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

Faculty Highlight

Siobhan Maty, PhD, MPH, Chair of MScGH

Dr. Siobhan Maty is associate professor and chair of the Master of Science in Global Health program at NUNM. She is an epidemiologist with expertise in the conceptualization and measurement of social factors and their influence on health outcomes using a life course approach. She uses traditional epidemiology and community-based participatory research approaches to explore the social determinants of health and health inequities, the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes and related conditions, and the impact of aging on population health. She has traveled, studied and worked abroad.

Dr. Maty earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health; a PhD in Epidemiologic Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; completed a post-doctoral fellowship in community-based participatory research at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Health Scholars Program; and is Certified in Public Health (CPH).

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 Any discipline
    Mathematics 1 Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    Psychology 1 Human psychology covering the life span.
    • General Biology — 1 Course
      Any discipline
    • Mathematics — 1 Course
      Must be statistics (preferred) or college algebra.
    • Psychology — 1 Course
      Human psychology covering the life span.

    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 prepare and submit a single Personal Statement that addresses the four following tasks: 1) Provide your definition of global health; 2) Explain your interest in the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and the Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) Program; 3) Describe your academic and/or professional preparation, thus far, for a career in global health; and 4) Identify how you intend to integrate training and practice in global health into your future career plans. Please note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your academic and/or professional responsibilities. (2000 words max, double spaced)

    Estimated Program Cost

    First-Year Tuition & Fees for MScGH*
    Credits 35.5
    Cost/Credit $435
    Tuition $15,443
    Fees** $2,250
    Total $17,693

    * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2018-2019 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

    ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MScGH program.

    Total MScGH Degree Credits

    • Core program credits

      50

    • Elective credits

      12

    • Total required credits

      62

    • 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.

      General Biology 2 Science-major level. Must include cellular biology. Competencies may be met through other courses, such as: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Lab work required.
      General Chemistry 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 Must include mechanics.
      Mathematics 1 Must be in algebra, calculus, or math-based statistics.
      English Composition 1
      Psychology 1 Human psychology covering the life span.
      Social Sciences 1 Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement.
      Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
      • General Biology — 2 Courses
        Science-major level. Must include cellular biology. Competencies may be met through other courses, such as: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Lab work required.
      • General Chemistry — 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
        Must include mechanics.
      • Mathematics — 1 Course
        Must be in algebra, calculus, or math-based statistics.
      • English Composition — 1 Course
      • Psychology — 1 Course
        Human psychology covering the life span.
      • Social Sciences — 1 Course
        Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement.
      • Humanities — 1 Course
        Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.

      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 prepare and submit a single Personal Statement that addresses the four following tasks: 1) Provide your definition of global health; 2) Explain your interest in the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and the Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) Program; 3) Describe your academic and/or professional preparation, thus far, for a career in global health; and 4) Identify how you intend to integrate training and practice in global health into your future career plans. Please note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your academic and/or professional responsibilities. (2000 words max, double spaced)

      Estimated Program Cost

      First-Year Tuition & Fees for ND*
      Credits 82.75
      Cost/Credit $435
      Tuition $35,996
      Fees** $777
      Total $36,773

      * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2018-2019 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

      ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the ND program.

      The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

      Total ND Degree Credits

      • Core program credits

        286

      • Elective credits

        16

      • Total required credits

        302

        Total MScGH Degree Credits

        • Core program credits

          50

        • Elective credits

          12

        • Total required credits

          62

        • 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 Human psychology covering the life span.
          Social Sciences 1 Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement.
          Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
          • 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
            Human psychology covering the life span.
          • Social Sciences — 1 Course
            Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement.
          • Humanities — 1 Course
            Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.

          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 prepare and submit a single Personal Statement that addresses the four following tasks: 1) Provide your definition of global health; 2) Explain your interest in the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and the Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) Program; 3) Describe your academic and/or professional preparation, thus far, for a career in global health; and 4) Identify how you intend to integrate training and practice in global health into your future career plans. Please note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your academic and/or professional responsibilities. (2000 words max, double spaced)

          Estimated Program Cost

          First-Year Tuition & Fees for DSOM*
          Credits 56.75
          Cost/Credit $435
          Tuition $24,686
          Fees** $1,567
          Total $26,253

          * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2018-2019 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

          ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the DSOM program.

          The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

          Total DSOM Degree Credits

          • Core program credits

            257

          • Elective credits

            10

          • Total required credits

            267

            Total MScGH Degree Credits

            • Core program credits

              50

            • Elective credits

              12

            • Total required credits

              62

            • 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 with lab required.
              General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab.
              Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or math-based statistics.
              English Composition 1
              Psychology 1 Human psychology covering the life span.
              • General Biology — 1 Course
                Science-major level with lab required.
              • General Chemistry — 2 Courses
                Science-major level preferred with lab.
              • Mathematics — 2 Courses
                Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or math-based statistics.
              • English Composition — 1 Course
              • Psychology — 1 Course
                Human psychology covering the life span.

              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 prepare and submit a single Personal Statement that addresses the four following tasks: 1) Provide your definition of global health; 2) Explain your interest in the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and the Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) Program; 3) Describe your academic and/or professional preparation, thus far, for a career in global health; and 4) Identify how you intend to integrate training and practice in global health into your future career plans. Please note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your academic and/or professional responsibilities. (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)

              Estimated Program Cost

              First-Year Tuition & Fees for MScGH*
              Credits 35.5
              Cost/Credit $435
              Tuition $15,443
              Fees** $2,250
              Total $17,693

              * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2018-2019 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

              ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MScGH program.

              The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

              Total MScGH Degree Credits

              • Core program credits

                50

              • Elective credits

                12

              • Total required credits

                62

                Total MSiMR Degree Credits

                • Core program credits

                  60

                • Elective credits

                  8

                • Total required credits

                  68

                • 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 Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
                  General Chemistry 1 Science-major level preferred with lab.
                  Mathematics 1 Must be algebra or statistics.
                  Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher
                  • General Biology — 1 Course
                    Science-major level preferred with lab; cellular biology recommended.
                  • General Chemistry — 1 Course
                    Science-major level preferred with lab.
                  • Mathematics — 1 Course
                    Must be algebra or statistics.
                  • Psychology — 1 Course
                    Any general psychology course 100-level or higher

                  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 prepare and submit a single Personal Statement that addresses the four following tasks: 1) Provide your definition of global health; 2) Explain your interest in the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and the Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) Program; 3) Describe your academic and/or professional preparation, thus far, for a career in global health; and 4) Identify how you intend to integrate training and practice in global health into your future career plans. Please note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your academic and/or professional responsibilities. (2000 words max, double spaced)

                  Estimated Program Cost

                  First-Year Tuition & Fees for MScN*
                  Credits 33
                  Cost/Credit $435
                  Tuition $14,355
                  Fees** $660
                  Total $15,015

                  * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2018-2019 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

                  ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MScN program.

                  The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

                  Total MScN Degree Credits

                  • Core program credits

                    49

                  • Elective credits

                    15

                  • Total required credits

                    64

                    Total MScGH Degree Credits

                    • Core program credits

                      50

                    • Elective credits

                      12

                    • Total required credits

                      62

                    • 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 Human psychology covering the life span.
                      Social Sciences 1 Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement.
                      Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
                      • 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
                        Human psychology covering the life span.
                      • Social Sciences — 1 Course
                        Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement.
                      • Humanities — 1 Course
                        Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.

                      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 prepare and submit a single Personal Statement that addresses the four following tasks: 1) Provide your definition of global health; 2) Explain your interest in the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and the Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) Program; 3) Describe your academic and/or professional preparation, thus far, for a career in global health; and 4) Identify how you intend to integrate training and practice in global health into your future career plans. Please note any relevant strengths or weaknesses in your background or in your ability to carry out your academic and/or professional responsibilities. (2000 words max, double spaced)

                      Estimated Program Cost

                      First-Year Tuition & Fees for MSOM*
                      Credits 43.25
                      Cost/Credit $435
                      Tuition $18,814
                      Fees** $1,567
                      Total $20,381

                      * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2018-2019 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

                      ** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MSOM program.

                      The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.

                      Total MSOM Degree Credits

                      • Core program credits

                        213

                      • Elective credits

                        6

                      • Total required credits

                        219

                        Total MScGH Degree Credits

                        • Core program credits

                          50

                        • Elective credits

                          12

                        • Total required credits

                          62

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

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