International Program Development & Global Health Studies
CAREERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences Northwestern University
“One of the greatest things about the global health program, I think, is that it is broad and designed to be extremely flexible to your interests. We all have to take core GH courses, but really take a good look at courses in other disciplines... For those minors who are not planning on going into any kind of medicine and are instead coming from a sociology, social work, anthropology, policy, or other background, know that there are so many ways to find meaningful work in global health; you needn’t be a doctor or nurse.” -- Jorie Larson, Peace Corps Health Educator, WCAS ‘10
INDEX Career Prep Q&A ................................................................................................3 Public Health Degrees..........................................................................................6 Alternative Career Tracks.....................................................................................12
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CAREER PREP Q&A BUILDING AN UNDERGRADUATE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS
Q A
I have a Global Health Minor. How can I best prepare myself for global health work after graduation? Maximize use of the on- and off-campus resources available to you! Possibilities include:
INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEER WORK
FELLOWSHIPS
RESEARCH UNDER NU AND INTERNATIONAL FACULTY
SELF-DIRECTED RESEARCH AND VOLUNTEER PROJECTS LOCALLY AND ABROAD
Resources: • “Global Health Alumni and Students” LinkedIn Group Job Discussions • Global Health Faculty • IPD website • Northwestern Career Services, NU CareerCat • Northwestern student groups such as GlobeMed, Engineers for a Sustainable World, Engineering World Health, Project RISHI, Unite for Sight, and more! • Job/Internship search engines like Idealist.org or npo.net
Resources: • Undergrad Arch, a searchable database specifically created for NU students to find research, internship, and volunteer activities here and abroad • If eligible, consider work-study research positions • Also try contacting professors of interest directly and discuss options with international faculty via IPD!
Resources: • IPD office for undergraduate fellowships in global health research • Northwestern Office of Fellowships • The Northwestern Office of the Provost, which annually awards academic year and summer undergraduate research grants
Resources: • IPD • Northwestern Office of Fellowships • Major/Minor Advisors • Global Health and other faculty
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IPD RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES GLOBAL HEALTH RESEARCH Radulovacki Global Health Scholars Research Fellowship Application Deadline: March 15th Award Amount: Up to $4,000 John and Martha Mabie Fellowship for Public Health Research Application Deadline: March 15th Award Amount: Up to $4,000
IPD STUDY ABROAD PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS •
Public Health in Chile
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Public Health in China
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Public Health in Cuba
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Public Health in Europe
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Public Health in South Africa
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Global Healthcare Technologies in South Africa
Global Health Group Research Fellowship Application Deadline: March 15th Award Amount: TBD
GLOBAL HEALTH RÉSUMÉ BUILDER TOOL IPD has collected résumés from global health students and alumni to give you insight into the various activities, internships, and study abroad programs students have participated in over the years. Check out the résumé builder tool on the IPD website to see what your résumé could look like upon graduation or a few years out of college.
GLOBAL HEALTH PORTAL: http://globalhealthportal.northwestern.edu The Global Health Portal serves as a hub for all activities related to global health across both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. Developed through the support of the National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Center’s “Framework Programs for Global Health” grant, this site provides easy access to information regarding educational opportunities, research, and hands-on experiences.
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POST-GRADUATE PLANNING
Q A
How can I gain domestic experience in global health after graduation?
Q A
How can I gain international experience in global health after graduation?
Volunteer, intern, or work for an NGO or government agency. Consider pursuing a professional fellowship.
• Volunteer, intern, or work at a local health department, hospital, or clinic • Volunteer at a non-profit direct services organization like the American Red Cross or a non-profit directly involved in public health advocacy and policy • Intern at a U.S. federal agency • Explore options provided by public service organizations such as Americorps • Participate in a health placement through NU’s Public Interest Program
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Consider domestic fellowship opportunities • The Mickey Leland - Bill Emerson Hunger Fellows National Program • EID Laboratory Training Fellowship • Post-Bachelor Fellowship through the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation • The Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice • The Villers Fellowship for Health Care Justice
Keep your eyes open to traditional and non-traditional opportunities abroad. If what you want doesn’t exist, create your own experience and tailor it to your needs.
• Volunteer, intern, or work at a hospital, health clinic, NGO, or non- profit abroad in the health field • Consider a health volunteer abroad program such as ProWorld, Cross Cultural Solutions, Global Service Corps, or Greenheart Travel • Peace Corps or Global Health Corps
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Consider global fellowship opportunities: Princeton in Latin America, Princeton in Africa, Princeton in Asia Luce Scholars Program Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program American India Foundation’s William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India Mabelle Arole Fellowship 5 100 Projects for Peace
PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREES OPTIONS IN PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREES MPH MHA MHSA MSPH DrPH PhD
Master of Public Health * Master of Health Administration Master of Health Services Administration Master of Science in Public Health * Doctor of Public Health Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health
PUBLIC HEALTH CORE DISCIPLINES • • • • •
Administration & Management Community Practice Education Research Policy
* The difference between a MPH and a MSPH is that a MPH tends to focus on community practice (and often has a practicum/internship component) whereas an MSPH tends to be more science & research based.
EXAMPLES OF TOP GRADUATE SCHOOLS WITH PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC HEALTH • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health Harvard University School of Public Health University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Public Health Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Emory Rollins School of Public Health University of Washington School of Public Health University of California-Berkeley School of Public Health University of Minnesota School of Public Health University of California- Los Angeles Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health Boston University School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Yale University School of Public Health
DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS IN PUBLIC HEALTH • • • • • • • • • • • •
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Biostatistics Clinical Research Epidemiology Environmental Health and Policy Occupational Health Exercise Science Health Management/Administration Health Behavior Health Law, Bioethics, & Human Rights Health Policy Health Promotion
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Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology International Health Maternal and Child Health Mental Health Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Population, Family, and Reproductive Health Public Health Communications and Marketing Public Health Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Diseases Public Health Nutrition Socio-medical Sciences
MOST POPULAR CONCENTRATIONS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Biostatistics involves the statistical analysis
of biomedical sciences. Its purpose is to determine a population’s health risks, uncover the root causes of population health problems, and assess the effectiveness of public health initiatives. Industries: Academia, biotechnology firms, healthcare facilities, national and international health agencies, non-profits/NGOs, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, research institutions Example Job Titles: Biostatician, Professor, Clinical Trials Analyst, Research Statistician/Analyst Undergraduate Academic Background: Biostatistics MPH programs typically require a bachelor’s degree in biological, physical, or social sciences and some academic background in mathematics and statistics.**
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Environmental Health aims to understand and control the physical, chemical, and biological factors that impact health outcomes. Industries: Academia, consulting firms, government agencies, healthcare facilities, non-profits/ NGOs, manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical companies, research institutions Example Job Titles: Environmental Health Officer, Environmental Scientist, Compliance Officer, Industrial Hygenist, Toxicologist Undergraduate Academic Background: Environmental Health Sciences MPH programs typically require a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physical sciences.**
Epidemiology is the study of the prevention, cause, and distribution of disease, as well as the health determinants that affect risk.
Industries: Academia, healthcare facilities, national and international agencies, government agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, research institutions Example Job Titles: Occupational Epidemiologist, Public Health Epidemiologist, Risk Analyst, director of a medical research center Undergraduate Academic Background: Epidemiology MPH programs typically require a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or health, biological, or social sciences with some academic background in mathematics and statistics.**
Health Behavior and Education is the study of behavioral determinants of health and the implementation of educational initiatives to address these behaviors and improve health outcomes.
Industries: Academia, community mental health centers, consumer advocacy organizations, consulting firms, healthcare facilities, government agencies, non-profits/NGOs, voluntary health agencies Example Job Titles: Behavioral Scientist, Health Promotion Specialist, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Project Coordinator, Research Associate, Health Educator Undergraduate Academic Background: Often there are no specific coursework requirements but a professional background with public health related experience is ideal.**
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Health Policy and Management refers to the analytic assessment of
factors affecting population health outcomes, the development of policy to address these factors, and the coordination and administration of health systems. Industries: Academia, advocacy organizations, consulting firms, government agencies, health insurance firms, healthcare facilities, national and international health agencies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, research and policy institutions, and regulatory agencies Example Job Titles: Executive Director, Health Economist, Project Specialist, Program Evaluation and Planning Health Officer, Hospital/Managed Care Operations Administrator, Public Health Advisor, Research Associate Undergraduate Academic Background: Often there are no specific coursework requirements but a professional background with public health related experience is ideal.**
International Health is the study of health determinants on a global scale and
promotes international cooperation to address large-scale health problems and epidemics. Interest areas within International Health include disaster management, forced migration, humanitarian assistance, water & sanitation, infectious and non-communicable disease, and sexuality/gender. Industries: Academia, international health agencies, government agencies, nonprofits/NGOs, research institutions Example Job Titles: Health Scientist, Public Health Analyst, Consultant, Development Professional, Public Health Advisor, Research Associate Undergraduate Academic Background: Oftentimes there are no specific coursework requirements but a professional background with public health related experience is ideal. Some background in algebra and statistics is also generally encouraged.**
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Maternal and Child Health professionals focus on health determinants, initiatives, and policies that specifically affect women and children such as birth control and vaccinations.
Industries: Academia, healthcare facilities, international health agencies, government agencies, non-profits/ NGOs, research institutions Job Titles: Clinical/Medical Director, Health Sciences Consultant, Project Director, Public Health Prevention Specialist, Research Associate Undergraduate Academic Background: Admission requirements for graduate programs in this field are diverse but may include a strong quantitative/analytic background, volunteer or work experience in a health program geared towards women, children, and/or families, and basic coursework or experience in physiology and/or human development.**
Population Health involves demography, wherein statistical analysis is used to determine a community’s health needs and deficiencies. The distribution of health determinants and outcomes is also a focal component of these studies.
Industries: Government agencies, non-profits/NGOs, research institutions, United Nations agencies Example Job Titles: Consultant, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Evaluation Coordinator, Health Promotion Specialist, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Information Manager, Program Coordinator, Research Associate, Research Consultant Undergraduate Academic Background: These programs often require a background in biology and/or other natural sciences, mathematics (e.g. algebra, calculus, and statistics), and social science.**
Public Health Nutrition assesses how populations eat, which nutrients are
essential for health, and whether a community’s dietary needs are met by environmental and other determinants. Nutrition studies can also lead to clinical dietician licensing. Industries: Academia, exercise and fitness centers, food manufacturers, health-related magazines and internet sites, healthcare facilities, government agencies, nursing homes Example Job Titles: Clinical/Registered Dietician, Consultant, Nutritionist, Policy Assistant, Program Coordinator, Research Associate, Worksite Wellness Specialist Undergraduate Academic Background: Programs in Nutrition may require a background in the natural sciences with such coursework as biology, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, calculus, food and nutrition sciences. Some social sciences are also recommended.**
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**Note: Each graduate school has different stipulations for admission. Please consult individual websites for specific requirements. Information listed is for general reference purposes only.
The Peace Corps Master’s International Program offers the unique opportunity to integrate a master’s degree with overseas service in public health. The following universities have offered Master’s International programs to prospective Peace Corps Volunteers. • Boston University, Boston, MA All concentrations in the School of Public Health • Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO School of Public Health Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition • Emory University, Atlanta, GA Rollins School of Public Health • George Washington University, Washington, DC School of Public Health and Health Services • Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD Population, Family, and Reproductive Health • Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA School of Public Health • Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI Rhetoric and Technical Communication • New Mexico State University - Las Cruces, Las Cruces, NM College of Health & Social Services • SUNY University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY School of Public Health Center for Global Health • Tulane University, New Orleans, LA Public Health & Tropical Medicine
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University of Alabama - Birmingham, Birmingham, AL School of Public Health University of Illinois - Chicago, Chicago, IL Public Health University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI School of Nursing University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Graduate School of Public Health University of South Florida, Tampa, FL Global Health - Across Departments University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA Department of Public Health Sciences University of Washington, Seattle, WA Global Health Washington State University, Pullman, WA Public Health Anthropology
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ALTERNATIVE CAREER TRACKS SOCIAL SCIENCES
Economics & Business
Many organizations use socially responsible business models to improve population health through product development, healthcare administration and management, and sales.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES:
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
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• Master’s in Health Economics • Master’s in International Health Policy • Master’s in Business Administration in Healthcare • Master’s in Healthcare Management
Consultant Entrepreneur Product Developer Healthcare Administrator Development Economist
Government & Social Work
Local, state, and federal government departments employ public health officials to develop targeted programs and policies to improve system-wide health outcomes. Social workers enhance a community’s quality of life by providing behavioral, mental, and emotional health interventions while also addressing social injustices and poverty.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES:
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
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• Master’s in Social Work • Master’s in Health Care Administration • Master’s in Health Policy and Administration • Master’s in Public Policy
Social Worker Health policymaker Diplomat Lobbyist for health initiatives Health Department Researcher Healthcare Consultant
Law
“Law is an important public health tool that plays a critical role in reducing illness and premature death. Public health law examines the authority of the government at various jurisdictional levels to improve the health of the general population within societal limits and norms.” -- CDC, http://www2.cdc.gov/phlp/
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CAREER POSSIBILITIES:
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
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• Master’s in Bioethics • JD with a health law concentration • Dual JD/MPH
Bioethicist Medical Lawyer Public Health Lawyer
Engineering
NATURAL SCIENCES
Engineers contribute to public health by developing critical infrastructure necessary for community wellbeing; these developments impact environmental and urban sustainability, access to water, proper sanitation, adequate housing, and more in this multifaceted field. Additionally, biomedical engineers directly affect healthcare by developing tools that advance disease diagnostics and treatment.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES:
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
• Water and Sanitation Engineers • Biomedical Engineer • Industrial Health and Safety Engineer • Environmental Engineer
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Masters of Health Systems Management Engineering MS in Occupational Safety and Health Engineering MS in Environmental Engineering
Medical Science
Medical researchers enhance the treatment and diagnosis of disease through scientific research.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES: • • • • •
• Chemist or Researcher Biochemist Health Physicist Pharmacologist • Biotechnologist Medical Scientist Regulatory Official
CONTINUING EDUCATION: • • • • •
Master’s in Biotechnology Master’s in Chemistry or Biochemistry Master’s in Health Physics Master’s in Pharmacology MA or MS in Medical Sciences
Environmental Science
The health of the planet and health of people are intrinsically linked. Environmental scientists work to reduce pollution and maintain the earth’s proper ecosystem through research, direct interventions, and policy advocacy.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES:I
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
• Biotechnologist • Chemist / Biochemist • Researcher • Toxicologist
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Master’s in Biotechnology Master’s in Chemistry or Biochemistry Master’s in Environmental Science Master’s in Environmental Health 13 Master’s in Toxicology
COMMUNICATIONS Journalism
“Every morning our newspapers could read, ‘More than 20,000 people perished yesterday of extreme poverty.’ How? The poor die in hospital wards that lack drugs, in villages that lack antimalarial bed nets, in houses that lack safe drinking water. They die namelessly, without public comment. Sadly, sad stories rarely get written.” --Jeffrey Sachs
CAREER POSSIBILITIES:
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
• Health radio broadcaster • Health magazine columnist • Online health blogger • Freelancer • Health reporter
• Master of Arts in Health Journalism • New York University’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program (SHERP) • Master’s in Medical & Science Journalism
Public Relations and Marketing
Health firms desire employees specializing in public relations, communications, and marketing to successfully implement public health campaigns and health-related company initiatives.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES:
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
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• Master’s in Health Communication • Master’s in Public Health Communication and Marketing
Marketing expert for a health firm Health communications specialist Sales manager for healthcare products Media trainer for healthcare corporations • Press secretary for health firmITIES;
Art, Theater, or Music
Art, dance, theater and music have not only been successfully used as therapeutic tools to improve behavioral and mental health but also as mediums for teaching public health concepts in a more interactive and understandable format.
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CAREER POSSIBILITIES
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
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• Master’s in Art Therapy • Master’s in Music Therapy • Master’s in Theater Education
Art or Music Therapist Health Educator utilizing music, theater, or art
Medicine
MEDICAL PRACTICE
Do you want to practice medicine but also influence health systems, design prevention programs, and impact health policy? Does working for the Department of Health and Human Services or the World Health Organization appeal to you? Do you want to have a holistic grasp on determinants of population health outcomes to improve your understanding and delivery of individual healthcare? Consider pursuing a joint medical and public health degree!
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
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Community Health Nurse Community Health Nurse Practitioner Physician’s Assistant Doctor and Public Health Practioner Pharmacist Occupational or Physical Therapist Psychiatrist or Psychologist
Medical Doctorate Master’s of Science in Nursing Occupational Therapist Master’s of Clinical Psychology
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CONTACT: Office of International Program Development / Global Health Studies Northwestern University 1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 4-700 Evanston, IL 60208 847-467-6953 globalhealth@northwestern.edu www.ipd.northwestern.edu/global_health http://globalhealthportal.northwestern.edu