Founded in 2007, the University of Washington Department of Global Health is committed to preparing the next generation of global health leaders through world-class education and training programs focused on research, evidence-based practice, and policy development. Our alumni work in more than 25 countries across five continents to improve health and eliminate health disparities around the world. We’re proud that our graduates go on to lead ministries of health, direct non-profit organizations, run research labs, develop medical innovations, hold public office, and more. DGH currently offers six academic programs at the doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate levels. Below you can learn more about our department, programs, and admissions process.
Why choose the University of Washington Department of Global Health for your degree?
- University of Washington is currently ranked the No. 8 best global university by U.S. News & World Report. In 2019, UW was ranked the world's No. 1 most innovative public university and No. 5 most innovative among public and private universities in the world by Reuters.
- Global health student research is guided by our internationally recognized faculty who are conducting 920 funded research projects and programs in 148 countries.
- Department of Global Health (DGH) graduates have boundless opportunities, with 94% in a job placement or postgraduate program within a year of graduation.
- Through our Endowed Fellowship for Global Health Excellence, Equity and Impact, DGH offers funding for top recruits and underrepresented minorities for our graduate programs.*
Department of Global Health Graduate Admissions Timeline
We review applications for our PhD, Doctoral, and MPH programs once a year for entry the following summer or fall.
- September 1: Online application opens for all programs, except the Doctor of Global Health Leadership and Practice program
- October 1: Online application opens for the Doctor of Global Health Leadership and Practice program
- December 1: Application and all supporting materials due for all programs
- December - February: Committee reviews applications
- February - March: Admission decisions are sent
- April 15: Deadline to accept offers of admission
Doctoral Degree Programs
PhD in Global Health: Metrics & Implementation Science: DGH, in collaboration with the Department of Health Metrics Sciences, IHME and HAI, have developed a PhD program in Global Health that is the first of its kind, building on the expertise of our faculty in the areas of metrics and implementation science. Learn more or talk to an adviser.
PhD in Pathobiology: The program applies a multidisciplinary approach as well as the latest research technologies to the study of public health problems such as viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases, as well as other conditions such as cancer. Learn more or talk to an adviser.
Doctor of Global Health Leadership and Practice (DrGH): The DrGH is a brand-new practice-based doctorate program, which will prepare future leaders to work across the architecture of diverse organizations and dynamic policy environments in order to solve complex global health problems. Welcoming its first cohort in Autumn 2021, the DrGH degree program is intended for mid-career professionals seeking to improve leadership skills and capacities in planning, catalyzing resources, building networks, motivating teams, strengthening national policy, as well as implementing, managing, and evaluating evidence-based programs in a variety of global health settings. Online application opens October 1, 2021. Learn more or talk to an adviser.
Master's Degree Program
Master of Public Health in Global Health: The program offers a social justice and practical skills-based framework so graduates can make a difference wherever they work. Students exit with core public health skills in research, analytic methods, proposal development, management, implementation science, health metrics and evaluation, and a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political determinants of health, and the history of global responses to health problems. Learn more, download the MPH Fact Sheet, or talk to an adviser.
Undergraduate Programs
Public Health - Global Health Major and Global Health Minor: Undergraduates at UW Seattle have options for both a Major and a Minor. The Public Health - Global Health Major is administered by the School of Public Health Dean's Office, and the Global Health Minor is administered by the Department of Global Health. Learn more or talk to an adviser for the GH Minor or PH-GH Major.
* This includes Excellence Research Assistant positions (tuition waiver and living stipend) and Excellence Fellowships ($5K award). All graduate applicants can apply for consideration for these funds. The number of awards each year is dependent on funding available, and awardees are designated through the DGH academic program committee.