Master’s Degree in International Health FAQs
What is a Professional Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH)?
The MIH is distinctively focused on mobilizing and equipping the healthcare professionals on behalf of marginalized people, emphasizing special skills in epidemiology, diseases of poverty, maternal-newborn health, international public health, cross-cultural skills, disaster management, health leadership, health professions education, and research and quality improvement.
What is the difference between a professional master’s degree and a typical master’s degree?
A professional master’s degree is designed for those who are already in a specific career tract. The Professional Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH) is designed exclusively for healthcare professionals and healthcare profession students. Those who are not already in a health professions career track do not qualify. This is one way in which the relevance and standard of excellence of the MIH is maintained.
What is the difference between the Professional Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH) and a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH)?
The Professional Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH) shares some broad elements in common with a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH), including skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral and environmental sciences, and public health management. The MIH, however, is distinctively focused on mobilizing and equipping healthcare professionals on behalf of marginalized people, emphasizing the skill in diseases of poverty, maternal-newborn health, international public health, cross-cultural skills, disaster management, health leadership, and health professions education.
Another MIH distinctive include an International Service-Learning Experience at one of INMED’s renowned Training Sites. This experience in one of twenty-five nations gives learners substantial professional growth opportunity by applying their skills on behalf of low-resource and cross-cultural communities, with the benefit of on-site supervision.
A third MIH distinctive is the reasonable tuition. Currently at just $8704 total tuition, the MIH is substantially less expensive than MPH degrees which typically range from $16,000 to $60,000 in tuition and fees. The only additional MIH expense is cost of travel associated with the International Service-Learning Experience.
In short, an MPH degree is a solid credential in the broad field of public health. The MIH degree is specially focused on skills and experience to promote the wellbeing of low-resources people.
What is the difference between the INMED Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH) and the INMED Professional Diplomas?
The INMED Professional Diplomas in International Medicine (DIMPH), International Nursing (DINPH), and International Public Health (DIPH) provide an excellent introduction into the fields, both academically and experientially. These are closely equivalent to the DTM&H (diploma in tropical medicine and hygiene) offered by the London and Liverpool Schools of Tropical Medicine, the Tropical Medicine Certificate offered by Johns Hopkins University, and the Tropical Medicine Diploma offered by Baylor College of Medicine. The INMED Professional Diplomas earn 15 credit hours and cost approximately $2000 in tuition, plus travel expenses.
The INMED Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH), by comparison, is a higher academic achievement, currently costs approximately $8,704 in tuition (plus travel expenses), and includes self-selected elective courses plus a scholarly project applicable toward the learner’s career. All of the INMED Professional Diploma requirements are also required for the MIH degree, and are credited towards its requirements.
For what kind of careers will the MIH prepare me?
Graduates of the INMED Professional Master’s Degree in International Health will be prepared for responsibilities in patient care, research, teaching and leadership on behalf of:
- International government agencies (such as United Nations & WHO)
- National government agencies (USA and other nations)
- Global charitable foundations (like Howard Hughes Medical Institute)
- Faith-based charitable groups (like Samaritan’s Purse)
- Universities and research institutions (such as Baylor University and Pasteur Institute)
- Banking and industry (like the Africa Development Bank)
Such positions many include epidemiologist, medical officer, nursing officer, public health officer, policy analyst, program manager, health scientist, disaster relief coordinator, global health educator, and more.
Is the MIH an accredited Degree?
The INMED Professional Master’s Degree in International Health is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for International Health Education (ACIHE), functioning in accordance with the ACIHE Accreditation Standards for International Healthcare Education.
Continuing Medical Education associated with the MIH is accredited through the Institute for International Medicine, who is accredited by the Missouri State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Other INMED Professional Master’s Degree in International Health accreditations are also in process.
Is this an on-line, hybrid, or on-campus degree?
MIH course work can be entirely completed online, and includes weekly assignments and required weekly virtual meetings with the faculty. In addition, INMED offers in-person Professional Qualification Courses for MIH elective credit that teach hands-on skills that cannot be completed online alone. Scholarly Project work is undertaken in collaboration with faculty and does not require in-person meetings. The International Service-Learning requires in-person presence at a designed INMED Training Site.
Application
Who qualifies to apply for the MIH?
Application for the INMED Professional Master’s Degree in International Health (MIH) is open to healthcare professionals and healthcare profession students, including physicians, dentists, physician assistants, pharmacists, resident physicians, nurses, including advanced practice nurses, dietitians, healthcare administrators, midwives, physical & occupational therapists, public health specialists, and enrolled students of all these professions. Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree prior to making application.
What documents are required for application?
At the time of application, the following documents will be required:
- Completed online application
- $100 application fee
- Professional profile headshot photograph
- Letter of recommendation
- Transcript of any and all completed post-secondary education
- Healthcare professional license (if applicable)
- Resumé or curricula vitae
When is the application deadline?
INMED accepts and evaluates applications continuously. Once accepted, learners may begin with the next scheduled course terms that begins five times each year.
Who should write my letter of recommendation? What should it contain?
INMED requires a letter of recommendation from a professional colleague or from a faculty who has experience with the applicant. The letter of recommendation should include:
- Description of relationship with the applicant
- Reasons why the applicant should be considered for an INMED Master’s Degree in International Health
- Estimation the applicant’s ability to take advantage of vigorous academic learning
- Any reservations about the applicant’s ability to adapt and perform well in the context of an international service-learning experience
Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required?
Because applicants for the MIH are already credentialed healthcare professionals or healthcare profession students, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required.
How does INMED choose which applicants are accepted?
INMED uses the information provided in the MIH application and accompanying documents to select those applicants most likely to both succeed within the program of learning and to apply this learning to benefit their careers. Another important consideration is an estimate of the applicant’s ability to adapt and perform well in the context of an international service-learning experience.
Where should I send my TOEFL or IELTS score?
For students who self-identify as non-native English Speakers, TOEFL or IELTS scores should be sent directly to INMED:
- The TOEFL code number assigned to INMED is D130. Applicants should use this code number when indicating their institution as a score recipient.
- IELTS Account Name: Institute for International Medicine. Address: MIH Admissions, 2340 E Meyer Blvd, Building 1 Suite 338, Kansas City, MO 64132, United States
Cost
What is the cost of the MIH degree?
INMED is aware that tuition cost is a barrier to higher education. For this reason, INMED works diligently to control the cost of tuition while maintaining quality education.
The total tuition is currently $8704. The current per-credit-hour tuition is $272 x 32 credit hours. No additional fees are added. The only additional MIH costs are travel expenses for International Service-Learning Experience. These typically include airfare, passport, visa, vaccinations, and housing and meals. For complete MIH cost details, pleases visit Cost.
When is tuition paid?
Tuition is paid each Term depending upon the number of credit hours taken. For example, if one takes four credit hours in a Term, the tuition for that Term would be 4 × $272 (tuition per credit hour) = $1088 total tuition. This enables learners to “pay-as-you-go” for courses as they work through the MIH requirements. Payment is due online at the time of each course registration.
What is the cost of the International Service-Learning Experience?
The greatest cost associated with an INMED Service-Learning Experience is usually airfare. When considering all costs, including international flight, housing and meals, visa, vaccines, and local transportation, the total cost is usually on the order of $3000-$4,000 per learner. INMED will provide a full cost estimate to individuals once learner’s Training Site has been approved.
Does INMED offer financial aid?
INMED is aware that tuition cost is a barrier to higher education. For this reason, INMED works diligently to control the cost of tuition while maintaining quality education.
INMED does not currently participate in any United States government financial aid programs. Historically, INMED learners have been very successful in raising financial support for International Service-Learning Experience. When MIH learners being planning their Service-Learning Experience, INMED will offer three effective means of raising financial support:
- Personal fund raising suggestions
- Civic organization support solicitation
- Scholarships sources
Time Frame
When can I apply for the MIH and begin the program?
Applications are accepted year round. Once all required documents are received, you will be contacted within a week. Accepted learners may begin with any of the five terms offered each year: Early Fall, Late Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Please view the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Over what period of time can I complete the MIH?
Learners may complete the degree requirements over a period of up to four years. However, continuous participation is preferred. If a learner takes just one course at a time, the MIH can be completed in one and one-half years.
What is the required time commitment for each course
Each MIH course generally required five to ten hours of work each week.
Can I continue to work my full-time job and also be an MIH learner?
Most MIH learners are also working full-time. Taken one course at a time, this 32-credit hour degree can easily be finished in one and one-half years.
In what chronological order should I complete the MIH requirements?
INMED recommends that learners first complete the Professional Certificate Course in Epidemiology, followed by the Professional Certificate Course in International Medicine, Nursing or Public Health. Both of these Professional Certificate Course must be completed prior to the International Service-Learning experience and prior to the Scholarly Project. Elective courses may be completed at any time.
Can I complete the International Service-Learning experience prior to the Professional Certificate Courses?
Both the Professional Certificate Course in Quantitative Health and Professional Certificate Courses in International Medicine, Nursing or Public Health must be completed prior to departing for the international service-learning experience. In this way, learners will be optimally prepared for its unique learning challenges and opportunities.
Credit for Prior Study
I have already completed the INMED Professional Certificate Course. Will this be credited?
MIH participants who have already completed the Professional Certificate Course in International Medicine and Public Health, International Nursing and Public Health, or International Public Health, within the four calendar years prior to MIH application date can have this credited towards MIH requirements.
Those who completed one of these Professional Certificate Courses prior to June 12, 2020 will be credited without any additional tuition payment. Those completing one of these Professional Certificate Courses after to June 12, 2020 will be credited following payment of the difference between the original tuition paid and the current full tuition for the Professional Certificate Course.
I have already completed an INMED International Service-Learning experience. Will this be credited?
MIH participants who have already completed an INMED International Service-Learning experience – as part of a Professional Diploma program – within the four calendar years prior to MIH application date can have this credited towards MIH requirements.
Those who completed an INMED International Service-Learning experience prior to June 12, 2020 will be credited without any additional tuition payment. Those completing an INMED International Service-Learning experience after to June 12, 2020 will be credited following payment of the difference between the original tuition paid and the current full tuition for the an MIH International Service-Learning experience.
I have already completed the INMED Professional Diploma. Will this be credited?
See the above responses to the questions “I have already completed the INMED Professional Certificate Course. Will this be credited?” and “I have already completed an INMED International Service-Learning experience. Will this be credited?”
I have already completed an MPH degree. Will this be credited?
Applicants with an MPH degree granted within calendar four years prior to MIH application will upon request have the Epidemiology Course waved as a MIH requirement.
I have already completed an epidemiology course at another institution, will this be credited?
Applicants who have completed an epidemiology course within calendar four years prior to MIH application may submit the course syllabus and grade transcript. INMED will consider these for credit towards MIH requirements (Max of 6 credit hours for transfer). If transfer credit is accepted, payment of the Epidemiology Course tuition will be waived.
Service-Learning
Why does the MIH require an international service-learning experience?
The value of hands-on, supervised field experience in low-income and cross-cultural communities cannot be over stated. INMED has a network of Training Sites in twenty-four nations. Such settings provide learners with opportunity to gain experience and increasing expertise through applying their professional skills. Living in such settings also provides in valuable opportunity to adapt to the personal challenges associated with serving marginalized people.
What is the process of arranging the International Service-Learning experience?
To begin the process of arranging the service-learning experience, submit the application for International Service-Learning. The online application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and will ask applicants to about motivation, dates of availability, and training sites preferences. Proof of health insurance and a copy of one’s professional license (if no longer a student and not already submitted) are also required at the time of application. Once INMED receives this application, INMED will contact the Training Sites to find a good match. If accepted, INMED will then issue an acceptance package with more detailed information.
Are the INMED International Service-Learning experiences hands-on or observational?
INMED’s model emphasizes hands-on experience with proper supervision. However, responsibilities will be assigned according to one’s level of training and skill possessed, as assessed by the Training Site supervisor.
What types of accommodations are available for INMED Service-Learning?
Most of INMED Training Sites offer accommodations for INMED learners. Often these accommodations are within the facility complex. However, there are a few locations that require outside accommodations. INMED assists learners in this process. Please review the lodging and meals information included in each INMED Training Site description.
I’m concerned about safety and security issues. Are the program locations safe? What precautions are taken to ensure my safety?
INMED takes safety issues very seriously. While there are inherent risks in traveling internationally and nothing can absolutely guarantee a participant’s safety and security, there are certain precautions that can be taken to lower the risk of international travelers.
Each INMED participant will be registered with the US State Department prior to their departure. They will also be equipped with emergency contact information for their destination in the event of a travel mishap. In addition, INMED participants are provided with International Medical & Evacuation Travel Insurance.
Participants are placed at training sites that have hosted other learners in the past, and all have been properly screened by INMED. Upon acceptance, INMED provides our participants with other site-specific safety information.
Can individuals with little or no Spanish apply to programs in Spanish speaking countries?
Most of INMED’s Training Sites in Central and South America require fluency in Spanish. Please review the language information in each INMED Training Site description to learn more about what language competency is required.
When can I do an INMED Service-Learning experience? Are there set starting dates? What is the duration of the program?
The INMED academic calendar runs from July of each year through June of the following year. Service-learning can begin at any time and must last for a minimum of four weeks for healthcare profession students. At least two weeks is acceptable for practicing professionals and for final-year resident physicians. Applications are considered and accepted on a continuous basis. However, to be considered applications must be received a minimum of three months prior to desired departure date. Because many INMED training sites fill up quickly, we recommend submitting your application up to one year in advance to increase the likelihood of securing your desired location.
Can I do an INMED Service-Learning experience for less than four weeks?
INMED requires all service-learning experiences to be a minimum of four weeks for healthcare profession students. A minimum of two weeks is acceptable for practicing professionals and for final-year resident physicians.
What is the deadline for International Service-Learning application?
Applications are considered and accepted on a continuous basis. However, to be considered applications must be received a minimum of three months prior to desired departure date. Because many INMED training sites fill up quickly, we recommend submitting your application up to one year in advance to increase the likelihood of securing your desired location.
I only have a specific time frame available for an INMED service-learning experience. Can you tell me if you have an opening at the training site I’m interested in before I submit my application?
INMED is unable to release information about openings at Training Sites prior to receiving your application. The information you submit in your application is the information we communicate to our Training Sites. Upon receiving this information, each Training Site informs INMED whether they have an opening for you.
I want to do an INMED service-learning experience with my boyfriend/girlfriend. Is this allowed?
In an effort to respect cultural norms of host nations, INMED does not send learners who are dating or engaged to the same Training Site simultaneously. Couples must be married to go to the same training site together.
Do I have to be a certain religion to participate in an INMED Service-Learning experience?
INMED is an educational organization, and we encourage people of all faiths and religious backgrounds to participate in our programs, courses, and events. Regarding an INMED service-learning experience, some of our partnering Training Sites are only able to accept participants who align with the values of their organizations.
Can I go to a training site that is not listed on the INMED website?
Yes, INMED will consider crediting alternate service-learning experience beyond those at INMED Training Sites. Please review the criteria for INMED Diploma Via Equivalency for an upcoming experience, or INMED Diploma Via Equivalency Service-Learning Completed for a previous experience.
I’m a beginning medical/nursing student. Can I do an INMED International Service-Learning experience?
Beginning medical students, such as those between their first and second year, may complete their international service-learning experience at an International Public Health Training Site – which does not require clinical skills. Prior to international service-learning experience at an International Medicine Training Site, medical students must complete their core clinical training in internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and surgery.
Similarly, for nursing students who wish to schedule an international service-learning experience at an International Nursing Training Site, must prior to departure have already completed at least their first semester of nursing school.
What is the cost for an INMED International Service-Learning experience?
The greatest cost associated with an INMED service-learning experience is usually airfare. When considering all costs, including international flight, room & meals, visa, vaccines, enrollment fee, and other logistical expenses, the total cost is usually on the order of $3000-$4,000 per learner. INMED will provide a full cost estimate to individuals once learner’s Training Site has been approved.
Does INMED offer any financial aid to help offset the International Service-Learning costs?
Upon being accepted to an INMED Training Site, INMED equips learners with four effective means of raising financial support:
- Personal fund raising suggestions
- Personal fund raising online platform
- Civic organization support solicitation
- Scholarships sources
Why am I charged International Service-Learning tuition?
The Service Learning Tuition covers the cost of one’s international medical liability insurance policy (that protect learners from healthcare litigation abroad), the cost of an international travel and evacuation insurance policy (for personal health crises), INMED faculty supervision, and for the uniquely challenging logistics of arranging of international service-learning in low-resource communities. Other expenses associated with the International Service-Learning experience normally include airfare, passport, visa, vaccinations, and housing and meals at the international site.
