Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD in Health Research and Policy

The doctoral program in Health Research and Policy at Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business is designed to address the growing need for professionals who can provide rigorous, methodologically-sound solutions to the challenges facing healthcare leaders and policy makers.

The Growing Need for Expertise

The growing role of Health Research and Policy in all facets of healthcare has increased the need for professionals who can provide expertise in this area. The program leverages Baylor's reputation as an academic leader in the fields comprising Health Research and Policy: economics, sociology, statistics, epidemiology, and ethics.

Program Goals and Benefits

The primary goal of the program is to train the next generation of scholars who will make important contributions to this rapidly growing discipline, answering the call to improve healthcare effectively and efficiently as possible. Key benefits of the program include:

• High-quality education in Health Research and Policy theory, research, and statistical methodology.
• Excellent faculty with publication and funding success, and diverse research interests in the disciplines comprising Health Research and Policy.
• Student-professor collaboration on Health Research and Policy projects.
• Academic flexibility to concentrate on health and healthcare issues in various disciplines and settings.
• Preparation with requisite competencies for a career in research settings such as academia, healthcare delivery systems, provider entities, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and specialty societies.

Career Opportunities

As a PhD candidate, you will partake in a Research Mentorship that will give you the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member to produce research leading to manuscripts to be submitted for publication in partial fulfillment of the requirements to receive your PhD. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to conduct impactful research, potentially working with many disciplines collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical personnel to focus on both effectiveness (better clinical outcomes) and efficiency (better financial outcomes).

Program Structure

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in Health Research and Policy, including:

• Theory and research methodology
• Statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Health economics and policy analysis
• Epidemiology and public health
• Ethics and healthcare law

Faculty and Research

The faculty in the PhD in Health Research and Policy program have expertise and experience conducting numerous research studies resulting in publications in high-impact journals. They have focused on both clinical and financial outcomes, providing important information for healthcare leaders on the types of interventions that can truly make a difference in patient care. Research areas include:

• Health outcomes and quality of care
• Healthcare policy and economics
• Epidemiology and public health
• Ethics and healthcare law
• Statistical analysis and data interpretation

Admissions and Requirements

The admissions process for the PhD in Health Research and Policy program is competitive, and applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• A master's degree in a related field
• A strong academic record
• Relevant work experience
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement outlining research interests and goals