Clone of Graduate Certificate in Global Health & Development

Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Global Health & Development

Available Online and In Person  Accredited Program

To our friends, neighbors, and colleagues across the globe, welcome, benvenuto, bienvenidos, Shalom, Karibu, Soo Dhowow, jī āiā nū̃!


The University of Arizona's Clinical & Translational Research (ACTR) graduate certificate program prepares interprofessional scientists for the complexities of clinical & translational research through high-quality didactic instruction, and mentored collaborative research experiences.

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This is an exciting time for public health, a time for unearthing new ways to approach old problems through breathtaking technological advances.  Less than two decades ago the World Wide Web was an interesting toy; now it is the world’s central nervous system bringing together people and ideas in historically novel ways.  Wireless technologies are rapidly transforming the ways people communicate – voice one day, text the next.  Public health has barely scratched the surface of insight into how these, and future, technologies can change our research and our practices.

The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) houses the Global Health Institute (GHI), one of the many centers of excellence in education, research, and service of the University of Arizona’s Health Sciences Center.  GHI is dedicated to finding evidence-based solutions to global health problems through the education and training of tomorrow’s global health leaders. It is a unique partnership that promotes collaboration between the University of Arizona, partner universities, organizations, and individuals around the world. 

The Graduate Certificate in Global Health & Development is one of the flagship education programs of the GHI. Designed for professionals and those entering the field of global health, this online program is a flexible option for those who wish to balance coursework and career, while maintaining an environment of utmost academic rigor. The course meets the need for skill enhancement for both foreign and domestic individuals who have limited time to pursue a campus-based full degree program.

Thank you for joining our global health learning community. We hope your participation in this Global Health Certificate program will give you the tools to expand the vistas of public health in your community and in our world! 

John E. Ehiri, PhD
Program Director and Professor

Program Overview

Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for:

  • Individuals passionate about health equity with limited academic preparation.
  • Health professionals seeking updated knowledge and skills.
  • Students from diverse disciplines, including public health, nursing, anthropology, and business.

Program Duration

  • Typically completed in 12 months, with flexibility to extend to 18 months.
  • Courses are asynchronous, requiring 4-8 hours of weekly commitment per course.

Tuition & Fees

Admission Deadlines

  • Fall Admission: May 15
  • Spring Admission: September 15

How to Apply
Submit an online application through the UA Graduate College with:

  • Transcripts
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Written statement of goals
  • For international applicants: Proof of English proficiency may be required.

Contact Us
For questions, please reach out to:

Mariah Albertie, MPH / Senior Coordinator, Professional Master's Programs
University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
Office of Student Affairs | Drachman Hall, Room A302
1295 N. Martin | PO Box 245033 | Tucson, AZ 85724
Email:  coph-certificate@email.arizona.edu

Advancing Health Equity and Global Development

The University of Arizona's Graduate Certificate in Global Health & Development equips professionals and students with the skills to tackle complex health challenges worldwide. This fully online program balances flexibility with rigorous academics, making it ideal for individuals seeking to advance their global health expertise.

Why Global Health?
Global health focuses on improving health equity for all people worldwide, addressing critical issues such as:

  • Epidemiology and disease control
  • Health systems management
  • Refugee and migrant health
  • Racial, ethnic, and cultural disparities
  • Nutrition, sustainability, and environmental health

This program is rooted in evidence-based solutions, blending research, policy, and practice to address pressing health challenges both locally and globally. Students gain skills in designing and evaluating interventions, managing health systems, and applying these solutions across diverse populations and settings.

Program Highlights

  • Flexible Learning: Complete the certificate in 12-18 months with asynchronous online courses requiring 4-8 hours weekly per course.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers epidemiology, project design, health equity, and more.
  • Practical Application: Opportunities for service-learning and community engagement, with a focus on real-world impact in border regions, Indigenous communities, and beyond.
  • Collaborative Environment: Learn alongside professionals from diverse fields, including public health, nursing, international relations, and anthropology.
  • Expert Instruction: Courses taught by experienced faculty specializing in global health practice and research.

Program Objectives
Participants will develop the following skills:

  • Analyze the relationship between health and development.
  • Design, monitor, and evaluate global health programs.
  • Strengthen healthcare systems with resource-appropriate solutions.
  • Apply evidence-based approaches to health challenges.

Accreditation & Course Access
This program is fully accredited by the University of Arizona Graduate College and the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Delivered through the Moodle platform, the program incorporates:

  • Multimedia tools (videos, case studies, readings)
  • Interactive discussion boards and peer collaboration
  • Assignments that translate theory into practice

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Global Health & Development Graduate Certificate are required to submit the following application materials:

  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The applicant is required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.75 GPA (GPA is based on the last 60 units, or if the applicant has 12 or more graduate units, the GPA will be based on graduate units)
  • One letter of recommendation is required from a supervisor, mentor, or other individual familiar with your work and professional abilities
  • Resume/CV which should include: educational background and employment experience
  • Written statement of background and goals (one page single spaced) that addresses the following questions: (1) Why do you want to enroll in the Global Health & Development graduate certificate? (2) How will the knowledge and skills acquired through your successful participation in this certificate be applied in your current job and/or support your career goals?
  • International applicants may need to provide proof of English proficiency. See more information here: https://publichealth.arizona.edu/graduate-students/certificate-admissions-criteria
  • Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Application Deadline

Fall start

June 1st

Spring start

October 1st


Applications received after the deadline may be considered on a space-available basis. To request consideration, please send an email to the Certificate Programs Coordinator at coph-certificate@arizona.edu.

How to Apply