GLOBAL HEALTH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Declaring A Minor and Registration FAQs:
1. How do I learn more about the minor?
2. How do I declare a minor?
3. When should I declare the minor?
4. What are the requirements for completing the Global Health Minor?
5. Do I have to be a certain major in order to do the Global Health Minor?
6. Are there any prerequisites that I need to complete before taking any Global Health Minor courses?
7. I am not a Global Health minor; can I take any Global Health Studies courses?
8. How do I register for classes?
Global Health Study Abroad FAQs:
9. I am a Global Health minor, but studying abroad does not fit into my academic schedule. What should I do?
10. Do I have to choose a Northwestern IPD public health program? Can I attend a non-Northwestern program to fulfill my international experience?
11. Which programs fulfill the international experience requirement?
Global Health Research, External Opportunities, and Career FAQs:
12. I want to do global health research. What are the next steps?
13. What sorts of careers might my Global Health Minor lead into?
14. I don't want to go straight into the workforce. What other options do I have in global health post-graduation?
Have more QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about our minor and courses, please contact the Global Health Minor Coordinator Greg Buchanan at g-buchanan@northwestern.edu or the Global Health Program Assistant, Mary Poliwka, at m-poliwka@northwestern.edu.
For more information on specific study abroad opportunities, contact the Study Abroad Coordiator Karey Fuhs at k-fuhs@northwestern.edu.
1. How do I learn more about the minor?
Call the IPD office at 847-467-6953 to schedule an appointment with Greg Buchanan to discuss the requirements of the minor and learn about opportunities in global health.
2. How do I declare a minor?
To declare a Global Health Minor, make an appointment with Greg Buchanan at (847)-467-6953. Upon arrival, fill out a Declaration of Minor form. During the meeting, you will obtain Greg’s signature on the form and discuss program requirements and opportunities. Lastly, deliver the form to the WCAS Office of Undergraduate Studies and Advising on 1922 Sheridan Road.
3. When should I declare the minor?
Ideally students should declare the minor before the end of their sophomore year. However, due to high demand for global health classes, it is in the student’s best interest to declare as early as possible so he/she has the advantage of pre-registration.
4. What are the requirements for completing the Global Health Minor?
Students must complete three core courses and four elective courses. Students are also required to participate in a substantial public health experience abroad, in one of the international public health programs offered by Northwestern University or in another program approved by the program director.
5. Do I have to be a certain major in order to do the Global Health Minor?
There is a misconception that the minor is only for pre-medical students. This is absolutely not true- we have students across disciplines and schools!
6. Are there any prerequisites that I need to complete before taking any Global Health Minor courses?
Generally there are no pre-requirements. However, because many of our elective classes are cross-listed with other disciplines, students may have to fulfill pre-requirements as determined by affiliated departments.
7. I am not a Global Health minor; can I take any Global Health Studies courses?
Yes you may; however, Global Health minors have the advantage of preregistration. Our classes tend to fill up quickly due to high demand.
8. How do I register for classes?
To register for global health classes you should first declare the Global Health Minor (but do not have to). Via pre-registration and normal registration you can then enroll. Due to high demand for public health classes, you may not be able to participate in all desired classes per quarter. With special requests or concerns, contact Greg Buchanan (g-buchanan@northwestern.edu) or Mary Poliwka (m-poliwka@northwestern.edu).
9. I am a Global Health minor, but studying abroad does not fit into my academic schedule. What should I do?
Studying abroad is a requirement of the Global Health Minor. Students unable to study abroad cannot graduate with the minor.
10. Do I have to choose a Northwestern public health study abroad program? Can I attend a non-IPD or non-Northwestern program to fulfill my international experience?
While it is highly recommended, the international study requirement does not have to be fulfilled through an IPD program. However, the student’s chosen program must fulfill program requirements as deemed by Greg Buchanan, the program director. Contact Greg at (847)-467-6953 to discuss possible opportunities.
11. Which programs fulfill the international experience requirement?
The Northwestern IPD programs applicable to the Global Health requirement are: Public Health in Chile, Public Health in China, Public Health in Cuba, Public Health in Europe, Public Health in Mexico, Public Health in South Africa, Global Healthcare Technologies in South Africa, and Public Health in Uganda.
12. I want to do global health research. What are the next steps?
Brainstorm a topic of interest. Check out IPD fellowship opportunities and undergraduate research grants for funding. Explore the Northwestern undergraduate research website for ideas on how to structure a proposal. Call the IPD office to set up a meeting with Professor Kearsley Stewart to discuss your proposal and funding options. Find tips for research fellowship applications here.
13. What sorts of careers might my Global Health Minor lead into?
Global health minors enter into a variety of disciplines including healthcare consulting, management, policy, education, community practice, and research. It is a very fluid degree that is applicable to many professions.
To name a few, some of our alumni are working at the Clinton Global Initiative, Accretive Health, Riders for Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Memorial Hospital, and the Erie Family Health Center.
Click the image below to see the IPD Public Health Career Guide!
Also, please consult the Northwestern Academic Advising Center for additional guidance and mentoring on pre-health and pre-medicine careers.
14. I don't want to go straight into the workforce. What other options do I have in global health post-graduation?
- Teach health education abroad through international volunteer/internship programs such as ProWorld, Cross Cultural Solutions, Global Service Corps, and the Foundation for Sustainable Developent
- Fellowships
- e.g. Fulbright, Peace Corps, Public Health Corps
- Volunteer work
- For examples of public health affiliated NGOs click here.
- Research abroad funded by fellowships/scholarships.
- Graduate School
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