Global health professionals sitting at a table happily working together.

Transform Systems to Improve Outcomes

The four-course, online certificate in Global Health Systems empowers professionals to expand their impact beyond domestic health care and into a global context. Through focused, applied learning, students gain the managerial insight and systems‑level understanding needed to navigate diverse health delivery environments and lead across borders. This program prepares you to address complex global health challenges with confidence, efficiency, and cultural fluency in today’s interconnected world.

Deadline: July 1

Accepting Applications for Fall 2026

12 months

A health science research student working on his laptop.

Complete in as little as one year, from anywhere.

1 degree pathway

Global health specialists working with children in an African village.

Earn transferable credits toward a master's degree in Global Health.

100% online

Male hands working on a laptop and pointing at the screen with a pen

Flexible learning, built to fit your life. 

Training for Tommorow's Health Challenges

This accelerated program is designed to help you advance your career quickly by equipping you with in‑demand expertise in global health systems, leadership, and management. In just two semesters, you can earn a respected credential that positions you for expanded roles in health organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and global initiatives. Built with working professionals in mind, the program allows you to gain practical, career‑ready skills without putting your professional momentum on hold.

Small cohort sizes and close faculty guidance create a personalized learning experience where questions are encouraged and support is readily available. You’ll learn alongside working professionals from health policy, systems, clinical practice, and administration as you build confidence and expand your global health impact.

A flexible entry point to advanced study, with credits that apply directly toward the Master of Science in Global Health.

You Will Be Equipped To

  • Understand global health organizations and their roles in shaping systems, policy, and service delivery
  • Design global health programs across different national contexts
  • Implement and evaluate programs to strengthen policy, practice, and sustainable health outcomes
  • Navigate cultural and political landscapes to support effective global health practice
  • Collaborate across disciplines with clinicians, administrators, and communities
  • Apply systems thinking to health services management, including planning, budgeting, and resources

Prepare for Roles In

  • In-country field consultants and disaster relief organizations
  • Immigrant and refugee health organizations
  • Research and academic institutions
  • International and non-governmental agencies
  • Charitable and lending agencies that do work in developing countries
  • Multi-lateral agencies such as WHO
  • Governmental agencies
  • Public Health Science
  • Public Policy

  • Online application
  • $75 application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • 300–500 word essay
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • CV or resume

From Certificate to Master's

Global health is about shaping a healthier, more just world, and you don’t have to pause your career to be part of it. Busy professionals can start with the certificate in Global Health Systems and apply those credits toward a master’s degree in Global Health. Build expertise on a timeline that fits your life.

Global Health, Master's

Why Choose the School of Graduate Studies?

Engage with faculty and peers across disciplines for valuable feedback and fresh perspectives.  

Learn from seasoned instructors across the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), with expertise in education, research, and academic-executive leadership. 

The School of Graduate Studies is one of UMB's seven professional schools, designed to support the next generation of researchers, professionals, and leaders. A certificate from UMB enhances your credibility and opens doors across Maryland's health and science fields and beyond. 

Launch Your Career Forward

Learn more about the Global Health Systems certificate program or start your application today.