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Global Health & Culture Applying a person-centered framework to global health

The Global Health & Culture Certificate program takes an interdisciplinary, person-centered approach to complex global health challenges. We prepare students for global health work by providing training in best practices, basic science, policy-relevant research methodologies, theoretical and ethical frameworks, and a robust network of academic professionals with industry-proven experience. Students will learn how to frame and approach health challenges from a global perspective, and by putting people first. This program takes advantage of American University's dynamic research-driven community through collaborative projects and coursework. The curriculum for this certificate program is grounded in coursework across the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of International Service.

 

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This program requires 12 credits, with 6 credits from foundational courses, 3 credits from electives, and 3 credits to fulfill a competence application course.

Foundational courses cover topics central to global health, with focused study on basic global health science and policy, methodological and theoretical lessons from medical anthropology, and applied training in program planning. Our curricular approach takes a global issue and grounds it in the local context of the people and places involved. The Global Health & Culture certificate program prepares aspiring health professionals with the skills they need to handle an evolving international landscape.

Students in the Global Health & Culture certificate program learn from a multidisciplinary faculty with backgrounds as policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and analysis. SIS and CAS both feature experts in policy, international affairs, and anthropology as well as regional, human rights, peacebuilding, and international development specialists.

Meet the SIS Faculty

Meet the CAS Faculty

For current AU students, please reach out to your advisor.

For all other interested individuals, request information or get started on your application now!

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This certificate program is designed to be completed at no extra time or cost investment for existing MA students. Tuition is assessed on a per-credit basis. Other student fees are required. Graduate tuition is subject to increase on an annual basis. To learn more, visit Tuition & Fees for the most updated information.

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Interested in global health? The Global Health Policy & Practice through SIS has opportunities for students interested in the field. 

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Combining Global Health with Cultural Competence

Thurka Sangaramoorthy

Professor and Chair, Department of Anthropology

Students will learn competencies to understand the social contexts of health.

The certificate will prepare students to be change-makers who can innovate, build partnerships, and influence change across cultural and geographic boundaries in response to complex global health challenges. This specialized training directly addresses the urgent need identified by major global health entities like the WHO, which has emphasized that ‘the systematic neglect of culture is the biggest barrier to the advancement of health and health care worldwide.’