Master of Science in Global Infectious Disease

Discover the link between the science and policy of infectious disease in this unique program at Georgetown University

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Advance Your Career in Infectious Disease

The world is filled with complex challenges posed by infectious disease, and we need talented individuals to solve them. The Master of Science in Global Infectious Disease at Georgetown University educates students in the science and research of infectious disease, with a focused concentration in either policy or data science. You will gain expertise in identifying and understanding research in order to translate it for policymakers, industry leaders and the public. This comprehensive program will position you at the intersection of policy, data and research, allowing you to tackle infectious diseases from multiple angles and inform infectious disease policy on a global scale.

No GRE
Required
Part-Time & Full-Time Study Options
Three-semester program (16 months)
Merit Aid
Available

Application Deadlines

January 15

No application fee if you apply by this date

Priority application deadline for merit aid

April 1

Final application deadline for Fall 2024 start

Curriculum that Integrates Theory and Applied Skills

The Global Infectious Disease program curriculum (new window) will equip you with a strong academic foundation and interdisciplinary training in infectious disease. You will explore the many ways that practitioners are approaching global infectious disease problems, through disciplines like epidemiology, mathematical modeling and diplomacy to advance health outcomes. By choosing your concentration, electives and extracurricular activities, you can align the program with your specific interests, developing the skills needed to pursue your passion and make a positive impact in the field of infectious disease.

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Choose from Two Concentrations

Science Policy

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and create policies and other governance tools that address the threat of infectious diseases.

Modeling & Informatics

Gain an understanding of how modeling and related quantitative sciences can help predict outbreaks, track their spread and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation and response strategies.

Gain Experience with a Capstone Project

In your final semester, you will complete a capstone project and gain practical, applied understanding and experience. You will be mentored by Georgetown faculty to complete a literature review or conduct your own original research. Many students receive mentorship from scientists and policy professionals from outside Georgetown who are leaders in their fields. Employers value this hands-on experience, as it demonstrates your understanding and ability to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

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Faculty Who Practice What They Teach

Our diverse faculty bring decades of combined expertise in sciences, medicine, public health and policy. You will work closely with faculty, forming professional connections and preparing for a career to take infectious disease challenges head-on.

Christian Hunter, M.D.

Program Director, M.S. in Global Infectious Disease

Dr. Hunter worked full-time in Namibia starting in 2012 as part of the team establishing the first School of Medicine in the country, and went on to join the faculty at the school. His current research activities include funded projects around human physiology education, student safety in high risk environments, novel technology for assessment of malnutrition in children and snakebite injury.

Headshot of Babatunji Oni

Babatunji Oni, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr. Oni is a physician with training in business administration, public health and project management committed to the cause of expanding global health equity and improving the quality of clinical care and outcomes. His involvement in global health and international development began by delivering free healthcare services to underserved populations in rural communities across Africa.

What Makes Us Unique

Addressing complex public health issues requires a comprehensive understanding of both hard science and science policy. While many programs focus on one or the other, Georgetown’s Global Infectious Disease program provides a solid foundation in both. With our intimate program size, you will become part of a close-knit community of scholars. This will allow you to collaborate with peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds and engage in valuable mentorship opportunities. While you carve your own path to impact change, the Georgetown community will support you along the way. 

Georgetown provides unparalleled opportunities for learning, both inside and outside the classroom. Thanks to our location in Washington, DC, a hub for global health policy, our program attracts seasoned, successful practitioners as adjunct professors and guest speakers. You will learn how global health organizations function from those who are doing the work. While internships are not required, our program’s connections to impactful organizations and individuals across the city also offer the chance to pursue valuable field experiences if you choose.

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Putting Your Knowledge into Practice

Our M.S. in Global Infectious Disease is designed to help you confidently tackle complex public health challenges as a strong consumer of research. You will be ready to launch into a variety of fields, such as infectious disease epidemiology, science policy, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, advocacy and health diplomacy. The program also prepares you for future study in medical or veterinary school, Ph.D. programs, and other areas of doctoral study.

Post-Graduation Career Paths

  • Government
  • Consulting 
  • Non-Profits
  • Medical School 
  • Veterinary School 
  • Ph.D. Programs
  • Fulbright Scholar
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Request Information

Infectious diseases are persistent challenges that will continue to grow in complexity, and the world needs talented people like you to help address them. With the M.S. in Global Infectious Disease program at Georgetown University, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make a real impact on public health outcomes. 

Thank you for your interest in our program. Please complete this form and we will contact you with more information.

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