Northwestern University

Overview

The Global Health Studies adjunct major at Northwestern University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global health challenges. This program combines elements from public health, ethics, research methods, and community-based learning, equipping students with the skills necessary to address pressing health issues worldwide. The curriculum emphasizes practical engagement through research initiatives, campus programs, and public health-focused study abroad opportunities.

What you'll study

The Global Health Studies adjunct major comprises a well-structured curriculum that includes core courses, additional Global Health Studies coursework, and elective courses tailored to individual student interests.

Core courses may include:

• International Public Health
• Global Bioethics
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Methods in Anthropology/Global Health
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Social Determinants of Health
• Biomedicine and World History

Electives and study abroad:

• Electives allow students to focus on areas such as policy, research, ethics, or specific global health topics.
• The study abroad component is a vital part of the program, requiring participation in a public health-focused experience.
• Students may complete up to two elective courses during their study abroad experience.

Academic integration:

• This adjunct major must be paired with a primary, stand-alone major.
• Courses taken for the adjunct major cannot be counted toward any other major.

Entry requirements

While specific GRE, GMAT, or minimum GPA requirements are not provided, prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic performance and English proficiency. General application requirements include:

• Common Application or Coalition Application
• Official secondary school transcript and school report
• Counselor recommendation
• At least one teacher recommendation
• SAT or ACT scores
• Competitive applicants typically showcase strong English proficiency and exam scores in the upper ranges accepted by Northwestern.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Global Health Studies adjunct major will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in public health, research, policy-making, and community health initiatives. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, combined with practical experiences, positions students to make significant contributions to global health challenges and to pursue further studies or professional opportunities in the field.

Work Permits

Work permit regulations after graduation are influenced by the student’s citizenship and the immigration policies of the study destination. It is advisable for students to consult Northwestern’s international student support office and relevant government authorities for specific guidance.