Health Policy & Management
"My favorite part about HPM is being able to talk to my classmates. Being in
class with the same 15 people for the past two years has really been to all of our
benefits, and being able to develop a friendship that will outlast the program
makes HPM an enjoyable experience."
Degree Options:
The mission of the Graduate Program in Health Policy and Management (HPM) is to promote and protect the public's health through the preparation of graduates for careers leading toward senior level leadership in health services policy and management, and to conduct research and disseminate knowledge that will advance the organization, financing, and delivery of health and medical services.
The program trains health management and policy leaders in health care delivery, managed care, insurance, consulting, biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. HPM students are also trained in biostatistics, epidemiology, policy analysis, health promotion and disease prevention, health economics, the organization of health and medical care systems, strategic management, organizational behavior, health finance, health information technology, medical technology, health information technology, law and ethics.
The HPM Program sees research as an integral component of its mission. Program faculty engage in basic and applied research that broadens the educational experience and expands the state of knowledge about how health services systems work. Faculty research on issues in the financing, organization, and delivery of health and medical services is fundamental to the quality of the program. Moreover, the dissemination of new knowledge generated through publishing and continuing education activities contributes to efforts to improve the availability, affordability, and effectiveness of health services and develop policies that reinforce these objectives.
Health Policy & Management: 2-Year Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Curriculum & Requirements
The 2-year M.P.H. in Health Policy & Management consists of 48 units with courses selected from public health, policy, economics, finance, marketing, management, and law.
The comprehensive examination is a school-wide requirement completed in the spring semester of the second year with written and oral components. Students prepare for and complete this requirement in the Capstone Seminar in Health Policy and Management, PH 223E. Projects typically take the form of a policy analysis, a strategic plan, or a business plan. For the plans, students are expected to work with a client organization.
Sample Curriculum (PDF)
Fall 2011 Admissions Statistics:*
Admissions Ratio: 31/138 (22%)
Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.50
Average GRE scores of admitted applicants:
Verbal: 600 (86%); Quantitative: 690 (68%)
*Statistics for 1- and 2-year Health Policy & Management MPH programs are combined
What we look for in competitive applicants:
Factors emphasized in the selection of students include academic achievement; potential, paid, or voluntary health-related work experience; letters of support; and promise of professional leadership. Evidence of the ability to successfully complete graduate-level studies is indicated by an applicant's scholastic record, aptitude test scores, and appropriateness of academic preparation.
The Health Policy & Management Program asks that you address the following in your statement of purpose:
- Your knowledge of the health care field that you have gained from paid or voluntary experience
- Your interest in health policy and/or management, including past interest or involvement in management and/or policy relevant activities, and
- Your career goals as related to health policy and/or management.
Your statement of purpose should be clear and concise and should not exceed 750 words.
Of your three letters of recommendation, at least one should be from someone who knows your academic potential (a former professor or someone who can discuss your intellectual abilities) and one from someone who knows your management, policy analysis, or planning potential (such as a former employer).
- Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Health Policy & Management considers applicants from a wide range of undergraduate majors
- Common work experience for admitted applicants: Entry-level roles in hospitals or clinics or in health care related consulting, research, or non-profit agencies.
Employment Opportunities:
The Health Policy and Management Program prepares students for entry level and higher health management and policy positions in a range of settings including health care delivery, financing, consulting, technology, and governmental and nonprofit agencies.
Health Policy & Management: 11-Month Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Curriculum & Requirements
The 11-month M.P.H. option is available to doctoral-level clinical students or students with doctoral-level clinical degrees (such as physicians, pharmacists, or dentists). The 42-unit course of study runs from July through May and consists of courses selected from public health, policy, economics, finance, marketing, management, and law. The degree includes a year-long practicum requirement that can be worth up to 5 units.
Sample Curriculum (PDF)
Fall 2011 Admissions Statistics:*
Admissions Ratio: 8/26 (30%)
Average GPA of admitted applicants: 3.57
Average GRE scores of admitted applicants: Applicants with doctoral degrees are not required to submit GRE scores. Applicants currently in medical school may submit MCATs in lieu of the GRE.
*Statistics for 1- and 2-year Health Policy & Management M.P.H. programs are combined
What we look for in competitive applicants:
Factors emphasized in the selection of students include academic achievement and potential, paid or voluntary health-related work experience, letters of support, and promise of professional leadership. Evidence of the ability to successfully complete graduate-level studies is indicated by an applicant's scholastic record, aptitude test scores, and appropriateness of academic preparation.
The Health Policy & Management Program asks that you address the following in your statement of purpose:
- Your knowledge of the health care field that you have gained from paid or voluntary experience
- Your interest in health policy and/or management, including past interest or involvement in management and/or policy relevant activities, and
- Your career goals as related to health policy and/or management.
Your statement of purpose should be clear and concise and should not exceed 750 words.
Of your three letters of recommendation, at least one should be from someone who knows your academic potential (a former professor or someone who can discuss your intellectual abilities) and one from someone who knows your management, policy analysis, or planning potential (such as a former employer).
- Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants: Health Policy & Management considers applicants from a range of undergraduate majors
- Common work experience for admitted applicants: Most applicants to the 11-month track are full time students or clinicians operating in an academic, research or practice environment.
Employment Opportunities:
The Health Policy and Management Program prepares students for entry level and higher health management and policy positions in a range of settings including health care delivery, financing, consulting, technology, and governmental and nonprofit agencies.