What Can I Do with my Biology of Global Health Major?

Overview

The biology of global health major is designed to combine science with a thorough understanding of today’s largest public health concerns. Though the emphasis in the major is on biology, students also gain a comprehensive perspective of how science fits in with other influences on global health. In addition to courses and research spanning the sciences – including genetics, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, evolution, ecology, mathematics and computational sciences – students examine the policy, ethics, sociology, economics, and law involved in global health. The senior thesis allows students the opportunity to conduct research during their undergraduate years.

Students who major in biology of global health will be prepared to work towards finding solutions to global health issues. In addition, they will be well-positioned to continue their education in areas of research, medicine, and public health.

Skills

The study of biology allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sampling of representative skills and abilities follows.

Critical Thinking

  • Interpret and critique scientific text, presentations, and primary literature
  • Structure and place understanding with appropriate references to literature
  • Speculate on meanings of data and on possible future directions
  • Ability to relate biology to other disciplines

Communication

  • Present scientific understanding to both scientific and general audiences
  • Speak and write precisely
  • Present scientific ideas arguing from evidence
  • Stimulate interest of audience

Research

  • Design and perform experiments
  • Construct mathematical models in order to test scientific hypotheses
  • Use a variety of sources to develop questions and hypotheses
  • Collection and presentation of data
  • Construct, evaluate, and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data

Sample Internship Opportunities

  • Government agencies/Government relations (e.g., National Institutes of Health, Institute of Biotechnology, Environmental Science, and Computing)
  • Nonprofit agencies (e.g., Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History)
  • Health care (e.g., Academy for Health Services Research and Health Policy)
  • Biotechnology (e.g., Millennium Pharmaceuticals)

Where are Georgetown biology of global health majors now?

  • Medical laboratory assistant
  • Pharmaceutical salesperson
  • Biomedical engineer
  • Medical doctor
  • Lawyer
  • Secondary teacher
  • Professor
  • Biotechnologist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Pharmaceutical researcher and developer
  • Government agency researcher or administrator
  • Veterinarian
  • Zoologist

Relevant Websites and Publications

Professional Organizations

For information about career options, internship and full-time opportunities, contact the Cawley Career Education Center at One Leavey Center, (202) 687-3493. For more information about the major and degree requirements, contact the Department of Biology at Reiss Science Building, Room 406, via email at biology@georgetown.edu, or call (202) 687-6247.