What is the Health Management and Policy Masters Concentration?
The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Management and Policy is an in-person, on-campus graduate degree program at the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health.
Students can choose to complete the MPH program on a full-time basis in either 12, 18, or 21 months.
The Health Management and Policy MPH program teaches students how to improve the delivery of healthcare and population health through roles in management and policy making.
Students learn to plan, implement, operate, and evaluate programs and organizations in order to respond to rapidly changing public health needs and address entrenched, longstanding societal problems.
How Does Health Management and Policy Relate to Public Health?
Health Management and Policy explores the relationship between public health and health care systems, which are integrated and dependent upon each other.
Health management and health policy have the power to shape and improve public health and to reduce disparities in health status.
Drexel Dornsife faculty in the department of Health Management and Policy teach professional skills in management, organization, finance, advocacy, political action, research, and public policy analysis.
Why Pursue an MPH in Health Management and Policy and Drexel Dornsife?
Unique features of the Drexel Dornsife MPH in Health Management and Policy include:
- Renowned faculty who are experts in such varied topics as health economics, urban health, mental health, health law, immigration policy, nutrition, and more.
- A program at the CEPH-accredited #1 graduate school of public Health in Philadelphia
- Real-world applied practical experiences that are integrated into the MPH curriculum
- Three MPH timelines to choose from: 12 months, 18 months, or 21 months
Admission Requirements for the Health Management and Policy Masters Program
To be considered for the Masters of Public Health program at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, students should have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution. Graduates of any major may apply.
A GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. Those with lower GPAs are encouraged to apply, highlighting their interest in public health.
Application Requirements for the Masters in Health Management and Policy Program
Applicants for MPH admissions are asked to submit the following:
- SOPHAS online application
- Official transcripts from every college-level institution you attended (academic records from institutions outside the U.S. must undergo a credentials evaluation)
- English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), if applicable
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of Purpose and Objectives
Applications for the Master of Public Health do not require the GRE.
Apply via SOPHAS – the Centralized Application Service for Public Health
Application Deadlines
The MPH endowed scholarship deadline is January 15. Applicants interested in being considered for funding through one of the school’s endowed scholarships or fellowships are encouraged to apply no later than January 15.
The regular decision deadline for the 12-month program is April 1.
The fall application deadline for international students is June 1.
The regular decision deadline for all fall programs is August 1.
Applicants to the Health Management and Policy MPH should submit their application and materials through SOPHAS – the Centralized Application Service for Public Health.
Major Competencies in Health Management and Policy
MPH students majoring in Health Management and Policy develop skills and competencies that include the following:
- Analyze the government powers and restraints from legal and/or historical perspectives that underlie the development, analysis, and implementation of a public health program or policy
- Apply health care financial and/or organizational management tools and measures to assure effective resource use in achieving population health improvement objectives
- Assess how policy and programs can counteract the roles of history, power, privilege, and structural racism in producing health inequities
- Apply population health principles in assessing value-based healthcare delivery and financing strategies
- Contribute to the development of an evidence-informed program or policy proposal that addresses an important urban public health problem
MPH in Health Management and Policy Curriculum
Core Courses
All MPH students complete the same core public health courses to begin their MPH studies.
These courses lay the foundation for an advanced education in public health before students break off into their respective concentrations.
MPH in Health Management and Policy Required Courses
Required courses for the Health Management and Policy concentration include:
- Health Management and Policy I – 3 credits
- Health Management and Policy II – 3 credits
- Health Disparities: Systemic, Structural, Environmental & Economic – 3 credits
Students also choose one Policy Selective, one Management Selective, and one Social Justice/Equity Selective.
Students earn a total of 56 quarter credits to complete the MPH degree.
View a Sample Plan of Study
Elective Courses
Electives serve to further focus an MPH student’s academic work and define their career goals. Many students use their electives to complete a graduate minor.
MPH in Health Management and Policy Degree Requirements
Completion of the health policy MPH requires:
Health Management and Policy Applied Practical Experience
The Applied Practical Experience (APE) is a supervised, hands-on practical experience.
Through the APE, Dornsife MPH students gain career experience while earning their degree.
Students engage in the practice of public health, working with an external organization to expand their skills and network outside the classroom.
Health Management and Policy Integrative Learning Experience
The Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) is a 6-credit research project, culminating thesis, or internship over the final two quarters of the program.
The goal is to develop skills and gain experience in practical applications of concepts. Students complete a high-quality written product at the end of the experience. See examples of recent health management and policy ILEs at Dornsife.
How Long Does an MPH in Health Management and Policy Take?
Students can complete this health policy graduate program at Drexel Dornsife as a one year MPH degree, or they can complete the program in 18 months or 21 months. The sample plan of study suggests a sequence of courses for each of these timelines.
What Can You Do with an MPH in Health Management and Policy?
With an MPH in Health Management and Policy, individuals have the opportunity to explore unique and fulfilling career paths. Some health management MPH jobs include:
- Public Health Program Analyst
- Research Analyst
- Public Policy Analyst
- Population Health Program Manager
- Health Policy Consultant
- Director of Clinical Services
MPH in Health Policy and Management Salaries
For a list of potential salary ranges for Health Management and Policy MPH graduates visit What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?
If you are interested in learning more about any of our MPH programs at Drexel Dornsife, request more information to speak with our admissions team.