Health Policy & Management

Students in the HPM program come from throughout the United States and abroad. Our coursework focuses on both domestic and global issues, emphasizing the fundamentals of public health philosophy and practice, as well as the analytical skills and methodological tools necessary for both health policy makers and managers. To achieve these goals, HPM offers several degree programs, as well as both full-time and part-time curriculum options

The curriculum of the Department of Health Policy and Management is designed to:

• Offer a sequential course of study that (1) provides a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system, the factors that influence the health of populations, and the need for services, and (2) prepares students for careers that span the fields of health service management, policy analysis, and effectiveness and outcomes research.
• Develop students’ analytic skills and conceptual frameworks to enable them to make sound judgments within rapidly changing, professional healthcare environments.
• Foster teamwork skills as well as written, oral communication, and presentation abilities that will enable students to contribute to organizational effectiveness as they advance in their careers.
• Assist students in developing practica that utilize the knowledge and skills acquired in their educational programs, and subsequently enable students to review strategically the practica as an integrative learning experience.

Course of Study

Full-Time Programs

Full-time students begin the school year in September and complete their studies in 16 months, a period that includes a three-month summer practicum (internship). Graduates take positions in the public, non-profit, and for-profit sectors of the healthcare system.

The typical full-time course of study spans three semesters and a summer practicum, lasting a total of 16 months. This format is generally for students with little or no health-related work experience. Students who enter the Global Track are required to have a minimum of one year of international work experience after graduating from college. Global students undertake a six-month practicum and complete the program in two years. All full-time HPM students take Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Sciences, Issues and Approaches in Health Policy and Management, Health Economics, and the Practicum Seminar. An intensive version of the program lasting twelve months is available. Individuals selecting this option are usually medical students and residents.

Part-Time Programs

The Executive MPH provides working health professionals with a significant opportunity to hone and augment their knowledge and skills in order to advance their healthcare careers. The program is highly selective, with a limited enrollment that draws participants from a wide range of health-related fields. EMPH students attend classes one long weekend (Thursday to Sunday) each month for 24 months.

Columbia-on-the Job (COTJ) is geared toward candidates currently working in healthcare who are interested in health services management. The program is completed in twenty-eight months.