The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Master of Science in Global Health Policy and Management

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 an MS degree after one year of graduate study. Through partnerships, the Master of Science in Global Health Policy and Management program will help secure a summer internship for admitted students.

Course Sequence

Any core course can be taken during your senior year at Brandeis, thus freeing you up for more electives while an MS GHPM student at Heller, allowing you to further tailor the degree to fit your interests.

GHPM program leadership and faculty regularly examine and review our curriculum to ensure that it reflects global health policy today and prepares students for the future of the field. Therefore, please note that the curriculum outlined below is subject to change. Note also that not all courses are offered every semester or every year.

Fall

Required Courses (16 credits)

Spring

Data Analytics Track Requirements

Policy Analysis Track Requirements

HS 532b, Social Policy Analysis: Technique and Application (4 credits)

Electives

  • HS341a, Public Finance  (4 credits)
  • HS 422f, Cost-Effectiveness (2 credits)
  • BUS 216f, Python and Applications to Business Analytics II (2 credits)
  • BUS 243a, Introduction to Natural Language Processing (4 credits)
  • BUS 272a,  Operations Management (4 credits)
  • BUS 240f, Information Visualization (2 credits)
  • BUS/FIN 241a, Machine Learning and Data Analysis for Business, Policy, and Finance (4 credits)
  • FIN 203a, Financial Management (4 credits)
  • FIN 212a, Financial Accounting (4 credits)

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:

Evie Sessions, MS GHPM Program Administrator (esession@brandeis.edu)