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The Global Health Initiative

Global Opportunities Through UMD

Whether you are a prospective student or current undergraduate or graduate student in the School of Public Health or in another UMD college, there are many opportunities to expand your scope of study and to prepare for careers related to global health. 

SPH-GHI Global Project Map

SPH GHI Global Project Map

Explore the SPH-GHI Project Map to see over 200 current and past projects from the School of Public Health. A short description, contact information, and a website link is available for each project. Users can click on a country of interest or search for specific topics or people. Anyone affiliated with the School of Public Health is encouraged to add a global Public Health project by completing the Global Health Map New Project Form. This will provide our students a way to learn more about us and engage with projects and people who work globally in our SPH.

The 2019 Global Health Scholars in a classroom

Global Public Health (GPH) Scholars

The Global Public Health (GPH) Scholars program, sponsored by the School of Public Health and directed by Dr. Elisabeth Maring, offers an interdisciplinary examination of the complex connections between health, culture, economic growth and development and environmental sustainability.

Two Fall 2024 SPH Graduates

Bachelor's Degree in Global Health

The multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Global Health introduces students to social, cultural and scientific factors affecting health outcomes around the world, preparing them for careers in policy and practice, applied research, and social services.

PHBB Sierra Leone 2018

Public Health Beyond Borders (PHBB)

PHBB is a student organization of globally minded students aiming to address health needs in partnering communities. The overall mission of the organization is to reduce health disparities around the world while exposing undergraduate and graduate students to opportunities for responsible global development work.

End of the Year Global Classrooms Showcase 2024

Global Classrooms

UMD's global classroom courses do not require a passport or additional fees. Some of these courses may fulfill general education requirements or SPH major requirements. Talk to CASA or your major advisor to learn more.

Students studying abroad in India

Experiential Global Opportunities (Study Abroad)

A study abroad experience can be an enriching, exciting part of your education. We encourage all students who are able and interested to investigate study abroad opportunities. Experiences can range from full semesters abroad to three week winter term courses.

Three students presenting at SPH's Research and Practice Day

Independent Study

Students can gain independent study credit studying aspects of global health. Craft and propose research or study, and earn one, two or three credits per term. Contact Dr. Dina Borzekowski (dborzeko@umd.edu) for more information.

US Peace Corp Logo

Peace Corps Prep Program

Peace Corps Prep is a certificate program for undergraduates that centers on preparing yourself to be an engaged, global citizen and applying to the Peace Corps post-graduation (admittance not guaranteed. Any UMD undergraduate student is eligible to enroll regardless of major or citizenship. 

Three graduate students at Fall 2023 orientation

Graduate Certificate in Global Health

The Graduate Certificate in Global Health is designed to provide basic knowledge in global health delivery to enable individuals to work effectively in agencies and programs providing global health services. Students collaborate with leading global health experts to design solutions and implement global health strategies. For more info, email Maurice Rocque.

UMD Global Fellows Logo

UMD Fellows - Global Fellows Branch

Through the Global Fellows in Washington, DC fellowship program, you can learn from global policy practitioners in fall seminars, then intern with a globally focused organization in the spring. Applications open in February for the following fall and remain open on a rolling basis.

Financing Your Travel

Student studying abroad in India

Travel Awards

Thanks to the generous support of several funders, there is now a SPH-Global Health Initiative Fellowship! 

Up to $500 will be awarded to support UMD undergraduate and graduate students (with an SPH affiliation) in their travel and educational, service, or research work abroad.  Additionally, students can apply this funding for domestic conferences where the application is the primary presenter of global health content. Please send an email with questions or notification that you are applying for this funding to either Dr. Borzekowski at dborzeko@umd.edu or Dr. Maring at efmaring@umd.edu.