Biomedical Research Education Programs : UNM Health Sciences Center

Global and Geographic Medicine (GGM) Certificate Program

About the Program

The Global and Geographic Medicine Certificate Program is an interdisciplinary graduate program open to students in the Biomedical Research Graduate Program, other School of Medicine programs, the College of Nursing programs, the College of Pharmacy programs and the School of Engineering Program in Biomedical Engineering.  It is also open to students and clinical trainees who already have a graduate degree in a basic science, public health, medical, clinical, engineering or social science discipline (MD, PhD, MS, PharmD, ScD and MPH). 

The overall purpose of this new certificate program is to create a unified educational experience, with well-defined didactic course work, and practical experience in a global health setting, so that students can obtain the cross-disciplinary training required to address current and future global health issues.  In addition, to the didactic course work, the program will provide a funded summer research internship at one of UNM international sites (Kenya, India, Panama, or Chile) for up to 5 students.  Funds will be provided for the internship through a Fogarty International Center Grant to the Global and Geographic Medicine Program (http://hsc.unm.edu/som/medicine/ggmp).

A total of 14 credits are required. The program is a year-round program; students must enroll in the entire certificate program and complete the coursework in the order that the courses are offered.  The coursework begins on July 1 and ends at the end of June in the following year.  The courses are offered in 8 week blocks; breaks do not necessarily occur at the same time as the UNM standard holiday periods; for more details, check the current course calendar.

All courses will be recorded on the transcript and a transcripted certificate will be awarded upon completion of all requirements.

Prerequisites

Requirements for admittance into the GGM program in addition to a bachelor’s degree are:

  • admission to a participating graduate degree program at UNM –or–   
  • Completion of a graduate degree in a basic science, medical, clinical, public health, engineering or social science discipline and official enrollment at the University of New Mexico. (Non-degree status is acceptable.)

Program Requirements

To complete the 14 credit hour GGM certificate program students must:

  • Complete one credit (total of 11 credits) in each of the following courses: BIOM 505, Global and Emerging Infections; BIOM 594, Topics in Global and Geographic Medicine; BIOM 564, Biomedical Informatics; BIOM 567, Biomedical Ethics; BIOM 556, Research Design; BIOM 562, Epidemiology; BIOM 557, Measurement; BIOM 565, Cultural Competence; BIOM 561, Patient Outcomes; BIOM 563, Research in Health Care Systems; BIOM 566, Grantsmanship;
  • Complete three credits (total of 3 credits) in BIOM 559 Biostatistics.

Applications for the GGM Certificate Program are accepted once per year.

Application Deadline for the Summer 2009 Term:

March 1

Applying to the program early is strongly encouraged. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered in the review sessions.

Please direct any admissions questions to the BREP Office at (505) 272-1887 or by email.

How to Apply

Admission to the GGM Certificate Program is based on academic record and letters of recommendation.

  1. Applicants who are not currently in a degree program must apply to UNM online or with a paper application through the Office of Graduate Studies. International applicants should apply through International Admissions.
  2.  All applicants must send the following information to the BREP Office (below) by March 1:

Office of Research
ATTN: BREP
MSC08 4560
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

  • Transcripts - Official transcripts must be sent to UNM Admissions (if not already in a degree program).(Note: GRE, MCAT, PCAT, TOEFL etc. not required for certificate programs).
  • Two letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations must use this form and be submitted in a sealed envelope signed by the author diagonally across the sealed envelope flap.
  • Letter of Intent – a brief letter should be provided that outlines the applicants interest in the program and their qualifications, relevant experience, education and training. For more information and helpful hints on Letters of Intent, please visit: (link here)

ANNOUNCEMENT: To all training grant applicants (institutional and individual) and Clinical Fellowship and Residency Program Directors: The Master of Science in Clinical Research and related Certificate programs are excellent opportunities to provide training to Clinical or Research Fellows and/or Junior Faculty. However, due to the limited space available and the increased interest and demand, a Letter of Institutional Support signed by Dr. Deborah Helitzer, Assistant Dean for Research Education, must be obtained PRIOR to listing these training programs in any internal or external grant applications. Please contact the BREP office for more information.