Curriculum

Curriculum

The program curriculum, including short descriptions of the required courses, is available in Mason's University Catalog. The PhD in Health Services Research program consists of a common core, concentration and elective courses, and dissertation sequence courses. The curriculum was carefully developed so students graduating from the program will achieve career-focused competencies related to public health and their specialized area of study. These core competencies form the basis for program coursework. 

Courses are taught once a week in the late afternoon and evening, and occasionally on alternate Saturdays. Some courses are also taught in an online format to provide students with flexibility. The on-campus classes are primarily offered at the Fairfax Campus, but some are held at  Mason Square (formerly the Arlington Campus).

Research

This interdisciplinary PhD program allows students to benefit from the wide variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise of the faculty within the program. The faculty's research not only supplies real and meaningful contributions to the fields of health care administration, health policy, health informatics and public health, but it also serves to add value to our students’ experience, allowing them to learn from experts in the field who are working to solve some of the most challenging health issues of our times. More information about the research interests of the program faculty can be found on the health policy research page and the health informatics research page.