Admission Steps for the Master’s in Global Child Health

International flags hanging in the Danny Thomas Research Tower atrium.

We welcome applicants with health-related work experience and a four-year degree. (See eligibility details below.) 

Admissions Timeline

Dates Admission Process
September Application period opens
December 1, 11:59 p.m. PST  Deadline: Applications must be submitted with all supporting materials
January 31 Admissions Committee completes its review
February Candidate interviews conducted online
Early March Accepted candidates notified 
July Program begins

  1. Eligibility: Advanced Degree Holders

    • An advanced degree in a health-related field
    • Three years of relevant work experience

    Degrees must be awarded from an accredited institution from the U.S. or abroad.

  2. Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree Holders

    • Bachelor’s degree 
    • Five years of post-baccalaureate work experience in a relevant field (e.g. epidemiology, global health, health and social behavior, health management or health policy)

    Degrees must be awarded from an accredited institution from the U.S. or abroad.

Who May Apply?

Currently, the program can only accept applications from Tennessee residents and international (non-U.S.) residents.

Application Materials

Submit your application and additional supplemental materials online. Applications that are incomplete or missing supporting documents will not be considered.

For questions, please contact Julie Laveglia.

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

    Submit a CV describing in full detail your academic background, including degrees, work experience, awards, publications, presentations and other achievements.

  2. Personal Statement

    Please upload a three-page (single spaced, 11- or 12-point font) personal statement outlining:

    • your personal motivation for pursuing the MS in Global Child Health, how your past experiences and training have contributed to your interests
    • what differentiates you as an applicant: your strengths, areas to improve, research interests, academic interests, professional interests and leadership potential
    • describe a child health issue that you find most pressing. How do you think this program will complement your professional experience and personal interests in addressing this issue?   
    • your professional goals upon completion of the program and why the MS in Global Child Health, at this point in your career, is the best way to attain those goals

  3. Unofficial Transcripts

    Submit your academic documents via the online application:

     

    • Unofficial transcripts, copies of academic records, and degrees or diplomas from all post-secondary schools attended

     

    Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified word-by-word English translation and uploaded online during the application process.

    Please note: Official transcripts (or notarized copies of official transcripts) of academic records will be required for admitted candidates upon matriculation; these must be sent directly from the institution’s registrar’s office to the registrar of the Graduate School.

  4. Letters of Reference

    Please input the contact information for a minimum of three (maximum of five) mentors, professors, colleagues or supervisors so that they can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The application system will notify the recommenders that you have submitted this request and will provide them with a link through which they can upload the recommendation directly to your application.  

    Recommendation letters must be submitted directly via the online application system and should describe your academic successes, professional background, potential for achievement at the graduate level, capacity for creative, self-directed study, and aptitude for leadership.

    All recommendations should be submitted by the application deadline. Please limit your recommendations from St. Jude faculty or staff to one, if applicable.

  5. English Proficiency

    Applicants who are non-native speakers of English may be required to take an English proficiency examination. English language proficiency will be evaluated as part of the interview. After the interview, the Admissions Committee may require an applicant to submit results from an English proficiency examination. 

    Applicants who have completed any post-secondary studies in English will be exempted from English-language testing.

    • Results that are no more than three (3) years old from the TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test will be valid. 
    • Those asked to take an English proficiency examination will be required to score a 70 or higher on the TOEFL, a 6 or higher on the IELTS or a 90 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. 
    • Applicants who are asked to take an English proficiency exam can choose any of the three exams.

Environment of Equal Opportunity

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences encourages diversity on campus and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran’s status, disabled veteran’s status or any other status protected by federal or Tennessee state law. 

The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that provides cultural and ethnic diversity. Underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply to the program.

Health Screening and Vaccines

Newly admitted students whose program requires an on-campus presence or are considered full-time must fulfill health screening requirements. Students who will be physically present on the St. Jude campus or are considered full-time must have immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, varicella. Those physically present on the St. Jude campus must participate in St. Jude’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Program (full vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 by September 9, 2021 is a condition of enrollment, unless a medical or religious accommodation request is approved). If proof of immunity cannot be established at time of enrollment, blood titers will be performed to test immunity, excluding SARS-CoV-2. Students who will work with influenza viruses must receive the annual influenza vaccine unless a medical or religious accommodation is approved. All other students physically present on the St. Jude campus must receive the annual influenza vaccine or sign a declination form.

Students may also be required to comply with St. Jude health and safety protocols designed in accordance with local and federal requirements or guidelines. These protocols may include daily SARS-CoV-2 symptom screening, masking and/or physical distancing.

The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and is actively working towards applying for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, please visit http://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/authorized-institutions-and-data.html.

 

This online degree might not be recognized in your jurisdiction and if in-county recognition is important to you, we recommend that you verify this independently.