Degree Requirements

Credit Requirement
Final Project Options
Sample Course Schedule

Students in the Master of Science in Health and the Public Interest must complete 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible so satisfy degree requirement. There are core and elective courses designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary education which emphasizes critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. The program is designed to provide flexibility while ensuring students graduate within their chosen timeline.

In completing 30 credits, students must:

  • Complete 21 credits of core required classes
  • Complete two 3-credits elective classes from a select, limited list. Electives outside the list require the approval of the course director in accordance with the degree requirement
  • Complete 3-credit capstone or internship final project option

Find out more about the Program’s Course Descriptions 

Capstone or Internship Final Project

There are no comprehensive exams, and students are expected to successfully complete the capstone or internship requirement. To successfully meet the requirement, students must:

  • File proposals for either a capstone or Internship project with the Program Directors prior to the start of the project. These proposals must outline plans for their research or fieldwork, complete with deadlines and expectations for the final written product to be submitted to the program. The mentors, placement site, and the directors’ approval of the proposals are required to move forward with the project.
  • Produce a written report of no less than 20 pages, describing their research project or their fieldwork. We encourage students to present the results of their capstone or field work at the Health and the Public Interest program’s annual poster session, held in early August.
  • Write weekly blog posts on their experiences. This requirement fosters both cooperation and community among students who may be in far-flung places and positions. Faculty also monitors and comments on blog posts, and are available to consult with students to ensure the correct application of skills from coursework.
  • Regularly check in with project advisors. Students are required to check-in during and end of the semester to ensure they are meeting project requirement and also resolving any challenges that arise

Explore more information about the Capstone Internship Project

Sample Course Schedule by Semester (chart)

  Fall Pre-Session Fall Spring  Summer 
Core Courses
  • Health in Context: The Social World of Health and Illness (3 credits)
  • Theory and Methods of Inquiry I (3 credits)
  • Biology of Health and Disease  (3 credits)
  • Health Advocacy  (3 credits)
  • Health Economics (2 credits)
  • Core Seminar (1 credit)
  • Theory and Methods of Inquiry II (3 credits)
  • Health Communications (3 credits credits)
  • Core Seminar (0-1 credit)
  • Capstone or  Internship Project (3 credits)
Electives*    Elective (3)* Elective (5-6)*  
Semester Credits 3 12 12 3
*Two 3-credit electives may be taken from a select, limited list. Students may also enroll in courses offered by other Georgetown programs with approval from the Program Directors.

For a more detailed course listing, please refer to the Georgetown Schedule of Classes (new window) (new window) webpage.

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