Master of Science in Global Health – Online

“The health of people is so connected to the health of the earth,” says Claire Feigal-Henry, MScGH.

The online Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) degree program at NUNM was specially designed for those seeking to understand the complexity of global health issues, and those who want to find meaningful solutions to improving health and health equity for all people. By offering the program online, future global health professionals have a more affordable and accessible option for their education.

The online MScGH program combines public health with traditional world medicine, providing a whole-systems approach to this field. Coursework investigates multidisciplinary solutions to difficult health issues, with an emphasis on 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.

Online MScGH Degree FAQ

The workload is equivalent to the in-person global health program but allows for flexibility of when coursework is completed throughout the week. Most classes are asynchronous with optional, live sessions for faculty and students to connect. Students will be enrolled in four (4) to six (6) classes per term throughout the program.

Yes. Most of the instructional delivery takes place in an asynchronous manner, providing students the freedom to access the courses and their instructional materials at any time they choose. A few classes will be conducted synchronously via virtual meeting. The schedule of synchronous activities will be provided well in advance of the start of each term, allowing students to create their own schedule and complete most of their coursework independently.

Yes, Portland residents may enroll in either the online or the in-person global health program. While our traditional in-person program may be desired for those who learn best in a more structured environment with a fixed schedule, the online program is available to anyone who prefers a more flexible schedule. Students in the Portland metro area may also register for in-person elective courses should they want to take classes on campus.

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

Learn more about the Master of Science in Global Health

Program News

Faculty Highlight

Madeleine "Abena" Tuson-Turner, ND, MSIMR, MScGH

Dr. Tuson-Turner is a licensed naturopathic physician and pelvic floor therapist in Oregon. Following undergraduate training in medical anthropology, Dr. Tuson-Turner completed masters’ degrees in integrative medicine research and global health, a certificate in natural childbirth, and a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. She is adjunct faculty at NUNM where she teaches courses in the Naturopathic, Global Health and Integrative Medicine Research departments.

Out of a desire to create equitable sustainable development alongside cooperative global health educational opportunities, Dr. Tuson-Turner has lived and worked in Ghana, West Africa, part-time since 2009. She has worked with the Ghanaian Ministry of Health to learn about cultural perspectives on health and healing. Additionally, she conducted her master’s thesis, a mixed-methods research study which she designed and piloted, on maternal experience of childbirth in Ghana. Her research examined factors that influence a woman’s perception of her medical care and its relationship to her utilization of integrative therapies. Her current research interests include the ethics of global educational engagement, women’s health, reproductive health justice, and integrative medicine. She is a recipient of the Globe Trotter Award from NUNM for her dedication and work establishing relationships and creating lasting partnerships in the field of global health.

Dr. Tuson-Turner currently practices primary family care medicine at the Lake Oswego Health Center. Additionally, she has special interest and training in regenerative injection and IV therapies, physical medicine, sexual and reproductive health, hormone management, and dermatology.

  • MScGH

    Admissions Requirements for MScGH

    Completion of a bachelor's degree from an 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 and 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)

    Estimated Program Cost

    First-Year Tuition & Fees for MScGH*
    Credits 35
    Cost/Credit $504
    Tuition $17,640
    Fees** $550
    Total $18,190

    * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2023-2024 academic year.

    ** 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