The University of Maryland School of Public Health announced Tuesday that it will open a department of global health in fall 2024 with the School of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health (GEOH). The department will replace and expand the Maryland Applied Research Institute. Environmental Health (MIAEH).
The Global Health major, Maryland's first undergraduate program of its kind, provides students with an introduction to global public health challenges through core courses focused on topics such as environmental determinants of emerging infectious diseases and infectious diseases. Gain a deeper perspective on the complexity of your solution. The role of medical anthropology in global health.
“UMD students have been seeking a bachelor's degree in global health for quite some time,” said Catherine Donohoe, assistant director of the new program. “This is a great fit for students interested in learning about public health and human rights in a cross-cultural context, especially those who are still exploring career paths.”
Students will also learn about food, energy, and water security solutions with their Nepalese peers through a virtual global classroom, and travel to Brazil to better understand racism as a public health crisis. You will also have the opportunity to learn through experiences from around the world. The new major will also require the study of a world language, ensuring graduates of the program have a competitive edge in their field.
The interdisciplinary major is offered in collaboration with academic partners including the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Humanities and Sciences, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the College of Computers, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, and the University. Department of Informatics and International Relations.
Dean Boris Rushniak said the creation of the new department will allow the School of Public Health to enhance academic offerings and research opportunities that support global, environmental, and occupational health in Maryland and beyond. .
“Climate change, global health inequalities, and pandemic preparedness and response represent some of our planet's greatest challenges,” Rushniak said. “The School of Global Environmental and Occupational Health reflects our university’s dedication to addressing these and other public health issues head-on, accelerating sustainable solutions, and fearlessly addressing global challenges.”
Faculty said MIAEH excels in research, practice and academics as demand for research, scholarship and highly trained graduates in global health, environmental health and occupational health increases. However, the group has sought a larger platform in the form of departments to improve faculty and student recruitment and provide a broader range of opportunities across growth areas.
“We are excited about the transition to the MIAEH department,” said MPower Environmental Health Sciences Professor Amy Sapkota, GEOH’s inaugural chair. “Our students need access to a wide range of opportunities to receive formal training in vital public health fields, such as global health and environmental justice, which have become increasingly evident during the pandemic. As GEOH, We will more easily expand our academic and research programs and attract the best faculty and students.”
As an institute, MIAEH has launched several externally funded centers and programs. CONSERVE Center of Excellence. community engagement, environmental justice, and health programs; Water Quality, Outreach and Wellness Lab. and the Global FEWture Alliance, which is funded by a Grand Challenges Institutional Grant. Sapkota said GEOH will continue to build on the institute's track record of research success as it continues to expand its academic programs.
In addition to the global health major, GEOH will partner with UMD's Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP) program to launch a faculty specializing in environmental justice. Provides students with the tools to work at the intersection of social justice, policy, environmental science, environmental health, and public health.
“With its public health, environmental science, and policy perspectives, this program is unique among academic institutions and will be a highly desirable qualification for students who are prepared to become future change-makers in the field of environmental justice. ” states the ENSP program. The director is Mark Carroll. ENSP is co-sponsored by his AGNR, CMNS and BSOS.
Luszniak said the new division has already begun preparations to expand its footprint, with the “i” dotted and ready to travel across the globe.
“From College Park to around the world, we advance public health research, training, leadership and practice, equipping the next generation of leaders in the field with the tools to improve health for everyone, everywhere. “We provide that,” he said. “By launching GEOH, the UMD School of Public Health will strengthen support for current faculty, expand the pool of top-notch new faculty, and empower students to support local and global communities and ultimately improve lives. provides new research and training opportunities.
