Global Health 5-year Bachelor-Master of Science Program

Are you interested in a career in global health? The Global Health 5-year Bachelor-Master of Science Program provides a pathway for undergraduate HSSP students to learn about health system design and function, with an eye toward structuring systems to improve health outcomes for people around the world. Students apply in the spring of their junior year through the Heller admissions process. Admitted students will take masters-level courses in the senior year, embark on an internship during the summer between their senior year and graduate school year, and complete a MS degree after one year of graduate study. Through partnerships, the MS GHPM program will help secure a summer internship for admitted students.

Curriculum

Three MS GHPM core requirements taken in the senior year will count toward the undergraduate degree in HSSP as Focal Area C or general electives. Students can then take additional graduate-level elective courses during the graduate year, allowing them to further tailor the degree to fit their interests. See below for a curriculum chart.

Brandeis Undergrad Senior Year

Fall

HS 236a, International Health Systems and Development (4 credits)

Spring

HS 229f, International Health Financing (2 credits)
HS 239f, Intersectionality and Bioethics (2 credits)

Summer

Internship

The GHPM program will secure internship placements for admitted students during the summer between undergraduate and graduate years. (2 credits)

MS GHPM Year

Fall

HS 326f, Introduction to STATA Programming and Data Management (2 credits)
HS 349f, Introduction to Microeconomics in Global Health (2 credits)
HS 404b, Applied Regression Analysis (4 credits)
HS 518a, Management of Healthcare Organizations (4 credits) (if not taking Current Issues in Healthcare Management in Spring)
Electives: Minimum of 6 credits, maximum of 8 credits. Students may contact the Program Administrator Joleen Caraballo with specific questions about electives.

Spring

HS 402f, Research Methods or HS 278f, Monitoring and Evaluation (2 credits)
HS 296b, Current Issues in Healthcare Management (if did not take HS 518a)
Electives: Minimum of 16 credits, maximum of 18 credits. Students may contact the Program Administrator Joleen Caraballo with specific questions about electives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Interested HSSP students should begin by discussing their fit for the program with an HSSP faculty member. Students should apply starting in the spring of their junior year, with a deadline of June 1. To apply, students must submit their resume and three letters of recommendation. In addition, students should submit a statement of purpose that outlines their career interests and describes prior experience and coursework related to global health. The GRE is not required to apply to this program. Due to the limited availability of guaranteed summer internships, admission cannot be offered to all applicants.

Do I have to take the GRE?

The GRE is not required.

Will I receive help securing an internship?

Through partnerships, the GHPM program will secure internship placements for admitted students during the summer between undergraduate and graduate years. These internships will count for credit, fulfilling two credits of electives that count toward graduation requirements for the MS degree. Through these internships, students will gain crucial experience and skills necessary to further their education and career. Because the internship occurs after graduation, it cannot count toward HSSP hands-on experience requirement, and the GHPM program cannot guarantee that all summer placements will be paid.

Once admitted do I have to maintain certain standards as an undergraduate?

Once accepted, students will normally be expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and a grade of B or better in the required courses.

What should I do if I'm interested in the STEM concentration?

Students may apply for the STEM concentration after their first semester as a GHPM student.

Will I have an advisor to guide me through the process?

Students will be assigned an advisor in the GHPM program their senior year. Students will meet with their advisor at least once a semester in their senior year and will have the same advisor once they begin the GHPM program.

How much will it cost?

Students will pay regular undergraduate tuition through their senior year. In their fifth year, students will pay Heller tuition. Heller guarantees a 50% tuition scholarship for Brandeis alumni in the program.

How is the MS in Global Health Policy and Management different from a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree?

Heller's MS GHPM is unique because we put health policy at the core of our required courses, our students can supplement their studies with courses from other Heller degree programs such as the Social Impact MBA and Sustainable International Development, and our program gets you into the working world faster. Learn more.

What types of jobs will this degree qualify me for?

Our MS in Global Health Policy and Management are employed all over the world, from the United States to Asia to Africa, and in a variety of sectors, including the private sector, government, nonprofit and academia. Please see the MS GHPM careers page for examples.

For more information, contact:

Joleen Caraballo, MS GHPM Program Administrator (jcara13@brandeis.edu)