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Home > Departments > International Health > Global Health Masters Degrees > MSPH > Health Systems
Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) - International Health
Mary Qiu, MSPH '16
"From my practicum experience in Angola, I gained more hands-on skills to implement a study overseas. It prepared me to implement studies of larger scale and to deal with any problems that arise." - Mary now works at Innovations for Poverty Action as a Research Coordinator in Tanzania. Learn more
Mariya Patwa
"I am constantly drawing on the invaluable skills I gained during my practicum at an operational research clinic site in Johannesburg, South Africa." Mariya now works at the Cambridge Health Alliance. Learn More
Bhavya Gowda, MSPH '11
"It was very useful to get the hands-on experience in a classroom environment prior to having to do it on the job." Bhavya – pictured in Rwanda – is now an Access to Medicines and Diagnostics Program Manager at the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
Eva Leidman, MSPH '12
"The Hopkins faculty are an unparalleled resource. Find faculty members working on research that interests you and see how you can contribute. - Leidman in Haiti working on earthquake recovery
As a program, we are flourishing. In the last 5 years, the number of active grants per year has grown by 50%, helping us to to enhance our capacity to provide the best possible research and teaching. Learn more
Future career opportunities
MSPH program coordinators
Dr. Andreea Creanga &
Dr. Ligia Paina
Director, Dr. Sara Bennett
The Health Systems MSPH Program prepares students to take on leadership and management roles in health policy and planning, health financing and management, and monitoring and evaluation of health programs. Our graduates contribute to strengthening health systems through the implementation of equitable and cost-effective interventions for improving access, quality, and efficiency of health services for underserved populations.
Students are trained in monitoring and evaluation of large-scale programs, health policy analysis, comparative health systems analysis, and health financing. Students also receive a strong background in key areas such as primary health care and maternal and child health.
The practicum experience and capstone paper allow students to apply the knowledge gained through academic coursework to solving pressing health problems and challenges in global health and to make meaningful contributions to the health of underserved populations. For the practicum, students have the opportunity to work on faculty projects or to be placed within a number of organizations across the world, including the School's wide array of international collaborators. Research centers based in the Department of International Health, for example, offer a variety of opportunities for students. Click here for examples of recent student practicum projects.
Special strengths of the Health System program include
Emphasis on using a systems approach to health program planning, management, and evaluation
Development of evidence-based understanding of health systems strengthening approaches
Special focus on issues such as humanitarian assistance, maternal and child health and services, injury prevention and ethics of delivery systems to vulnerable populations
Graduates of the program go on to work at international, government, academic and non-governmental organizations, such as the WHO, ministries of health, USAID, Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee. Many of the research centers based in the Department of International Health also offer opportunities for graduates of the program. See where more of our recent graduates work.