Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

Declaring and registration questions

How do I learn more about the adjunct major/minor?

Refer to our Adjunct Major and Minor information pages for specific information.

How do I declare an adjunct major/minor?

Our Advising page has details on how you can declare the major or minor via email.

When should I declare the adjunct major/minor?

Ideally, students should declare before the end of their sophomore year. However, due to high demand for global health classes, it is in the student’s best interest to declare as early as possible so they have the advantage of pre-registration.

What does it mean that the Global Health Studies major is an “adjunct major”?

This simply means that students can only do the Global Health Studies major as a second major. Students may declare a Global Health Studies adjunct major before declaring a primary major, though they must ultimately declare and complete a primary major. 

What are the requirements for completing the Global Health Studies adjunct major?

Students must complete eleven courses – find out more details on the adjunct major here.

Do I have to be a certain major in order to do the Global Health adjunct major/minor?

There is a misconception that the adjunct major and minor are only for pre-medical students. This is absolutely not true. We have students across all disciplines and schools!

Are there any prerequisites that I need to complete before taking any Global Health Studies courses?

Generally there are no pre-requisites. However, because many of our elective classes are cross-listed with other disciplines, students may have to fulfill pre-requirements as determined by affiliated departments.

I am not a Global Health Studies adjunct major/minor; can I take any Global Health Studies courses?

Yes, you may. However, Global Health Studies adjunct majors/minors have the advantage of pre-registration. Our classes tend to fill up quickly due to high demand.

How do I register for classes?

You can enroll in Global Health Studies classes during the pre-registration and/or normal registration periods each quarter. Declared majors and minors have the advantage of being able to pre-register. Due to high demand for GHS classes, you may not be able to participate in all desired classes per quarter. Waitlists are collected for all classes, and open seats are filled in order..

What should I do if I find a course that might count as an adjunct major/minor elective?

Courses at the 300-level with public health content are regularly approved and added to the official list of electives. Email Global Health for approval.

Global health study abroad questions

I am a Global Health Studies adjunct major/minor, but studying abroad does not fit into my academic schedule. What should I do?

Studying abroad is not required in order to complete the adjunct major or the minor.  However, students are highly encouraged to engage in an international experience. 

Do I have to choose a Northwestern public health study abroad program? Can I attend a non-GLO or non-Northwestern program?

Study abroad is not required. Students who plan to study abroad are highly encouraged to pursue public health programs offered through the Global Learning Office (GLO), which guarantee two elective credits towards GHS degrees. Students who elect to pursue non-GLO programs should discuss opportunities for GHS credit with one of the co-DUS'. More details on study abroad can be found here. 

How many elective credits will I receive abroad?

Students can receive up to two elective credits while they are abroad. At least one elective must be taken on campus for the minor, and at least two electives must be taken on campus for the major. 

What are Northwestern's global health-focused programs?

The Northwestern GLO programs applicable to Global Health Studies are:

Students can also choose from NU-affiliated direct-enroll programs that offer public health coursework. More information on those programs can be found here.

Global health research, external opportunities, and career questions

I want to do global health research. What are the first steps?

What sorts of careers might my Global Health Studies adjunct major/minor lead into?

Global Health Studies adjunct majors/minors enter into a variety of disciplines, including healthcare consulting, management, policy, education, community practice, and research. It is a very fluid degree that is applicable to many professions.

Some of our alumni are working at the Clinton Global Initiative, Accretive Health, Riders for Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Memorial Hospital, and the Erie Family Health Center.

Pre-medicine and pre-health students can receive additional guidance from Health Professions Advising (HPA), and others can utilize the career guidance and resources provided from Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA).

I don't want to go straight into the workforce. What other options do I have in global health post-graduation?