Online Bachelor of Science in Global Health

From measles and Ebola to cancer and mental illness, diseases affect every nation around the globe. If you’re interested in delving deeper into world health issues from an analytical and quantitative perspective, Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in global health is an ideal fit. You’ll gain the skills necessary to develop evidence-based, context-informed solutions for modern health challenges.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What is global health studies?

Global health studies encompasses the sociocultural and evolutionary roots of disease and its effects on the world’s population. Beyond medical treatment, global health studies focuses on creating effective, sustainable and culturally appropriate approaches to prevent, assess and mitigate disease.

In this program, you’ll use analytical measures to formulate research questions and examine drivers of health inequities. You’ll also consider the contexts that influence morbidity and disease trends, including ecological, political, cultural, institutional, historical, evolutionary, social and technological factors.

Interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) online? Explore the Accelerated Master of Public Health program through Claremont Graduate University in collaboration with ASU.

What’s the difference between a BA and BS in global health?

In both the BS in global health and BA in global health programs, you’ll gain an understanding of the global burden of disease and the social and environmental determinants of health. When you choose the BA in global health, you also learn about building community partnerships to tackle health challenges.

The BS in global health is unique because you’ll focus on developing quantitative abilities, preparing you for research and scientific contribution to preventing disease. Upon graduation, your quantitative toolkit will consist of a variety of skills, such as:

  • Applying public health sciences, such as biostatistics, epidemiology and environmental public health in a global context.
  • Calculating and interpreting measures of disease frequency, effect and public health impact.
  • Differentiating between causation and association.
  • Explaining the advantages and limitations of observational research in epidemiology.
  • Identifying observational and experimental study designs in scientific literature.
  • Managing, evaluating and interpreting large amounts of data.

Who is a good candidate for a BS in global health?

You’re an ideal candidate for this program if you’re motivated to address health inequities and engage in international collaboration. You should also be interested in health beyond the physical aspects of disease. This program focuses on a scientific approach to solving global health issues, while keeping sight of social, cultural and evolutionary perspectives.

Additionally, this program is suitable if you want to pursue health-related roles in settings, such as departments of health, federal government agencies, international agencies, nonprofits or private organizations. Upon graduation, you’ll also be prepared to pursue graduate studies, which can lead to health careers in education and research.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Online global health studies courses

Coursework in this program is designed to build your understanding of the global health competencies. You’ll explore a variety of topics, such as how ethnic-based discrimination and privilege contribute to health disparities and how evolutionary medicine is used to understand the modern disease landscape. You’ll also learn about the interconnectedness of human health and the health of animals, plants and our shared environment. Courses may include:


ASB 100: Introduction to Global Health (GCSI OR SB & G)


SSH 403: Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (GCSI OR (L or SB) & G)


ASB 230: Beginning Social Research (SOBE OR SB)


ASB 250: Introduction to Evolution and Medicine (SOBE OR SB & G)


HCR 220: Introduction to Health Professions and the U.S. Health Care System (CIVI OR H)


ASM 294: Bones, Bodies, and Bioarchaeology


ASB 102: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (GCSI OR SB & G)


STP 226: Elements of Statistics (QTRS OR CS)


Jobs in global health

When you complete this program, you can pursue career paths in research, health programming, teaching and policy. Roles you’ll be prepared for include technical advisor, program manager, policy analyst, research associate, data analyst and more. Other potential career opportunities include, but aren’t limited to:

Community Health Worker


Growth: 14.1 %
Salary: $46,190

Environmental Protection Specialist


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Epidemiologist


Growth: 26.7 %
Salary: $78,520

Health and Safety Manager


Growth: 13.3 %
Salary: $78,570

Medical and Health Services Manager


Growth: 28.4 %
Salary: $104,830

Politician


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $48,090

Social Services Director


Growth: 9.1 %
Salary: $74,240

Learn from leaders in global health

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Learn from leaders in global health

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140


million in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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