and/or professional work experiences.

The Master of Science in Global Health program is guided by the principle that complex global health challenges are never solved alone; they require a multidisciplinary, multisector approach that leverages diverse perspectives including those from the communities we work alongside. Our faculty include experts in medicine, public health, the environment, public policy, law, business, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.

Through a tailored, flexible MS-GH curriculum, students will examine the larger context of global health and learn how to work across boundaries to build lasting partnerships that drive real change. The 38-credit curriculum, requiring at least three full-time terms of study, focuses on the following core knowledge and skills:

• An understanding of key global health concepts and challenges
• A solid foundation in core methodologies used in global health research
• Ethics training and considerations applicable across cultures
• Core concepts to help students evaluate and understand health systems

In addition to coursework, all students will spend at least ten weeks pursuing a closely mentored, field-based global health research project or practice-based internship, which will lead to a culminating thesis or master’s paper.

Statistics

• Global Health: Master's Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Global Health: Master's Career Outcomes Statistics
• Global Health (Duke Kunshan): Master's Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

• Application Terms Available: Fall
• Application Deadline: February 27
  • The priority deadline is January 09, 2026, though all applications received by February 27, 2026, are guaranteed review. Applications received after February 27, 2026, will be reviewed on a space-available basis through May 31, 2026.

Graduate School Application Requirements

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General or MCAT (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required for applicants whose first language is not English
  • test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements

Applicants must submit responses to two short answer questions:

1. Please tell us about a cross-cultural experience you have had, either internationally or within your own country or community. What were your greatest challenges? What did you learn from the experience, about yourself and working with others? Please write no more than 1 page, single-spaced, in a 12-point font.
2. Please write no more than 1 page where you briefly highlight the following:

• Your academic preparation and/or professional experience in quantitative methods and skills (e.g., math, statistics, epidemiology).
• Please provide a bulleted list of relevant academic coursework with final grades, and any relevant research projects, extracurricular engagement, experience with software, and/or professional responsibilities (no more than one page).
• Your academic and/or professional writing experiences, as evidenced through research papers, an undergraduate thesis, scientific writing courses, or professional writing.

Writing Sample

None required