How A Master In Health Sciences Degree Can Make An Impact On Global Health

Are you considering a Master of Science in Health Sciences with a Global Health Security concentration at Trident University? How is this degree the right fit?

During your time as a student, you'll learn about:

Global infectious disease transmission, prevention, and control:

Diseases such as Ebola, yellow fever, and malaria, are serious threats across the globe, and not just in developing countries. In 1996, fatal yellow fever infections made their way into the United States and Switzerland, while cholera re-entered Peru in 1991 after a long absence, killing more than 3,000 people and costing the economy US$770 million. Additionally, students will discuss how drug resistance impedes disease control.

Other cultures of the world:

Curiosity is key for professionals in this field. Learning cultural customs, beliefs, and practices is just as important as knowing how a disease like Ebola can spread. Understanding culture is critical, as practitioners often need to work across cultural barriers to establish proper hygiene habits within remote regions of the world.

Collaboration with local and global partners:

While this may sound like a quality for success in every industry, the collaborating that public health professionals do is unique. Knowing how to work with governments – both local and national – to secure funding or shelter is another highly desired skill.

Bioterrorism and current human security threats:

Bioterrorism, which is terrorism involving the intentional release of biological agents, is a major component of this concentration. Although the last century has only seen two bioterror attacks on U.S. soil – in 1984 and 2001 – that killed a total of five people, this remains a serious concern. Agents such as smallpox, anthrax, and bubonic plague are among the most deadly.

Food and water security and general resource sustainability:

Resource sustainability is a key concern for global health professionals, especially as once-developing economies like Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria have started to mature. The United Nations describes food security as "existing when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs for a productive and healthy life." Working hand-in-hand with that is safe water, which can be tainted both through poor hygiene and biological agents.

Did you miss our "Careers in Global Health Security" webinar? View the archived session for valuable education and career tips from Trident MSHS faculty members Dr. Angela Hegamin, Dr. Gayl Anglin, and Dr. Kelly Taylor.