Online MPH Health Policy

Lead Health Policy Advocacy, Design and Implementation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) concentration in Health Policy trains the next generation of leaders in policymaking and practice so they can address the complex challenges of health care delivery. From insurance coverage and social determinants of health to innovative new policies that shape how hospitals and health systems best serve people everywhere, our health policy students emerge as leaders who shape and implement policies in the private and public sectors. 

“The most important predictors of health outcomes are not clinical care or personal choices, but rather social and environmental conditions. Effective health policies create the context in which all people and families have the resources and knowledge they need to reach and maintain their optimal health. Policy is the driver of change for meaningful and equitable improvements in health care delivery and population health.”

Elizabeth R. Tomlinson, PhD, BSN
Associate Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management
Health Policy Concentration Lead

Competencies for an MPH in Health Policy

The online Health Policy concentration prepares you to meet the following Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) competency requirements:

Examine past, current and emerging issues related to the organization, financing, and management of health care delivery in the U.S. 

Apply policy analysis skills to make evidence-informed policy recommendations that improve the health of populations.

Create a resource to advocate for regulatory or legislative level change.

Analyze existing and proposed governmental policies to assess implementation challenges and the impact of those policies on different populations and stakeholders.

Apply knowledge of governmental and nonprofit financial management and financial analysis to plan for, operate, monitor and report on the financial results of nonprofit and publicly financed health programs.

Evaluate financial analyses to improve the financial performance of nonprofit and publicly financed health programs.

MPH Health Policy Curriculum

Full-Time and Part-Time Options | 42 Total Credits

The MPH Health Policy curriculum is designed for full- or part-time learners who want to understand how health systems operate and how to drive change through policy.

  • MPH Core Courses (14 credits)
  • Health Policy-Specific Courses (15 credits)
  • Elective Courses (9 credits)
  • Pre- and Post-Practicum Courses (1 credit)
  • Practicum Work Experience (200 hours)
  • Culminating Experience (3 credits)

Once students have completed the MPH Core courses, which focus on foundational public health principles and frameworks, they’ll begin concentration-specific training:

  • HPM 730: Leadership and Workforce Management Strategies (3 credits)
  • HPM 745: Financial Management and Analysis for Public and Nonprofit Entities (3 credits)
  • HPM 754: Health Care in the United States: Structure and Policy (3 credits)
  • HPM 758: Underserved Populations and Health Reform (3 credits)
  • HPM 790: Advanced Health Policy Analysis and Advocacy (3 credits)

Career Paths for Health Policy graduates.

MPH Health Policy graduates are widely recognized as strategic thinkers and problem solvers. They are leaders in developing, enacting, and implementing state and national policies and in advocating for health policy changes at the local, state and national levels. 

Upon graduation, you’ll be:

  • A competitive candidate for roles across top companies, universities, health care systems, non profit organizations and government agencies,
  • Prepared to contribute to organizations driving meaningful improvements in public health and health care delivery
  • Prepared to work in organizations that are making a difference in public health and health care; and
  • A champion for population health who is committed to supporting the next generation of health policy and management leaders.

The versatile nature of our graduates’ skills makes them a natural fit for a wide variety of careers, including professions that are expected to grow over the coming years. Employment of health system occupations is expected to grow, including monitoring and evaluation officers, research associates, health policy and program analysts, and policy consultants and strategists. 

Health Policy Graduates Work As…

  • Health Officers and Program Managers
  • Public Health Advisers
  • Project Specialists
  • Health Policy Analysts
  • Research Associates
  • Operations Administrators

Health Policy Graduates Work With…

  • Hospitals and Hospices
  • Health Systems
  • Clinics
  • Medical Groups
  • Government Programs and Agencies
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Public Health Departments

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Advance Policies That Improve Health for All

Request information to learn more about the work we’re doing in the classroom and on the front lines of public health.

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