DGHI on Facebook DGHI on Twitter DGHI YouTube Channel DGHI on Flickr
DGHI iTunes Channel DGHI on Google+ DGHI on LinkedIn DGHI on Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions


General

  • What is Global Health?
  • What is the difference between the Masters of Science in Global Health (MSc-GH) and the Global Health Certificate (GHC)?
    • The The GHC program is a six-course (five for graduate students) program designed to provide Duke undergraduates and graduate students with tools both to synthesize current knowledge in new ways and to formulate innovative solutions to achieve improvement in the quality of health for underserved populations and to create the requisite interdisciplinary approach that will improve the understanding of global health issues. The GHC Program is appropriate for students wishing to augment studies in another area with global health knowledge.
    • The MSc-GH is a free-standing graduate program designed to appeal to an array of students, researchers, policy makers, managers, analysts, and clinical practitioners who desire a more complete understanding of the diverse causes of and solutions to health problems from an interdisciplinary global perspective.
  • What is the difference between the Global Health Certificate and the Health Policy Certificate*?
    • Review the following table:


       

       

      Global Health Certificate

       

      Health Policy Certificate

      Primary Perspective

      "Bottom-up": population-level research and policy focus on health disparities.  Focuses on understanding factors that give rise to health disparities.

      "Top-down": Institution- and system-level policy research focus.  Focuses on understanding how institutions and systems at different governance levels alleviate or contribute to health disparities.

       Geographic Focus

      International; some opportunity to explore links between global health and local health.  The geographic focus is largely determined by the health disparities of specific demographic groups.

      The U.S.; some opportunity to explore the influence of U.S. policies on health and health care systems abroad, and to compare the U.S. system of health care and financing with those in other countries.

      Research Methods

      Epidemiologic, as well as economic, and demographic field research methods.  Understanding the influence of laboratory sciences on global health.

      Policy analysis (including economic analysis methods), formulation and implementation that draws on both primary and secondary research from within various disciplines, as well as on interdisciplinary health research.


      * The Health Policy Certificate is not currently accepting new students.

  • What is the GH Focus cluster and can I participate?

    The GH Focus cluster is part of the Focus Program at Duke and consists of a cluster of four global health-focused courses open only to Duke freshmen and second semester sophomores . The courses are limited to 15 students and are taught by leading instructors and researchers from different disciplines. Student wishing to enroll in the fall Focus cluster must submit an application by the May deadline. More information is available at http://focus.duke.edu.



NC Health Disparities Fellowship (This program concluded in 2011)

  • What are the objectives of the Health Disparities Fellowship?

    The fellowship is an effort designed to:

    • engage talented public health and social work professionals in ongoing efforts to decrease health inequities in North Carolina
    • increase their knowledge about health disparities in North Carolina
    • develop the problem-solving skills required to design and implement community-based interventions and/or conduct related evaluations that address health disparities in a specific community

  • Who can apply to be a fellow?

    The fellowship is an opportunity for mid- and senior-level public health and social work professionals. Qualified individuals

    • are chosen because they are in a unique position to initiate change within their organization
    • have the interest and time to implement a specific, well-defined project to improve the health outcome of a marginalized population
    • have a bachelors' degree and a minimum of 4-5 years of health disparities-related work experience or a masters degree (or higher) and 1-2 years work experience in the field of health disparities

    The majority of fellows are working in community-based health organizations, faith-based organizations, and local governments implementing health programs. We welcome anyone to apply who meets the basic requirements and can show a commitment and passion for alleviating health inequities in North Carolina.

  • Who funds the North Carolina Health Disparities Fellowship?

    The North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund funds the fellowship as a part of the state's Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative.

  • Who runs the fellowship?

    Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) administers the fellowship, as a part of the education and training programs, to reduce health inequities around the world.

  • How many health disparities fellows do you accept per year?

    We accept 4-6 applicants per year, based on the strength of experience and skill of the applicants.

  • How long is the fellowship?

    The fellowship is a two-year commitment.

  • How do I apply to be a fellow?

    NOTE: We are not accepting applications at this time.

    Applicants thoroughly answer all questions on the electronic form and submit:

    • a current Curriculum Vita
    • two letters of recommendation
    • a letter of support from current employer

    Preference will be given to individuals who:

    • work with populations affected by health inequities
    • represent ethnic and racial minority populations
    • identify projects that will address a health inequity also identified by their community
    • geographic diversity will also be considered in the selection process

  • I work outside of North Carolina. Do I still qualify to be a fellow?

    No. A primary objective of the fellowship is to help reduce health disparities within North Carolina, therefore all fellows are individuals who work within North Carolina.

  • When does the fellowship begin?

    The fellowship begins in January or February of each year.

  • Who do I contact to learn more about the fellowship?

    Please contact Morgan Barlow, Fellowship Coordinator, by phone, at (919) 684-7001, or by email, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

  • Will I have to leave my job to participate in the fellowship?

    No. It is expected that you will remain working throughout the fellowship. The program does include 20 onsite training days, which your employer understands and consents to you participating in, while you are a fellow.

  • Is there compensation to participating in the fellowship?

    Yes. Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend at the completion of Year 1 and a $1,000 stipend at the completion of Year 2. Actual travel expenses (mileage, accommodations and food) will be reimbursed. Additionally, each fellow will be reimbursed up to $1,500 in Year 2, to cover project-related expenses.


 


Master of Science in Global Health (MSc-GH)

  • How do students apply to the MSc-GH program?

    Students apply to the MSc-GH program through the Duke University Graduate School.

  • Are there any pre-requisites for the MSc-GH program?

    No, however it is recommended that students come in with some combination of a foundation of biology and/or health sciences, college level mathematics/statistics, economics and competency in a foreign language, as well as prior experience in a health disparities or developing world context. Students not meeting these recommendations may still be accepted if they can demonstrate alternative academic preparation and relevant experience.

  • Can applicants submit MCAT scores in place of the GRE for an application to the MSc-GH program?

    Yes. The Duke Graduate School will accept either the MCAT or the GRE for admissions consideration.

  • Can international students apply?

    Yes! We encourage applications from international students. Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to submit additional test scores. The Graduate School website will provide additional information on requirements for international applicants, and you can also email the Academic Programs Manager.

  • Can I start the MSc-GH program in the Spring term?

    No. A new cohort begins each Fall term.

  • Are courses in the MSc-GH program available in an on-line or distance format?

    No courses are delivered in online or via distance-learning at this time.

  • Can students enroll in the MSc-GH program part-time?

    Students are generally discouraged from enrolling in the program part-time, and exceptions will made only on very rare occasion.

  • Can I complete a dual or joint degree between the Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) and other schools or departments at Duke University?

    Currently, students are able to complete a dual MD-MScGH at Duke, and approval plans for a joint JD-MScGH are in progress. While other combined programs may eventually be created, students currently planning to study in other graduate-level programs may be able to complete a Global Health Certificate.

  • Does the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) offer any scholarships or financial aid?

    DGHI offers a limited number of partial scholarships for the MSc-GH program each year. Awards are modest and are primarily merit-based. No additional application is needed, as students are considered based on their application to the Graduate School.

    It is important to note that all students in the MSc-GH program receive generous funding to enable their field research projects. In most cases, program fieldwork funding will cover all living, travel, and research expenses during the time that students are abroad.

    Additional information about other sources of financial aid is available through the Graduate Financial Aid Office.

  • How long will it take me to complete the Master of Science in Global Health program?

    The on-campus component of the program can be completed in one academic year (fall, spring), though students are also able to extend their coursework over additional terms. Students' fieldwork must be at least 10 weeks in duration and can be completed over the summer following the first academic year. Students are required to write and defend a research-based thesis in their final term of the program.

    Most students will finish the program in 1.5 to 2 academic years.
    Please contact the Academic Programs Manager with specific questions about timelines.

  • How long is the fieldwork component for the MSc-GH?

    Students must spend a minimum of 10 weeks abroad to fulfill the fieldwork requirement for the program. Students are encouraged to spend a longer period of time abroad.

 


Global Health Certificate

  • How do I enroll in the Global Health Certificate Program?
    • As an undergraduate at Duke? Click here.
    • As a Duke graduate student? Click here.
    • As a Duke nursing student? Consult with your advisor and Registrar about the particular requirements and flexibility of your program.
    • As a Duke medical student? The GHC is not available to Duke medical students because of the curricular restraints of medical school.
    • As a Duke law student? May apply up to three courses outside of the Law School towards a J.D. Further courses and dual-degree programs may be possible with the consent of the Dean. Click here for more details.
    • As a Fuqua Student? Consult with your advisor and Registrar about the particular requirements and flexibility of your program. Click here for more details.
    • As a non-Duke student? Currently an undergraduate student at another institution - Courses in the GHC Program are available to students from other institutions, but the GH Certificate is only available to students who complete an undergraduate degree at Duke. Check with your Registrar about whether your school has an inter-institutional agreement with Duke. If there is no inter-institutional agreement, you may pursue the program through Duke Continuing Studies. Not currently a student and have already completed a bachelor's degree - Pursue the GHC program through Duke Continuing Studies as a non-degree seeking graduate student.
  • What is the Global Health Certificate Capstone course?

    GLHLTH 255S- Global Health Capstone     is a course designed as the terminal experience of the GHC program. Students are required to analyze, discuss, research, and synthesize global health knowledge to address current global health topics. This course is only open to GHC students during the spring as their final GHC course.
  • What is GHC Fieldwork?

    GHC fieldwork is designed to give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of global health. The goal of GHC fieldwork projects is to provide students with in-depth interactions that lead to an understanding of the social contexts of health in underserved populations. Students participate in a broad range of projects according to each student's interest. Fulfilling the goal of GHC fieldwork requires working at the population-level, ideally within a community. Examples of global health-related projects that would not count as fieldwork include; laboratory research, an internship with WHO in Geneva.
  • Who is involved in the GHC?

    Students from any major and any pre-professional track are welcome to pursue the GHC below is an average distribution of majors. This chart is a snapshot of the majors distribution during one semester and is not exclusive of other majors. The GHC program is also available to graduate students.


    Click to enlarge

Education News

May 15, 2012

Sixty-five Students Graduate with Global Health Degree, Certificate

A record number of Duke students graduated with a degree or certificate in global health on Friday at one of two DGHI Commencement ceremonies.

May 15, 2012

Global Health Students Honored for Achievements

Duke global health students are stars. Here is a list of awards and fellowships awarded to new graduates.

FAQ

Learn more about the Duke Global Health Institute from our frequently asked questions.