Program Overview

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Health, Community and Policy (MS)

The Master of Science in Health, Community and Policy provides students with the opportunity to become leaders in public health, dedicated to developing initiatives that protect the well-being of our community.

Why Pursue an MS in Health, Community and Policy?

The Health, Community and Policy graduate program provides a strong focus on training individuals to move into community health, population health, and health policy-related fields. This program is 30-semester hours, giving students the opportunity to complete the degree at a more rapid pace. Program graduates will enter a job market with opportunities in areas with growing demand, up to 31% anticipated job growth in the next 10 years.

Program Highlights

This program is ideal for students who want to work in community-based health programs, engage in population health research, and have a strong desire to serve the community while contributing to expanding health equity. You'll learn from faculty who are published researchers and experts in fields such as:

• Epidemiology
• Health data science
• Healthcare access and utilization
• Health disparities
• Health policy
• Mental health and health behavior
• Chronic disease prevention
• Public health intervention
• Community health

What You'll Study

Students in the MS in Health, Community and Policy program will gain knowledge in the following areas:

• Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
• Health and Public Policy
• Research Methods
• Data Management and Analytical Methods
• Community Health
• Population Health
• Nutrition and Health

Degree Concentrations

This program offers a unique interdisciplinary experience with four specializations to choose from:

Health Promotion

In this concentration, training is provided in the development of health promotion programs/interventions, with an emphasis on nutrition and physical activity, as well as program implementation and evaluation. The program has specific focus on community-based health promotion efforts. Graduates who choose the Health Promotion concentration will be well qualified for jobs in health education, health promotion and health advocacy organizations, and for pursuing doctoral training.

Policy

This concentration provides training in the processes of public and health policy-making, and public service and nonprofit management and leadership. Students will learn how to formulate, make decisions, and implement public policy with an emphasis on health policy. Students will also learn valuable leadership and process management skills with direct application to public service and nonprofit settings. Graduates who choose the Policy concentration will be well positioned for leadership and policy-related positions in local, state and federal government, in the healthcare industry, and for pursuing doctoral training.

Society, Community and Health

This concentration provides a focus on the social determinants of health and the importance of community in shaping health across the life course. Students will learn how social and structural issues relate to health and health disparities, as well as approaches to mitigate disparities and advocate for health equity. Graduates who choose the Society, Community and Health concentration will be well prepared for jobs in local, state and federal government, community health/health advocacy organizations, and for pursuing doctoral training.

Health Data Analytics and Population Health

This concentration provides training in the applications of advanced statistical and analytical methods to health and population data to identify and understand trends and patterns in health risk factors, behaviors and outcomes at the population level. Students will learn how to work with large, electronic health databases, large health survey databases, as well as Census and medical claims databases to analyze and transform data into useful insights to inform health policy, intervention and decision-making. Graduates who choose the Health Data Analytics & Population Health concentration will be well positioned for analytical jobs in the health/healthcare industry, health research, government and for pursuing doctoral training.

Admission & Application Requirements

Applications are submitted through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application.

• Required Degree: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Coursework: Completed adequate credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program.
• Transcripts: Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English
• Credential Evaluation: Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions.
• English Language Proficiency: 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100
• Purpose Statement: Required
• Resume: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program

Application Deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline.

• Spring 2026: October 1
• Fall 2026: June 1
• Spring 2027: October 1

Funding Opportunities

UT San Antonio Scholarship Hub

Career Options

The possible careers below are based on data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.

Courses and Schedule

The MS in Health, Community and Policy is a uniquely interdisciplinary and customizable program that prepares students to lead, innovate and drive change across public health systems and community settings. The curriculum includes Program Planning and Implementation in Community Health, Health Policy, Research Methods and Data Management and Descriptive Statistics, giving students the tools to assess health needs, design impactful program, and shape effective policy. Courses are offered in a variety of modalities, including traditional in-person, hybrid and fully online courses. Most courses are taught on Main Campus, but courses in the Policy specialization are taught on the Downtown Campus. Courses that are taught with an in-person component are typically offered in the evenings.