University Center for International Studies Global Studies Center
University Center for International Studies Global Studies Center

Undergraduate Global Health Certificate

Undergraduate Certificate in Global Health 

The Undergraduate Certificate in Global Health is for students wanting to get equipped with the analytical tools and professional skills necessary to address our world’s most compelling issues. Students with a Certificate in Global Health will explore the transnational processes underpinning the global burden of disease and the social determinants of health, as well as related inequalities in access to high-quality medical care.

Students tailor a unique program of study based on their academic, personal and career interests, including 18 credits of coursework and co-curricular experiential engagements.

Upon completion of the students will be able to:

  • Understand the global burden of disease, social determinants of health, and treatment disparities from a transnational and historical perspective
  • Differentiate current research, programs, strategies, and coordination mechanisms that address these issues in a variety of settings, along with key organizational actors
  • Recognize the behavioral and cultural dimensions of health in myriad contexts
  • Appreciate how different disciplines approach these issues and apply one or more such approaches to a key question in global health
  • Critique different discourses on global health (e.g., medical, policy, anthropological) and communicate effectively about these issues orally and in writing to an interdisciplinary audience. 

Enrollment

To enroll in the Undergraduate Global Health Certificate, please click here and complete the survey!

Global Health Certificate Requirements:

Introduction to Global Health (PUBHLT-1001): All students are required to take this course. It is not required to take this course prior to taking other certificate courses. You must be a sophomore, junior, or senior to enroll in this course.

2 courses from the following (3 credits each, taken in any order):

Introduction to Biostatistics (PUBHLT-0310)

Contemporary Issues in Cross-Cultural Health (NUR-1829)

Cross-Cultural Communication (LING-1263)

Global Health History (HIST-0709)

Introduction to Epidemiology (PUBHLT-0330)

Introduction to Global Studies (PS-0550)

Introduction to Health Economics (ECON-0220)

Patients and Healers: Medical Anthropology 1 (ANTH-1761)

Sociology of Globalization and Health (SOC-0473)

Statistics in the Modern World (STAT-0800)

3 courses (9 credits total) from the Global Health course list. View the course list here.

Successful submission of a digital portfolio: 

This digital portfolio requirement helps students reflect on, synthesize, and communicate their knowledge garnered through the certificate through their curricular and co-curricular experiences. The e-portfolio is similar to an online resume and can be shared with employers, and graduate schools. Students will receive a link to Digication during their senior year and is due the semester they graduate.

Schedule a meeting with Elaine Linn to learn more

The Global Health Case Competition, sponsored by the Center for Global Health and the Global Studies Center, brings together undergraduate and graduate students from Pitt’s campuses to form interdisciplinary teams to gain simulated professional experience while developing strategies to address a hypothetical global health scenario. The competition takes place each fall semester. Students participating select to receive 1-credit or not. The winning team is sponsored to participate in Emory University’s Morningside Global Health Case Competition (if Pitt is selected to participate).
 
Past competition prompts:
 
  • 2023: To develop a comprehensive strategy to address and control Schistosomiasis in the Dagana Department of the Northwestern region of Senegal that addresses water access and usage needs as well as the current illness from the disease.
  • 2022: Create a high-quality and cost-efficient program that addresses maternal health and healthcare needs in the Kutupalong refugee camp located in Cox’s Bazaar Bangladesh.
  • 2021 Develop a three-year plan to extend Emergency Medical Services to Guyana’s Hinterland region and ensure sustainability of services into the future.
  • 2020 Develop a three-year plan to develop the rural health care system in rural Liberia.
 
Pitt teams when selected to participate in Emory’s case competition have placed in the top three teams. For full details, please visit the Global Health Case Competition webpage.

Questions? Please contact Elaine Linn.