Fall 2026 · Free · Open to Learners Worldwide
Global Health Research in Practice
A free online course on research design, causal inference, and methods for global health. Based on the textbook of the same name. Offered by the Duke Global Health Institute, not for credit.
Taught by Eric Green · Duke University
Spots are limited. Registering interest does not guarantee a slot.
About the Course
This course covers the full arc of designing and conducting global health research: developing research questions, thinking about causal inference and validity, selecting a research design, planning your methods, and navigating ethics and fieldwork. It follows the structure of Global Health Research in Practice, which is free to read online.
The course is designed for research staff and trainees working in global health settings. It covers 15 chapters spanning research design, statistical and causal inference, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, qualitative and mixed methods, sampling, measurement, ethics, and fieldwork.
This is not a for-credit course. Learners who complete the course requirements will earn a Duke digital badge and certificate of completion.
Two Ways to Participate
Both sections cover the same material. Choose the format that fits your schedule.
Hybrid Synchronous
Join live sessions alongside an in-person course section at Duke. Attend via video conference on a fixed schedule.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30–9:45 AM Eastern
- August 25 – December 3, 2026
Limited slots available
Asynchronous
Go at your own pace with recorded lectures and self-guided materials. No live sessions required.
- Self-paced, complete on your own schedule
- Fall 2026 semester
Limited slots available
Who Should Apply
This course is designed for research staff and current trainees at institutions involved in global health research. Learners can be based anywhere in the world.
Spots are limited. Priority will be given to learners affiliated with partners of the Duke Global Health Institute and order of sign-up will be considered. In early August 2026, selected learners will be offered a slot and asked to confirm continued interest. Unconfirmed slots will be passed to the waiting list.
What the Course Covers
Get Started with Global Health Research
Research landscape, ethical collaborations, developing research questions, searching the literature, reading scientific articles critically.
Think About Validity
Statistical inference, causal inference and DAGs, external validity and generalizability, measurement and construct validation.
Select a Research Design
Experimental designs and RCTs, quasi-experimental designs (difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, ITS), qualitative and mixed methods.
Plan Your Methods
Sampling strategies, sample size and power, pilot studies, fieldwork and data collection.
Do the Work
Research ethics, writing and dissemination.
The textbook is free to read online. You can also view the full table of contents.
Register Your Interest
Spots are limited. Complete the short form to be considered for the Fall 2026 course. Share this page with colleagues and trainees who might benefit.
Register Interest