Curriculum

The Master of Medical Sciences program curriculum prepares practitioners to lead projects, programs, and organizations engaged in global health delivery. Coursework at Harvard University introduces students to the key problems and methodologic approaches relevant to global health delivery research. The courses prepare students to situate global health work in broad social, economic, and political contexts. In addition, social science and mixed methods analytics prepare students to assess the needs of a population, the feasibility of a delivery program, its effectiveness, and the resources and political will required to scale pilot projects into larger programs.

Courses cover quantitative methods, qualitative methods, mixed methods, global health delivery management, leadership, implementation science, monitoring and evaluation approaches, research ethics, and theoretical perspectives from the social sciences relevant to health care.

Learning Methods

Advocacy and Skill Development 

The MMSc in Global Health Delivery program offers a dual emphasis on rigorous coursework and practical research through a mentored project. The combination of classes and hands-on experience allows students the opportunity to implement a thorough research project in global health delivery that can positively impact the student’s research site. Students graduate with critical conceptual and practical skills, preparing them for global health delivery leadership positions. 

The Project

The mentored research allows students to participate in the design and execution of an innovative global health delivery project. Beyond developing skills in global health delivery, students can contribute to the quality of health care delivery at the sites where they work to enhance the training available to local clinical staff and contribute to the growing knowledge base that is transforming global health.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Joia Mukherjee, Connectedness and Caregiving

Courses

The MMSc in Global Health Delivery program includes courses at Harvard Medical School and other Harvard schools. Students take core courses as well as electives.

Year 1

Fall
  • Qualitative Methods for Global Health Research (4 credits)
  • Quantitative Methods for Global Health Research (4 credits)
  • Global Health and Social Medicine (4 credits)
  • Ethnographic Methods for Global Health Research (4 credits)
  • Implementation Science (1 credit)
  • Global Health Research, Project Management (1 credit)
Spring
  • Conceptual and Practical Ethics in Global Health Delivery (2 credits)
  • Mixed Methods for Global Health Research (4 credits)
  • Global Health Research, Project Management, Leadership (2 credits)
  • electives in policy, management (5 credits)

Year 2

Summer
  • Epidemiological Methods for Global Health (2 credits)
  • Introduction to Global Health Delivery (2 credits)
  • Value-Based Management in Global Health Delivery (1 credit)
Fall

Students conduct research in the field from August-January and then return to Boston to write up their thesis, then graduate in May of year 2.

  • Mentored Thesis Project (14 credits)
Spring

Students return to Boston to write-up their thesis project, present their work, and graduate in May.

  • Mentored Thesis Analysis and Write-up (14 credits)

Academic and Attendance Requirements

In order to graduate with the degree of “Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery,” students must fulfill all of the program’s academic and attendance requirements, including completion of the 64-credit curriculum and a successful thesis project. The MMSc in Global Health Delivery degree will not be granted to any student who is not in good standing or against whom a disciplinary charge is pending. In addition, a student’s term bill must be paid in full before they will be awarded the degree.

A detailed look at the HMS academic and financial policies can be found in the Student Handbook.

We invite you to learn more about the MMSc-GHD program on this website and to join the newsletter for updates on the MMSc in Global Health Delivery program. Many answers to questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have additional questions, please email the program.