Master of Science in Global Health

Questions? 503.552.1660 / Toll-free 877.669.8737 or admissions@nunm.edu

NUNM’s Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) degree program is designed for students who seek an understanding of the complexity of global health issues, and want to contribute meaningful solutions in improving health and health equity for all people.

Our innovative program combines public health with traditional world medicine, providing a whole-systems approach to this field. Coursework investigates multidisciplinary solutions to difficult health issues, and emphasizes health disparities and social justice. Fieldwork allows our students to apply their skills to develop real-world experience with current global health challenges and opportunities.

The MScGH program closely aligns with NUNM’s core programs of naturopathic and Chinese medicine, which have global origins. Our students are trained to view a broader context of health and medicine rooted in integrative medicine. The global health program prepares professionals who want to improve the health and well-being of diverse populations worldwide through practice, research and policy.

Student Experience

“The health of people is so connected to the health of the earth,” Claire Feigal-Henry, MScGH (’16), discusses the incredible experience of the global health program and natural medicine.

Learn more

Program News

NUNM in a Changing World

President Dr. Girard shares her thoughts on the changing landscape of health care and naturopathic education.

Faculty Highlight

Heather Zwickey, PhD

Dr. Zwickey fell in love with research when she was in the 4th grade and studied the healing power of Aloe vera. Inspired, Dr. Zwickey earned her degree in immunology and has studied infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer. “Doing research at National University of Natural Medicine is perfect,” says Dr. Zwickey. “Natural medicine is all about stimulating the body’s ability to heal itself – and that’s the immune system.” At NUNM, Dr. Zwickey studies nutrition, herbs, supplements, and mind-body therapies.

Training students and junior faculty in research methodology is a passion of Dr. Zwickey. She is currently the principal investigator of the NIH-funded training grant called Bridging Research Across Interdisciplinary Gaps (BRIDG). She teaches the foundational research courses, as well as Evidence Informed Practice, and Immunology in the ND program, and Chinese Medicine program. She also teaches specialty courses in Vaccines and Gut Immunology. Dr. Zwickey’s personal research interest regards the role of the gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s Disease. She’s the author of a book entitled, “Eating Better for Parkinson’s Disease.”

Dr. Zwickey earned a PhD in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Yale University where she also taught medical school. In, 2002, Dr. Zwickey was recruited to NUNM, where she launched the Helfgott Research Institute. She was the founding dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

Program Options

The Master of Science in Global Health program may be taken concurrently with the following programs.

  • MScGH

    Admissions Requirements for MScGH

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

    A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

    Prerequisite Courses

    Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

    General Biology 1 Science-major/pre-med level preferred.
    Mathematics 1 Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
    • General Biology — 1 Course
      Science-major/pre-med level preferred.
    • Mathematics — 1 Course
      Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    • Social Science — 1 Course
      Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Documents & Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the MScGH Program

    • Resume

      A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

    • MScGH Personal Statement

      Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree. (2000 words max, double spaced)

  • ND/MScGH

    Admissions Requirements for ND/MScGH

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

    A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

    Prerequisite Courses

    Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

    Biological Sciences 2 Science-major level. Competencies may be met through courses such as: cell biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Content should cover cell biology. Lab work required.
    Chemical Sciences 4 Science-major level. Two sequential courses in both general and organic chemistry; biochemistry may serve as a substitute for one organic chemistry course. Lab work required for the general chemistry series.
    General Physics 1
    Mathematics 1 Must be in algebra, calculus, or statistics.
    English Composition 1
    Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher.
    Social Sciences & Humanities 2 Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology, sociology art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
    • Biological Sciences — 2 Courses
      Science-major level. Competencies may be met through courses such as: cell biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Content should cover cell biology. Lab work required.
    • Chemical Sciences — 4 Courses
      Science-major level. Two sequential courses in both general and organic chemistry; biochemistry may serve as a substitute for one organic chemistry course. Lab work required for the general chemistry series.
    • General Physics — 1 Course
    • Mathematics — 1 Course
      Must be in algebra, calculus, or statistics.
    • English Composition — 1 Course
    • Psychology — 1 Course
      Any general psychology course 100-level or higher.
    • Social Sciences & Humanities — 2 Courses
      Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology, sociology art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    • Social Science — 1 Course
      Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Documents & Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the ND/MScGH Program

    • Resume

      A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

    • Personal Statement

      Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants. (double spaced)

    • ND: Primary Care

      While you might not choose to ultimately practice as a primary care physician, you will be trained as such at NUNM and will be expected to work with all patients without bias or discrimination. Please discuss how you anticipate dealing with the following situations while you are a student at NUNM: a) Providing healthcare to patients who may differ from you in terms of gender identity, religion, political viewpoints, race, sexual orientation, etc. b) Providing treatments that you may have conflicting personal beliefs around but are necessary parts of your naturopathic education, including but not limited to administration of immunizations, pharmaceutical drugs, homeopathy, hormone therapies for patients undergoing gender transitions, etc. (maximum 1,000 words, double spaced)

    • MScGH Personal Statement

      Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree. (2000 words max, double spaced)

  • DSOM/MScGH

    Admissions Requirements for DSOM/MScGH

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

    A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

    Prerequisite Courses

    Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

    General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
    General Chemistry 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
    Physics 1 Must include mechanics.
    Mathematics 1 Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
    • General Biology — 1 Course
      Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
    • General Chemistry — 1 Course
      Science-major level preferred with lab.
    • Physics — 1 Course
      Must include mechanics.
    • Mathematics — 1 Course
      Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    • Psychology — 1 Course
      Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    • Humanities — 1 Course
      Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    • Social Science — 1 Course
      Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Documents & Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the DSOM/MScGH Program

    • Resume

      A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

    • Personal Statement

      Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants. (double spaced)

    • DSOM #1

      Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the DSOM Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.

    • MScGH Personal Statement

      Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree. (2000 words max, double spaced)

  • MScGH/MSiMR

    Admissions Requirements for MScGH/MSiMR

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

    A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

    Prerequisite Courses

    Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

    General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
    General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab.
    Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics.
    English Composition 1
    Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
    • General Biology — 1 Course
      Science-major level preferred with lab.
    • General Chemistry — 2 Courses
      Science-major level preferred with lab.
    • Mathematics — 2 Courses
      Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics.
    • English Composition — 1 Course
    • Social Science — 1 Course
      Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Documents & Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the MScGH/MSiMR Program

    • Resume

      A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

    • MScGH Personal Statement

      Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree. (2000 words max, double spaced)

    • MSiMR: Background and Goals

      Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research. (maximum of 1,600 words, double spaced)

  • MScN/MScGH

    Admissions Requirements for MScN/MScGH

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

    A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

    Prerequisite Courses

    Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

    General Biology 1 Human-related biology course required; Anatomy & Physiology strongly recommended.
    General Chemistry 1 Biochemistry strongly recommended
    Mathematics 1 Algebra or Statistics preferred.
    Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
    • General Biology — 1 Course
      Human-related biology course required; Anatomy & Physiology strongly recommended.
    • General Chemistry — 1 Course
      Biochemistry strongly recommended
    • Mathematics — 1 Course
      Algebra or Statistics preferred.
    • Psychology — 1 Course
      Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    • Social Science — 1 Course
      Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Documents & Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the MScN/MScGH Program

    • Resume

      A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

    • MScN: Career Goals

      Speaking to your background in nutrition, interests, and philosophy around nutrition, please share how you plan to use nutrition in your career. (maximum of 1,600 words, double spaced)

    • MScGH Personal Statement

      Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree. (2000 words max, double spaced)

  • MSOM/MScGH

    Admissions Requirements for MSOM/MScGH

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent

    A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)

    Prerequisite Courses

    Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.

    General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
    General Chemistry 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
    Physics 1 Must include mechanics.
    Mathematics 1 Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
    • General Biology — 1 Course
      Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
    • General Chemistry — 1 Course
      Science-major level preferred with lab.
    • Physics — 1 Course
      Must include mechanics.
    • Mathematics — 1 Course
      Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    • Psychology — 1 Course
      Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
    • Humanities — 1 Course
      Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    • Social Science — 1 Course
      Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Documents & Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the MSOM/MScGH Program

    • Resume

      A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.

    • Personal Statement

      Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants. (double spaced)

    • MSOM #2

      Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.

    • MScGH Personal Statement

      Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree. (2000 words max, double spaced)