GENERAL INFORMATIONThe interdisciplinary certificate in international health and social development [IHSD] provides students with the skills to analyze how health and social challenges are linked to larger national and global forces. It also offers students an opportunity to acquire additional skills beyond those taught in their degree programs, providing an additional mechanism through which students can integrate theory with practice. As with other certificate programs, it is designed around a narrow, applied and coordinated curriculum which has a professional focus. It offers a multidisciplinary, ethically solid base from which health professional students can address international health issues. Special attention is given to mechanisms for policy formation at both national and international levels. Upon completion of the certificate, students graduate with an additional credential that has professional relevance. Requirements for the certificate can be completed in 16 credit hours, and can be integrated into existing programs of study within the schools of Public Health, Nursing and Social Work. Interested students who are already admitted to master's or doctoral programs of the three schools are encouraged to apply for the certificate by October 31st of their first year of graduate study at Michigan. Students from other schools/colleges at the University of Michigan may also apply if their interests match with that of the IHSD focus. This certificate program is designed to focus on the overlap between the contents of international health and social development, with student goals and background determining individual focus. By nature, a certificate-level program is limited in scope and it is not possible to offer in 16 credit hours all that a student will need to be an expert in international work. Instead, the focus will be upon developing a basic competence to be expanded upon throughout the student's professional career. A foundational understanding of global economics and politics, an ability to critically examine alternative models for health care and social development, and a bedrock of ethical principles and standards of best practice will be required of each student.
The curriculum for a certificate in IHSD provides students with both balance and flexibility: a balance of theoretical coursework and applied experience, as well as a
flexible list of courses from which to choose that serve their needs and expand upon the learning opportunities offered by their master's or doctoral programs. The
certificate works in harmony with existing programs, offering students an opportunity to bring a global lens to bear that will enrich their own work and enliven discussion
around international issues in the professional schools more broadly. The curriculum allows students to embrace a global theoretical perspective, while still requiring a
focus on a specific region, country, or population of the student's choice. During their first year, students will be matched with a faculty "mentor" for the duration of
their time within the certificate program. This match will be made on the basis of shared interests, with the goal of joining professors and students across disciplinary
affiliations.
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