What Can I Do with My Global Health Major?

Overview

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Global Health program combines aspects of public health and health systems management, focusing on the impact of environment, culture, economics, and politics on the health of entire populations. This unique program, one of the first of its kind in the country, offers students dynamic and transformative educational experiences and emphasizes experiential learning at the community, national, or international levels. During the fall of their senior year, Global Health students will undertake a semester-long practical experience, gaining firsthand knowledge of health issues faced by other countries, cultures, and populations. Students conduct an internship focused on program, policy, or research issues, usually involving the health of underserved populations. They are placed for the semester with an organization based within the USA or abroad, including research organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and health ministries. During this time, the students work closely with an on-site preceptor, they observe and contribute to the organization’s activities, and write a scholarly thesis. Current internship sites include Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Peru, Mexico, Ghana, and Tanzania, as well as Alaska and West Virginia in the United States. From 2003 to 2022, more than 300 students have participated in this transformational experience

Graduates of the program are prepared to enter a wide range of entities and institutions focused on promoting social and economic development, delivering healthcare services, and addressing health disparities to enhance overall well-being and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare of communities and populations.

Skills

Public Health Foundation shares critical skills needed to be successful in a global public health career, including data analytics and assessment, policy development and program planning, communication, health equity, community partnership, public health sciences, and leadership and systems thinking. A foreign language is also necessary to pursue a career in global health.

Internship Opportunities

A significant number of global health majors in the School of Health actively engage in internships. Students at Georgetown have gained relevant experience working for nonprofit organizations (e.g., American Red Cross, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, FHI 360, Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Management Sciences for Health, Partners in Health, Population Reference Bureau, PSI, Save the Children Action Network, Tuberculosis and Malaria), local and federal government (e.g., Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, USAID), international and multilateral agencies (e.g., World Bank Group, PAHO, United Nations), research and academic institutions (e.g., Council on Foreign Relations, Results for Development Institute, RTI International, Sabin Vaccine Institute), and for-profit and consulting companies (e.g., Abt Associates, Aledade, Boston Scientific, Ogilvy Health). Participating in volunteer work for a nonprofit organization, involvement in a campus student club, collaborating on research with a faculty member, and/or exploring international study opportunities are also valuable ways to gain experience.

Where are Georgetown Global Health Majors Now?

Review these Post Graduation Outcomes to learn more about where Georgetown alumni with global health majors have gone post-graduation for work or continuing education. Filter by first major to get an idea of what life after Georgetown looks like. 

Past graduates have been hired in various roles in various settings, including:

  • Nonprofit: Program Assistant at PATH, New Business Development Coordinator at Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Program Associate at Global Health Technologies Coalition, Monitoring and Evaluation at Clear Outcomes, Research Assistant at Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Business Development Associate at Management Sciences for Health,
  • Service Fellowships: Princeton in Africa Fellow, Teaching Assistant in U.S. Fulbright Program, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and Health Extension Volunteer in the PeaceCorps
  • Health and Life Sciences Consulting:  Analyst or Associate at companies, such as Accenture, Avalere Health, FTI Consulting, JSI Research and Training Institute, Oliver Wyman, Optum, Palladium, Deloitte, and Trinity Life Sciences
  • Other For-Profit Companies: Associate at Veeva Systems, Graduate Trainee at Syneos Health Communications, Project Coordinator at University Research Co. LLC, Government Affairs Project Assistant at APCO Worldwide, Research Assistant at Downs and Young LLC, Project Manager at Epic Systems, and Associate at IQVIA
  • Government: Public Health Analyst at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Intramural Research Training Award at National Institutes of Health
  • Multilateral Organizations: Information Analytics Officer at World Health Organization, Research Intern at Pan American Health Organization

Consider that some graduates choose to take a gap year before enrolling in graduate studies. Many choose to pursue graduate studies in programs such as an MPH, or Master’s of Science in specialties such as epidemiology or health economics, or attend medical or law school. As a result, graduates pursuing medical school, for example, may choose to work in clinical and/or research positions post-graduation.

You’ll see in many cases that alums are using majors in a wide variety of ways, and your major doesn’t always equal your career path. 

Where can I go to learn more?

The industry guide on global public health careers provides information on hot jobs, how to get connected outside of Georgetown, student organizations to join, along with tips to prepare your application and apply. At the career center, you can meet with a Career Exploration Counselor for general guidance on concerns, goals, and strategies to move forward in your career decision-making, or an Industry Advisor specializing in specific career paths like health and science. Schedule an appointment on Handshake.

To learn more about the academics of a global health major and/or speak to faculty, visit the School of Health website.