Programs in health policy prepare students to become health policy decision makers at the local, state, and national levels. Our doctoral and master's degrees, graduate certificate, and undergraduate health policy programs train students to work in federal and state health and human services agencies, to become consultants, to support the work of foundations, and to engage with advocacy organizations in the United States and abroad. At various levels, students gain a working understanding of health policy processes, analysis and statistical methods, economics, the politics of health policy making, and public advocacy and communication skills.
Programs in Health Policy
Doctoral Degree
Health Services Research, PhD, Health Systems and Policy Concentration
Emphasizes analyses of public policies that seek to address the deficiencies of our health care insurance and delivery systems and to improve population health. Students develop the analytical tools and institutional knowledge to evaluate the organization, financing, and regulation of health care delivery in the United States.
Master's Degree
Health Policy, MS
Focuses on health policy issues within the United States and provides students with the skills necessary to become health policy decision makers at the local, state, and national levels; to become consultants; or to become public health advocates in the United States.
Master of Public Health, Health Policy
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is the degree for those who wish to practice public health locally or globally. Our curriculum provides grounding in the competencies needed to be a successful public health practitioner. Students address the nature and importance of policy and policy-making in today’s public health system in order to engage with public health and advocacy organizations on policy issues and to analyze and support policy approaches.
Minor
Health and Social Policy Minor
Introduces students to the context and process for public policy making in health care and social services.
Questions about Admissions?
Visit FAQs for prospective students for additional information, including questions about the admissions process. If you still have questions, contact us at hap@gmu.edu or 703-993-1929.
Research
Faculty have been awarded millions of dollars in research grants and contracts to work with public and private health entities to conduct program and policy evaluations, assess comparative-effectiveness, and monitor outcomes.