Master of Science in Global Health

To be considered for the M.S. in Global Health program, applicants must:

 

• Academic Background: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized and accredited college or university.

 

• GPA Requirement: To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Global Health, applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, or a master’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Alternatively, a combined score of 300 or above on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE, taken within the past five years, may fulfill this requirement. Other comparable academic indicators may also be considered. Applicants who do not meet the standard GPA criteria are encouraged to address any academic challenges or extenuating circumstances in their Personal Statement. Additional materials such as letters of recommendation, evidence of relevant work experience, or professional accomplishments may be submitted to support the application and provide a more comprehensive view of the candidate’s potential. In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 2.5 may be considered for provisional admission. This status typically involves enrolling in one course per semester over a specified period to demonstrate academic readiness. However, it’s important to note that provisional admission does not qualify for federal financial aid.

 

• Letters of Reference: Applicants must submit two to three professional references as part of their application. Personal references (e.g., from friends or family members) will not be accepted.

      Each letter should provide insight into the applicant’s:

• Work ethic, and commitment to professional responsibilities
• Leadership qualities and ability to contribute meaningfully to teams or initiatives
• Academic and professional capabilities, particularly in health-related or interdisciplinary settings
• Readiness for graduate-level coursework, including analytical and communication skills.
• Additional accomplishments or experiences that highlight the applicant’s potential for success in the Global Health field.

Letters should come from individuals who can speak directly to the applicant’s qualifications such as supervisors, faculty members, or professional mentors.

 

• Academic Transcripts: As part of the admissions process, all applicants must submit official academic transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended. These transcripts provide a comprehensive record of your academic performance and are essential for evaluating your eligibility for graduate study at NSU. Review NSU Office of International Affairs for more details.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to NSU. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be considered official. Transcripts must reflect:

• All completed coursework
• Final grades
• Degree conferral (if applicable)

   

  Additional Requirements for International Applicants

  • Translation and Certification
    • If academic records are in a language other than English, they must be translated and certified for accuracy by a NACES approved foreign credential evaluator. Evaluating organizations can be found at NACES.org.  Please specify that the evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation including grade point average.
  • Required Documents
    • International applicants must submit official transcripts. A certified copy of the diploma may be requested depending on the country of origin and transcript format.
  • Submission Format
    • While electronic submissions are preferred, international transcripts may need to be mailed in sealed envelopes directly from the issuing institution if electronic delivery is not available. Transcripts delivered by applicants will not be accepted as official.

 

• Personal Statement: 

  Applicants are required to submit a personal statement that thoughtfully addresses the following prompts. The statement should be well-developed, no more than 500 words, and reflect genuine insight and reflection.

  • What motivates your interest in the field of global health?
  • What are your professional aspirations after completing the program, and how will earning a degree in global health support those goals?
  • Is there any additional context or information you wish to share that may strengthen your application?

  Note: Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 2.5 should also include a brief explanation of their academic performance, along with any relevant experiences or qualifications that demonstrate their readiness to succeed in a graduate-level program.

 

• Resume: A recent resume or curriculum vitae (CV) must be submitted as part of the application that highlights academic background, work experience, and relevant skills. The applicant provides this document by uploading a .doc or .pdf file into the application portal.

 

• English Proficiency:  English proficiency is required for international applicants. Accepted exams include TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT / 213 computer-based) or IELTS (6.0+). Scores must be taken within the past two years. As an alternative, completion of two U.S. college-level English composition courses with grades of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale satisfies this requirement.

Follow these steps to complete your application:

 

1. Submit Your Online Application: Complete the online application and pay the $50 required fee.

 

2. Send Official Transcripts: Request transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to NSU. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be considered official. Transcripts must reflect:

• All completed coursework
• Final grades
• Degree conferral (if applicable)

If your institution issues electronic transcripts, they should be sent to electronictranscript@nova.edu or through a secure transcript service recognized by NSU.

 

Non-U.S. College or University Academic Transcripts

For international transcripts, a course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) recognized credential evaluation agency (e.g., World Education Services (WES) -- https://www.wes.org/) may be required. Choose course-by-course evaluation with grade point average and select Nova Southeastern University (NSU) as the recipient institution.  Visit the NSU Office of International Affairs or www.NACES.org for a list of these organizations.

 

Submission Guidelines

• Domestic Applicants: Transcripts should be submitted electronically through the application portal or via a secure transcript service. If electronic submission is not available, hard copies may be mailed to Enrollment Processing Services, Nova Southeastern University, PO Box 299000, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• International Applicants: If electronic submission is not feasible, official documents must be mailed directly from the institution in sealed envelopes. It is strongly recommended that applicants use a trackable mailing service.

Important Notes:

• Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
• If you are currently enrolled in a program, submit your most recent transcript, and send a final transcript upon degree conferral.
• NSU reserves the right to request additional documentation if needed to verify academic history.

 

3. Upload Supporting Documents:

Include your personal statement, resume/CV, and two letters of recommendation.

 

Letter of Recommendation Submission Instructions

During the application process, applicants will be prompted to enter the email addresses of their selected recommenders into the online system. Once submitted, the system will automatically send an email request to each recommender, including detailed instructions for uploading their letter. Please note:

• Letters submitted directly by the applicant will not be accepted.
• Applicants should contact their recommenders in advance to confirm their willingness to provide a letter and to let them know to expect an email from the system.
• Applicants will receive a notification once each letter is submitted, but they will not be able to view the contents of the letters.

 

4. English Proficiency (if applicable):

Submit TOEFL/IELTS scores if required.

 

Accepted English Proficiency Tests

NSU’s Global Health program accepts the following standardized tests:

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80
• IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5
• Score Validity: Test scores must be taken within the past two years to be considered valid
• Additional test options can be found on the Office of International Affairs website

 

Waiver Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may be eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement under the following conditions:

• English-Medium Education: Proof of English language competency can also be in the form of successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education or passing Level 9 at Talk International Language School.
• Country of Origin: You are a citizen of, or have completed a degree in, a country where English is an official language and widely used in education and government.

 

English Language Proficiency Exempt Countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Botswana
• British Virgin Islands (Anguilla, St. Kitts, and Nevis)
• Canada (all provinces except Quebec)
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• Fiji
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Grand Turks and Caicos Islands
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Saints Kitts & Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Uganda
• United Kingdom
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

No other exceptions will be made.

To earn the M.S. in Global Health, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete 34 credits: 17 in core global health courses, 9 in specialized electives, and 8 in a Research Practicum and Thesis. The practicum includes conducting a study, managing data collection and analysis, and completing a thesis that advances global health knowledge. NSU supports students in securing meaningful practicum placements through established and emerging partnerships.