3 universities paving the way in global health education

If there’s one big takeaway from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that it has changed how we view health. Epidemiology is one of the fields that require attention. Although an extensive field with a wide range of careers (think laboratory scientists, epidemiologists and statisticians, among others), epidemiology serves one main purpose: to get to the roots of global health challenges and outbreaks. As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, epidemiology is more significant and relevant than ever. 

The top health schools are aware of this, and they possess the knowledge, research and capabilities to develop aspiring health practitioners to become global changemakers. For a promising career in global health and epidemiology, look no further than these three universities:

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is a leader in pandemic preparedness, developing students to be of the same. Source: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

(LSHTM) is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health. Its awards and recognition speak of its prestige: the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work on COVID-19 and pandemic preparedness; first in the UK and third in the world for Public Health in the Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022; and fourth in the world for Infectious Diseases in the US News Best Global Universities subject rankings.

LSHTM’s top global ranking’s demonstrate its role at the forefront of critical responses in public and global health for over 120 years. It is a leader in pandemic preparedness. The estimates generated by its world-leading mathematical modellers supported governments to make evidence-based decisions on how best to protect their citizens and control disease outbreaks.

Pair this with stimulating specialised programmes, and graduates become highly sought-after global leaders. Students only need one year to get a master’s degree. Need to study from home or continue working full-time? Students can join LSHTM’s flexible distance learning programmes, which last from two to five years.

Choose the MSc Epidemiology to explore epidemiological methods underpinning clinical medical research, public health practice and health care evaluation. Students gain the skills to make valuable contributions to both epidemiological research and publihttps://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/masters-degrees/epidemiology/?utm_source=studyinternational.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=studyinternational.comc health, to investigate the causes of disease, and to evaluate interventions to prevent or control both communicable and non-communicable diseases

For a programme that bridges the fields of epidemiology, laboratory sciences and public health, the MSc Control of Infectious Diseases is your best option. Learn how to investigate the transmission of endemic and epidemic infections and how to design, implement and evaluate co-ordinated control methods. You’ll can undertake a research project overseas.

Their flagship MSc Public Health equips students with the knowledge and skills to address real global health challenges that encompass low-, middle- and high-income countries. Learn how to critically assess key public health functions and how to formulate, implement and evaluate policy responses to public health problems. You can choose a specialised stream of study to suit your interests: Environment & Health, Health Economics, Health Promotion, Health Services Management, Health Services Research, or Public Health (General stream).

Take your career to the next level and start improving health worldwide, choose LSHTM. Learn more here.

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

The Bloomberg School of Public Health is known for its unrivalled breadth and depth of programmes that are hands-on and flexible. Source: JHU Bloomberg School of Public Health

If you want to be an expert on prolonging life, preventing and controlling disease, as well as promoting physical and mental health, and deploying important health services, where better to learn than the number one public health school in the world? At the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, you’re not just trained for the field; you’re meant to lead it, too. Learn from experts who save lives millions at a time, including Nobel Prize winners and advisors to the Biden administration.

The Bloomberg School of Public Health is known for its unrivalled breadth and depth of programmes that are hands-on and flexible. Choose from more than 90 degree programmes and 40 certificate qualifications in areas such as epidemiology, mental health, and health policy management.

Whether you prefer full-time or part-time study, online or on-campus courses, the Bloomberg School of Public Health offers flexibility for everyone to advance their careers in public health. Its four-to-one student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes ensure full participation in a highly interactive environment.

The Master of Health Science in Epidemiology is a two-year, academic degree focusing on applied epidemiologic methods. It’s ideal for aspiring epidemiologists with limited or no research experience — they will complete 64 credit units in epidemiology and elective courses, pass a comprehensive exam, produce a publishable-quality manuscript and present their research during the annual poster symposium. 

The learning doesn’t end there: students will be mentored, train with renowned faculty and participate on research teams. With over 80 research centres and institutes available for internships and hands-on experiences, students can get a head start in producing ground-breaking work to improve health in their communities.

Yale School of Public Health

Yale’s MPH is a top choice for future changemakers determined to specialize. Source: Yale School of Public Health

Yale School of Public Health is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible — and connects you to Yale University’s top-ranked schools and vast resources. YSPH’s collaborative environment is ideal for those who believe sharing their experiences, advancing their ideas, and working together across disciplines is the best way to improve public health for all. Collaborating with peers from 30 countries, YSPH students develop innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing public health challenges.

Several postgraduate and doctoral degree options serve as pathways into the full, collaborative experience. The nine-month MS in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (MS in EID) is a top choice for future changemakers who wish to gain cutting-edge quantitative training in infectious disease epidemiology. They choose between two specialisations: quantitative specialisation for careers in data analysis and clinical specialisation for a research career in EID. Whichever you choose, students at YSPH become global leaders who contribute key insights to decision-makers. That’s not all — YSPH offers a range of Joint Degree Programs, as well as an Online Executive MPH for working professionals interested in leadership. A variety of MS and PhD programs are also offered.

All paths lead to an enriching academic experience that has launched world-changing discoveries – think wearable devices that detect exposure to airborne viruses, a technology-enabled approach to prenatal care, and studies that link air quality with mental and physical health. Bring your experience, ambition, and ideas to the Yale School of Public Health and discover what you can make of them. The passion of you. The promise of Yale. That’s what will improve public health.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International