Program Overview

Introduction to the Bioscience and Health Policy Program

The Bioscience and Health Policy program is an interdisciplinary degree that aims to develop advanced bioscience knowledge, professional competency in science and health policy analysis and development, and expand quantitative and data analysis skills. The program is designed to train students to practice science policy by deepening their background in science and broadening their experience with courses in business, management, sociology, economics, and policy studies.

Program Objectives

The objectives of this program are:

• To develop advanced bioscience knowledge
• To achieve professional competency in science and health policy analysis and development
• To expand quantitative and data analysis skills
• To obtain leadership, communication, and research skills necessary to conduct independent study in public policy
• To gain exposure to a real-life experience in technology policy development by participating in an internship
• To learn how to integrate science knowledge into creating better policies and practice

Program Overview

This program will foster students' understanding of the role of science in policymaking and the role of public policy in science. The coursework provides communication training, professional development, policy writing, and study skills enabling students to develop specific policy recommendations. Students will also acquire the tool-set to become knowledgeable in the formulation and execution of public policy.

Faculty Involved

The faculty involved in the Bioscience and Health Policy Program include:

• Tom Killian, Dean of Wiess School of Natural Sciences
• Ed Nikonowicz, Department Chair of BioSciences
• Dan Wagner, Program Advisor, Faculty Program Director
• Janet Braam, Program Advisor, BioSciences
• Susan Cates, Program Advisor, BioSciences
• Kirstin Matthews, Program Advisor, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
• Mary Purugganan, PSM Professional Communication

Program Benefits

The program allows students to tailor their studies to their career focus and adjust their courses to fit interests in policy, health care management, bioinformatics, data analytics/science, technology transfer, and/or prepare better for medical school. Students will have direct access to Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and their fellows, allowing them to work closely with policy scholars, meet with many of the leaders in science and technology policy, and attend discussions on the latest topics in bioscience and health policy.

Importance of the Program

As stated by Neal Lane, Ph.D., Baker Institute Senior Fellow, and Former Director for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), science impacts public policy in all areas and is directly impacted by policies created at the local, state, and national levels. Graduates from this program who understand science and technology are vital to the policymaking process at all levels.