In an increasingly interconnected world, the health of one community is inextricably linked to the health of all others. Global health challenges, from persistent infectious diseases and the rise of non-communicable conditions to the devastating impacts of climate change and humanitarian crises, demand innovative solutions and a new generation of skilled, compassionate leaders. At the forefront of this critical mission stands the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH), and within its distinguished offerings, the Global Health (GH) concentration shines as a beacon for aspiring public health professionals.
The Rollins Global Health concentration is more than just an academic program; it’s a transformative experience designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to address the world’s most pressing health inequities. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, a nexus of global health organizations, Rollins offers an unparalleled environment for learning, research, and practical application, setting its Global Health concentration apart as a truly unique and impactful pathway.
The Rollins Distinction: A Holistic and Interdisciplinary Approach
What truly distinguishes Emory Rollins’ Global Health concentration is its deeply interdisciplinary, equity-focused, and practice-oriented approach. Recognizing that global health issues are complex and multifaceted, the program draws upon expertise from across various disciplines – epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, behavioral sciences, health policy and management, and more. Students are not just taught about diseases; they learn to understand the social, economic, political, and environmental determinants that underpin health outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings.
The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a robust foundation in core public health principles while allowing for specialization in global health. Students delve into the nuances of global health systems, disease burden analysis, program design and evaluation, humanitarian response, and the ethical considerations inherent in global health work. A strong emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication skills – competencies vital for effective work in diverse international contexts.
One of the program’s core philosophies is its commitment to health equity and social justice. Rollins instills in its students a profound understanding of the disparities that exist globally and empowers them to become advocates for vulnerable populations. This isn’t just theoretical; it’s woven into case studies, discussions, and practical experiences, encouraging students to challenge conventional approaches and champion sustainable, community-led solutions.
A Robust and Dynamic Curriculum
The Global Health concentration at Rollins is typically pursued as part of the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, though options exist for PhD students to engage with global health research. The MPH curriculum begins with a foundational set of courses covering biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy and management. These core competencies provide the essential toolkit for any public health professional.
Beyond the core, Global Health concentration students engage in specialized coursework that delves into the intricacies of international health. Sample courses often include:
- Introduction to Global Health: Providing an overview of key concepts, actors, and challenges in global health.
- Global Health Systems: Examining the structure, financing, and challenges of health systems in various countries.
- Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health: Equipping students with the skills to design and implement effective evaluation strategies for public health programs.
- Global Health Ethics: Exploring the complex ethical dilemmas encountered in global health research and practice.
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases in Developing Countries: Focusing on the unique epidemiological patterns and control strategies for major infectious diseases.
- Maternal and Child Health in Global Settings: Addressing the specific health needs and interventions for women and children globally.
- Global Health Policy and Diplomacy: Understanding the role of policy, advocacy, and international relations in shaping global health outcomes.
- Humanitarian Health: Preparing students to respond to health crises in conflict zones and disaster-affected areas.
Students also have the flexibility to select electives from a wide array of courses across Rollins and even other Emory schools, allowing them to tailor their education to specific interests, whether it’s global mental health, non-communicable diseases, health communication, or climate change and health. This flexibility ensures that graduates are not only well-rounded but also possess specialized knowledge in their chosen niche.
Faculty: Mentors, Innovators, and Global Leaders
A cornerstone of the Rollins Global Health concentration’s excellence is its distinguished faculty. Comprising a diverse group of physicians, epidemiologists, public health practitioners, social scientists, economists, and policy experts, the faculty brings a wealth of real-world experience and cutting-edge research to the classroom. Many are actively involved in research, program implementation, and policy advocacy around the globe, ensuring that the curriculum remains current, relevant, and grounded in practical realities.
Students benefit immensely from this direct access to leading experts. Faculty members are not just instructors; they are mentors who guide students through their academic journey, connect them with professional networks, and often involve them in their ongoing research projects. This close mentorship is invaluable for career development and for fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of global health work. Their active engagement in the field means students are learning from those who are actively shaping global health policy and practice, from battling infectious disease outbreaks to strengthening health systems in fragile states.
The Atlanta Advantage: A Global Health Ecosystem
Perhaps one of the most significant distinguishing factors of the Rollins Global Health concentration is its strategic location in Atlanta. Often referred to as a "global health capital," Atlanta is home to an unparalleled concentration of leading health organizations, creating an unparalleled ecosystem for public health education and practice.
Foremost among these is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the world’s premier public health agency. Rollins enjoys a uniquely close relationship with the CDC, allowing students unprecedented access to internships, collaborative research opportunities, and networking events. Many CDC scientists teach courses at Rollins or serve as preceptors for student practicum experiences, directly integrating real-world public health challenges into the academic environment.
Beyond the CDC, Atlanta hosts:
- The Task Force for Global Health: An independent, non-profit organization that works with partners to eliminate diseases, strengthen health systems, and improve the health of populations. Rollins students frequently intern and work on projects with the Task Force, gaining exposure to large-scale global health initiatives.
- CARE USA: A leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.
- The Carter Center: Dedicated to advancing peace and health worldwide, with significant programs in disease eradication and mental health.
- The American Cancer Society: A global leader in cancer prevention and research.
- Numerous other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), consulting firms, and private sector companies engaged in global health work.
This concentrated hub of activity provides Rollins students with an unmatched advantage in terms of experiential learning, professional networking, and career opportunities. The proximity to these organizations means that guest lecturers are often senior leaders from the field, internship placements are readily available, and career fairs are populated by recruiters from the very organizations students aspire to join.
Experiential Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice
A cornerstone of the Rollins MPH program, and particularly vital for the Global Health concentration, is the Applied Practice Experience (APE), commonly known as the practicum. This required field experience allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, often with international organizations or in global health programs within the U.S.
Practicum sites range from ministries of health in developing countries, to UN agencies like WHO or UNICEF, to international NGOs, research institutes, or global health departments within the CDC. Students might be involved in:
- Conducting epidemiological surveillance in a rural clinic.
- Developing health communication strategies for a malaria eradication program.
- Analyzing data for a maternal and child health intervention.
- Assisting in the monitoring and evaluation of an HIV prevention project.
- Supporting humanitarian response efforts in a crisis zone.
These experiences are invaluable, providing students with hands-on skills, cultural competency, and a deeper understanding of the complexities and rewards of global health work. They often serve as a launching pad for future careers, with many students securing full-time positions at their practicum sites or through connections made during their experience.
Impact and Career Pathways: Leaders for a Healthier World
Graduates of the Emory Rollins Global Health concentration emerge as highly skilled, culturally competent, and ethically grounded public health professionals, ready to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges. Their career paths are as diverse as the global health landscape itself, reflecting the broad skill set and specialized knowledge they acquire.
Rollins alumni hold influential positions in a wide array of organizations, including:
- Government Agencies: CDC, USAID, NIH, local and state health departments.
- International Organizations: World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, World Bank, UNAIDS, UNHCR.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Partners In Health, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, FHI 360, Population Services International (PSI).
- Academic and Research Institutions: Leading global health research and teaching at universities worldwide.
- Foundations: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Clinton Health Access Initiative.
- Private Sector: Pharmaceutical companies, global health consulting firms, health technology startups.
Whether they are working on disease surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa, designing health programs in Southeast Asia, advocating for policy change at the UN, or leading research on health disparities in the U.S., Rollins Global Health graduates are making tangible contributions to improving health outcomes for populations worldwide. They are equipped not just to respond to crises, but to build resilient health systems, promote sustainable development, and champion health equity on a global scale.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Global Health Leaders
The Emory University Rollins School of Public Health Global Health concentration stands as a premier program for those called to make a difference in the world. Its unique blend of rigorous academics, unparalleled practical opportunities through the Atlanta global health hub, a distinguished and accessible faculty, and a deep commitment to social justice creates an environment where future global health leaders are not just trained, but truly transformed.
For individuals passionate about addressing health inequities, fostering sustainable development, and contributing to a healthier, more equitable world, the Rollins Global Health concentration offers an exceptional and empowering pathway. It’s an investment not just in a career, but in a profound purpose – to shape the future of global health for generations to come.
