Global Opportunities for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

At the University of Cincinnati, there is considerable interest among students in understanding how diseases, workplace injuries, and environmental exposures impact public health.

In 2008, the first graduate students were enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. With the creation of the global health track within the MPH program, there are now more opportunities for students to participate in practical global health experiences.

Several courses have been designed to accommodate the global and public interests of UC students at multiple levels. Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students international experiences should contact UC International for information on planning their time abroad and to learn about various forms of financial support.

Global Health in Master of Public Health

Global learning is central to the MPH experience. the MPH program has two study abroad courses, which give students the chance to explore global public health challenges and solutions from an international perspective:

Beyond Borders: Exploring Global Public Health and Culture

MEDS 4099 / PH 7099

This immersive course provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of public health within a global context through a 9–15-day study tour in another country. Students may visit local universities, healthcare facilities, NGOs, and communities, while also gaining insight into the traditions and history of the host country. Students participate in site visits, cultural excursions, and academic engagement abroad. This course is open to all students at all levels.

Climate Health and Public Policy

PH 7098 / EVST 4098

This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection of climate and health via a 9-15-day study tour. Students may visit local universities, research facilities, NGOs, and communities, while also gaining insight into the traditions and history of the host country. Students analyze climate-related health risks, policies and community responses for mitigation and adaptation, and cross-cultural and geographic differences in health outcomes. This course is open to all students at all levels.

PH 7015 - Case Studies in Global Health: Challenges and Proven Success

This course provides an introduction to global health in today’s society by considering modern concepts in international health that determine the burden and distribution of disease. Through a series of case studies, we will examine the risk factors and determinants of disease and health disparities. By learning from previous successes and failures in global health, students will explore evidence-based strategies, policies, and programmatic interventions to impact disease outcomes. This course is open to graduate students from all disciplines.

Course director: Dr. Michelle Burbage

PH 8070 - Global and International Health Systems

This course aims to provide an overview of global health problems and national and international health systems. Special attention will be given to economic, political, environmental, and cultural factors shaping population health and organization of health care within countries and globally. This course will address key issues in global health, from the field’s historical evolution and ethical principles, to the quantification of disease burden and development indicators, to the complexities of humanitarian response and intercultural collaboration. This course is open to graduate students from all disciplines.

Course director: Dr. Ryan Davis

PH 8075 - Global Health and Diplomacy

In the 21st century, diplomacy, public health, and disease often go hand in hand. The maldistribution of resources worldwide from high-income countries to low-income countries, concomitant with disasters, war, culture, and highly infectious diseases (SARS and Ebola), can have a significant impact on populations, vulnerable or not; as well as the governments that support them. Often, foreign policy, diplomacy, and ethics must be brought to the table when developing a response to a growing humanitarian crisis on one side of the spectrum, to NGOs' interest in providing some level of support in a Low-Income Country through philanthropy. Students interested in global health and political science stand to gain a significant appreciation and knowledge of the critical areas that are rapidly shaping the 21st Century. This course is open to graduate students from all disciplines.

Course director: Dr. Guy Whembola