Global Health courses can help you learn epidemiology, health policy analysis, global disease prevention, and health systems management. You can build skills in data analysis, program evaluation, and community health assessment. Many courses introduce tools like statistical software for analyzing health data, geographic information systems for mapping disease spread, and frameworks for evaluating health interventions.

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Health Disparities, Health Systems, Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Determinants Of Health, Health Promotion, Infectious Diseases, Chronic Diseases, Health Policy, Environment Health And Safety, Medical Science and Research, Injury Prevention, Nutrition and Diet
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Copenhagen
Skills you'll gain: Health Systems, Maternal Health, Child Health, Public Health, Health Policy, Infectious Diseases, Health Equity, Health Disparities, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Water Resources, Health Promotion, Health Education, Social Determinants Of Health, Epidemiology, Community Health, Environmental Policy, Sanitation, Nutrition and Diet, Climate Change Programs, Chronic Diseases
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Maternal Health, Advocacy, Training Programs, Health Systems, Health Policy, Primary Care, Education and Training, Community Health, Smart Goals, Intercultural Competence, Sanitation, Crisis Intervention, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Health Promotion, Community Development, Behavioral Health, Public Health, Healthcare Ethics, Health Equity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Health Policy, Advocacy, Health Disparities, Social Determinants Of Health, Health Equity, Climate Change Adaptation, Public Health, Policy Analysis, Health Systems, Environmental Policy, Health Care, Climate Change Programs, Environmental Issue, Sustainable Development, Climate Change Mitigation, International Relations, Socioeconomics, Policy Development, Governance, Environmental Science
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

The University of Tokyo
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Gerontology, Public Health, Infectious Diseases, Health Policy, Health Equity, Health Systems, Health Care, Governance, Long Term Care, Chronic Diseases, Demography
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Manchester
Skills you'll gain: Health Equity, Health Disparities, Public Health, Healthcare Ethics, Emergency Response, Emergency Services, Safety and Security, International Relations, Infectious Diseases, Policy Analysis, Chronic Diseases, Advocacy, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Vulnerability, Case Studies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Health Technology, Data Visualization Software, Telehealth, Agile Methodology, Health Disparities, Health Informatics, Health Care, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Health Systems, Electronic Medical Record, digital literacy, Interoperability, Clinical Data Management, Public Health, Tableau Software, Model Evaluation, Data Ethics, Digital Transformation, User Centered Design, Analytics
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Geneva
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Environmental Science, Environment Health And Safety, Health Disparities, Public Health, International Relations, Epidemiology, Health Policy, Health Care, Socioeconomics, Governance, Sustainable Development, Medical Science and Research, Drug Development, Political Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Chronic Diseases, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Intellectual Property
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Innovation, Product Development, Intellectual Property, Design Thinking, New Product Development, Health Systems, Presentations, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Commercialization, Ideation, Organizational Structure, Persuasive Communication, Healthcare Project Management, Strategic Communication, Organizational Change, Health Technology, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Entrepreneurship, Public Health
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Public Health, Data Presentation, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Trend Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Health Policy, Data Visualization Software, Chronic Diseases, GIS Software, Health Systems, Infectious Diseases, Biostatistics, Risk Analysis, Investigation, Health Care, Health Disparities, Community Health, Data Analysis, Statistics
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Logistic Regression, Analytical Skills, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Literacy, Data Analysis, R Programming, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Biostatistics, Model Evaluation, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, R (Software), Statistics, Statistical Methods, Data Wrangling, Public Health
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Imperial College London
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Public Health, Health Disparities, Cardiology, Social Determinants Of Health, Chronic Diseases, Microbiology, Health Care, Community Health, Health Education, Health Systems, Socioeconomics, Preventative Care, Health Policy, Health Assessment, Internal Medicine, Trend Analysis, Immunology
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Global health refers to the health of populations in a global context, emphasizing the interconnectedness of health issues across borders. It is important because health challenges such as pandemics, environmental changes, and health inequities do not respect national boundaries. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach that involves governments, organizations, and communities worldwide. By focusing on global health, we can work towards improving health outcomes for all, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary resources and care.
A career in global health can lead to various roles, including public health analyst, epidemiologist, health policy advisor, and program coordinator for international health organizations. These positions often involve working with governments, NGOs, and private sectors to develop and implement health programs, conduct research, and advocate for health equity. Additionally, roles in global health can be found in academia, research institutions, and healthcare organizations, providing opportunities to make a significant impact on health outcomes worldwide.
To succeed in global health, you will need a diverse set of skills. Key competencies include data analysis, understanding of health systems, communication, and cultural competency. Familiarity with epidemiology and biostatistics is also essential, as these fields help in understanding health trends and making informed decisions. Additionally, skills in project management and collaboration are crucial, as global health initiatives often require teamwork across various sectors and disciplines.
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in global health. Notable options include the Essentials of Global Health course, which provides a foundational understanding of global health principles. The Foundations of Global Health Specialization offers a comprehensive overview of the field, while the Global Health Challenges and Governance Specialization focuses on the complexities of health governance and policy.
Yes. You can start learning global health on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in global health, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn global health, start by identifying your areas of interest within the field. You can explore online courses, attend webinars, and read relevant literature. Engaging with communities and organizations focused on global health can also provide insights and networking opportunities. Practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work with health organizations, can further enhance your understanding and skills in this dynamic field.
Global health courses typically cover a range of topics, including epidemiology, health systems, environmental health, and health policy. You may also study specific issues such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and the impact of climate change on public health. Courses often emphasize the importance of data analysis and research methods, equipping you with the tools needed to address complex health challenges.
For training and upskilling employees in global health, courses like the Global Health Innovations Specialization can be particularly beneficial. This specialization focuses on innovative approaches to health challenges. Additionally, the Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health Specialization provides insights into how environmental factors affect health, which is crucial for organizations addressing public health issues.