MSPH in International Health, Global Disease Epidemiology and Control
"My internship experiences helped me see what it would be like to utilize my skills after graduation." Tomoka (right) and her adviser, Prof. Joanne Katz in Nepal. Tomoka is now a Technical Officer in WHO's Global Immunization Monitoring and Surveillance group.
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"My internship at the WHO was inspiring. I was able to work alongside some of the top global experts in the vaccine world. The Program in Applied Vaccine Experiences is a great opportunity." Yingqi is now a Public Health Officer at the Ministry of Health, Singapore.
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MSPH students learn a lesson from “Apollo 13” in the weekly GDEC seminar. Preparing for the field: how to develop standard operating procedures with limited resources.
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Global Disease Epidemiology and Control (GDEC) Program
Director, Dr. Andrea Ruff
The GDEC Program trains students to use epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to design, implement and evaluate disease control interventions of public health importance to underserved populations. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty at field sites across the world, gaining hands-on experience in global health research and program implementation.
The program emphasizes biomedical interventions (e.g. therapeutic or prophylactic drugs, vaccines or environmental modifications). Most projects are interdisciplinary and draw on knowledge and expertise across the School in partnership with international collaborators. Students can acquire a broad understanding of the methods, skills, and tools needed to design, conduct, and analyze community and clinical trials and/or laboratory-based investigations.
Special strengths of the GDEC program include
Infectious disease epidemiology (including emerging infections)
Evaluation of health programs in developing settings
Community-based maternal and neonatal health approaches
mHealth strategies to address health and wellness challenges
Certificate in Vaccine Science and Policy. This certificate requires coursework on vaccinology, spanning biological bases, clinical trials, development, application and policy with a concentration of coursework and research opportunities.