Program director

Gia Hernandez

The BS Global Health equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address today’s most pressing health challenges from a global perspective. Students will explore topics such as epidemiology, global health policy, and social determinants of health. Through case studies, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary projects, they will develop competencies in public health strategies, community outreach, health communication, and culturally responsive care. Graduates will be prepared to apply evidence-based practices and collaborate across sectors to improve health outcomes for diverse populations worldwide.

The BS Global Health consists of 135 units, including foundational prerequisites and 50 units of Global Health coursework—fifteen of which are graduate-level, offering a head start on future degrees. This well-rounded curriculum equips students with practical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge essential for success in public health, healthcare, and related professions.

Program Highlights:

• Accelerated Pathway: Complete your bachelor’s degree in just three years and fast-track into LLU’s master’s programs to earn both degrees in four years for some degrees.
• Global Perspective: Explore career options through a global service lens
• Health Equity Focus: Build a foundation in biopsychosocial-spiritual care to address social determinants of health
• Cultural Competency: Gain the skills needed for professional practice in diverse communities locally and globally
• Collaborative Solutions: Develop the ability to work with interdisciplinary teams and create innovative, culturally appropriate solutions for community-based health services

While the primary value of the BS Global Health lies in its accelerated pathway to a master’s degree, graduates will also gain valuable experience and foundational skills to begin contributing in entry-level roles. Completing this program sets students on a fast track to advanced education, positioning them to pursue specialized careers through LLU’s master’s programs. Along the way, students may explore roles such as:

• Health Education Assistant – Support public health programs by organizing outreach events and health campaigns.
• Program Coordinator – Assist with managing healthcare or community programs, gaining experience in project administration.
• Community Health Advocate – Work with local organizations to improve access to resources and promote wellness initiatives.
• Community Health Worker – Engage directly with communities to promote wellness, connect individuals to health services, and advocate for healthier environments.
• Research Assistant – Contribute to public health studies and data collection in preparation for future graduate-level research.
• Public Health Intern – Gain practical field experience working with NGOs or government health agencies.

The BS Global Health provides a path for accelerating the academic journey, allowing students to transition seamlessly into master’s programs. Graduates who continue their education at LLU will be well-prepared for advanced careers in fields such as public health, healthcare leadership, health policy, and global health research. With the advantage of an early start on graduate coursework, students can achieve their career goals more efficiently, minimizing time and financial investment.

PROGRAM CLOSED TO ADMISSIONS (2026-2027)

In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Public Health admission requirements, the applicants must complete the following:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum overall high school or previous college G.P.A. of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required
• Personal Statement outlining your interest in global health, relevant experience, and career aspirations
• Two letters of recommendation that indicate your level of academic and/or professional background (for recent high school graduates within the past 2 years, recommendations from high school teachers and administrators are preferred)
• Language Proficiency: International students must meet language proficiency requirements. This could involve providing scores from standardized English language proficiency tests such as the TOEFL iBT (80 or higher) or IELTS (6.5 or higher). Alternatively, the program might accept other evidence of English proficiency, such as previous academic coursework in English.

Students in this program must complete two components to fulfill graduation requirements:

General Education Requirements

All students must complete the General Education (GE) domain requirements as established by Loma Linda University. These requirements ensure a broad foundation across key academic areas and are outlined in the University catalog.

Global Health Program-Specific Coursework

Students must complete the required Global Health (GLBH) courses listed below. These courses provide foundational and advanced knowledge specific to the program.

Sample Plan of Study

The following plan outlines how first-time freshman students will complete both General Education and GLBH program requirements during the three years of study. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure timely completion of all requirements and to account for any prerequisite or sequencing considerations.