Curriculum

MS in Global Health and Sustainable Development

The program model

We value an interdisciplinary approach to learning about global health that brings to bear relevant knowledge from a broad range of disciplines using an integrated, practical approach. In addition to foundational public health knowledge based in the natural and social sciences, we also value contributions from the arts and humanities that serve to ensure the wholistic perspective necessary for achieving goals across cultures, whether at home or abroad.  

The MS in Global Health and Sustainable Development program is delivered online with a mixture of 8-week and 16-week course formats. Most classes meet in real time via synchronous, Internet video and audio. You must have a reliable, high speed Internet connection to participate in the program. 

We welcome students from Indiana and around the world. We strive for diversity in our student body in the firm belief that diverse perspectives brought to bear in the classroom improve the quality of learning for all. 

More information about program logistics is provided during an online program orientation meeting or by speaking directly to a program representative.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours comprised of six 3-credit hour core courses in public health and four additional 3-credit hour courses on a variety of global public health topics.

Public Health core courses (18 credits)

  • PBHL-P 510 Introduction to Public Health
  • PBHL-P 500 Social and Behavioral Science in Public Health
  • PBHL-P 551 Biostatistics for Public Health
  • PBHL-P 519 Env’t Science in Public Health
  • PBHL-P 517 Fundamentals of Epidemiology
  • PBHL-P 504 U.S. Healthcare Sys. & Health Policy

Concentration courses (12 credits)

  • PBHL-A 641 Introduction to Global Health and Sustainable Development
  • PBHL-A 643 Water and Sanitation
  • PBHL-A 644 Sustainable Production and Consumption
  • PBHL-A 646 Preservation and Restoration of Land and Sea
united nations sustainable development goals

As the UN Sustainable Development Goals evolve and change over time, we will likewise continuously update our courses to reflect current global public health action priorities.

However, our program also aims to prepare students with specific competencies that withstand the test of time. Once mastered, these program competencies provide graduates with the skills and abilities to adapt and effectively meet new challenges and realities as they evolve.

A number of good competency models have been developed for global health. Our curriculum correlates with a competency model developed by the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH).

Detailed course competency mapping information is available upon request.

Core courses (12 credits)

  • PBHL-P 510 Introduction to Public Health
  • PBHL-P 511 Comprehensive Methods and Applications in Biostatistics and Epidemiology
  • PBHL-P 512 Communication & Leadership
  • PBHL-P 513 Planning, Evaluation & Management

Concentration courses (18 credits)

  • PBHL-A 641 Introduction to Global Health and Sustainable Development
  • PBHL-A 642 Poverty, Decent Work, and Inequality
  • PBHL-A 643 Water and Sanitation
  • PBHL-A 644 Sustainable Production and Consumption
  • PBHL-A 645 Resilient Cities and Communities
  • PBHL-A 646 Preservation and Restoration of Land and Sea

Competencies

Program competencies or learning outcomes:

The MS in Global Health & Sustainable Development degree program reflects IU Indianapolis’s graduate and professional learning principles. Students will master the knowledge and skills outlined in the Global Health & Sustainable Development program competencies; be able to communicate effectively with peers, stakeholders, and the public; think creatively and critically to improve practice in the field of global health and sustainable development; and behave ethically both professionally and personally. The specific competencies for the MS in Global Health & Sustainable Development are as follows:

  1. Describe the core functions, values, and principles of global health and sustainable development.
  2. Identify and characterize social, economic, and environmental factors that determine global health and sustainable development.
  3. Select and apply appropriate frameworks to analyze relationships among the different components of ecosystems and society.
  4. Identify and evaluate current and emerging societal, economic, and climatic issues and regulatory frameworks that may affect the emergence of novel pathogens.
  5. Assess and apply best practices to prevent, control or attenuate epidemics and pandemics.
  6. Cultivate effective communication with diverse stakeholders on global and environmental health issues.
  7. Identify and recommend strategies to satisfy the needs for public health and well-being of present and future equitably.

Contact us

If you are interested in this degree program, we encourage you to contact us at fsphinfo@iu.edu or by calling (317) 274-2000 to speak with one of our admissions advisors who will be happy to answer questions or schedule a visit to the school.