Program Overview

Health Policy Research, MSHP

The Master of Science in Health Policy Research (MSHP) is a two-year training program based in the Perelman School of Medicine. The curriculum spans four major domains: health economics, health policy, qualitative and quantitative measurement, and statistics. Students in the program typically have terminal degrees in other clinical fields, largely MDs, and participate in the MSHP during their clinical-fellowship training. Upon completing the MSHP program, students are well-positioned to pursue careers in academia, non-profit organizations, and health policy governmental positions. Through mentored research, students learn to plan and execute health policy research using a variety of methodologies.

Curriculum

Students complete 12 course units of coursework and must achieve a B- or better in each course, maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The curriculum includes:

• Core Courses:
  • HPR 5010: Economics of Health Care Delivery (1 course unit)
  • HPR 6000: Health Services Research and Innovation Science (1 course unit)
  • HPR 6030: Health Services and Policy Research Methods I: Primary Data Design and Collection (1 course unit)
  • HPR 6040: Introduction to Statistics for Health Policy (1 course unit)
  • HPR 6060: Fundamentals of Health Policy (1 course unit)
  • HPR 6070: Health Services and Policy Research Methods II: Causal Inference Using Secondary Data (1 course unit)
  • HPR 6080: Applied Regression Analysis for Health Policy Research (1 course unit)
• Thesis:
  • HPR 9900: Health Policy Research Thesis I (1 course unit)
  • HPR 9901: Health Policy Research Thesis II (1 course unit)
• Non-Academic Requirement:
  • HIPPA Training
• Electives: 3 course units
• MSHP Standard Degree: Select 3 electives
• Health Care Quality & Safety Concentration:
  • CHIPS Fellowship Program
  • HQS 6120: Principles and Practice of Healthcare Quality Improvement
  • HQS 6500: Systems Thinking in Patient Safety
  • Select 1 of the following:
    • HQS 6010
    • HQS 6030: Evaluating Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Programs
    • HQS 6060: Applied Clinical Informatics in Quality Improvement
    • HQS 6070: Safety and Quality Leadership in Healthcare Systems
    • HQS 6080: Using Quality Improvement to Achieve Health Equity
    • HQS 6130: Principles and Practice of Healthcare Quality Improvement II
• Total Course Units: 12

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.