Perspective on How Master of Public Health Programs Approach Education for Global Public Health Practice

One in six Master of Public Health (MPH) programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) offers a concentration in global health. In July 2018, the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health released new recommended competencies for MPH global health concentrations.

Professor Kathryn H. Jacobsen in the Department of Global and Community Health, Global Health MS student Helen Zeraye, and collaborators from the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Subcommittee on Master’s and Undergraduate Degrees in Global Health reviewed the 2018–2019 academic year competencies for all of the CEPH-accredited MPH global health programs.

Their commentary published in the September 2019 issue of the American Journal of Public Health notes that while global health is still evolving as a field of public health practice, MPH concentrations in global health are equipping students with the knowledge and cultural skills required for effective practice in local, national, and international agencies and organizations.

“We found that global health MPH concentrations are preparing students for public health practice in a globalized world, not just in low- and middle-income countries,” Jacobsen explained. “Global health education develops cultural, ethical, and communication skills that are valuable for service in diverse communities around the world and close to home.”