Coursework & Research Opportunities

There are a range of ways to get involved in global mental health research at Duke. Students and trainees have participated in many aspects of the research process, including study design, data collection, analyses, and dissemination of findings. Each semester, CGMH leadership and faculty affiliates teach a number of courses that intersect with global mental health research and practice at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. In addition to classes, trainees often engage in the many research opportunities offered through the CGMH and its affiliates. While some participate in research as part of their degree program, some become involved in a group on a long-term volunteer or work study basis, and others partake in short-term international placement opportunities. Below are a few of the regular GMH-related courses offered at Duke, as well as example research programs in which students have participated.  

GMH Courses at Duke

How can you explore global mental health as a student at Duke? Duke offers a wide variety of interdisciplinary courses that intersect with global mental health, spanning multiple schools and departments. Though there are no specific global mental health tracks or specific degree programs, there are many opportunities to learn and engage across the wide variety of scholarship available across the university. 

Course List: Courses span different departments and levels (some undergraduate, some graduate, some both!). Below is an evolving list of some key courses that relate closely to global mental health at Duke. This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change.

Undergraduate Courses

  1. GLHLTH 240S- Asian American & Diaspora Psychology: Mental Health, Microaggressions, and the Model Minority Myth
  2. GLHLTH 257 – From Madness to Mental Disorders: Sociology of Mental Health
  3. GLHLTH 267S – Culture and Mental Health
  4. GLHLTH 363 – Fundamentals of Global Mental Health

Graduate Courses

  1. GLHLTH 660/ Nursing 556- Global Mental Health
  2. GLHLTH 751- Implementation Science in Global Health 
  3. NURSING 909- Intervention Research Methods
  4. PASTCARE 810- Theology, Mental Health and Human Flourishing
  5. PSY 710- Diversity and Mental Health: Issues in Theory, Treatment, and Research

Research Programs

To search for global mental health research opportunities at Duke, take advantage of Muser, a specially designed, web-based system for researchers to post and students to apply for research projects at set times throughout the year. Opportunities in global mental health might be found in project categories such as ‘Anthropology’, ‘Behavioral Sciences’, ‘Cultural Studies’, ‘Healthcare, ‘LGBTQ+Studies’, ‘Psychology’, ‘Race and Ethnicity’, and ‘Sociology’. Duke also offers a variety of opportunities for student research funding through the Undergraduate Research Support Office. Two research programs in which the CGMH has been involved include Bass Connections and Student Research Training Programs (SRTs). You can learn more about the Center’s projects in these areas below.

Bass Connections
Bass Connections is a university-wide, interdisciplinary program that brings together faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates to collaborate on complex, real-world challenges, including those central to global health. Through year-long, team-based projects, Bass Connections fosters cross-sector and cross-disciplinary approaches to pressing global health issues including those involving global mental health.

Student Group

Student Research Training Programs (SRTs)
The Student Research Training Program (SRT) is an intensive experiential learning program that engages second-year and third-year undergraduate students in the development, implementation, and assessment of a community-based project. Students selected for the program will work in small teams on a collaboratively designed year-long project addressing a global health issue. Each year, DGHI supports several SRT projects that range in topic and location. Students receive grants to support fieldwork during their time in the program.

Master of Science in Global Health: Fieldwork Requirement

Students in the MS-GH program at DGHI are each matched with a faculty mentor, with whom they complete a paid research assistantship during the first year of the program. Throughout their training, students work closely with their mentors, project teams, and organizational partners to design and carry out research projects and internships, including at least 10 weeks of applied field experience. Field research typically takes place between the first and second years of the program, and is fully funded, including travel and research expenses. Students are also provided with other resources to support their research, including workshops on ethical engagement and respect for local cultures and practices. Learn more about the summer field experience and the MS-GH program in general here.