The Master of Public Health (MPH) concentration in Health Policy trains the next generation of leaders in policymaking and practice so they can address the complex challenges of health care delivery.
From insurance coverage and social determinants of health to innovative new policies that shape how hospitals and health systems best serve people everywhere, our health policy students emerge as leaders who shape and implement policies in the private and public sectors.
What You'll Learn
Our Health Policy concentration will empower you with the skills required to design, implement and evaluate health care and public health policies in a variety of settings, and to advocate for and lead changes in a policy setting.
You will gain an intricate understanding of the current United States health care system and the politics and environment that shape policy decisions. You also will learn policy analysis and advocacy skills, as well as the foundational management skills necessary to plan for and effectively supervise financial and human resources.
This program will empower you with the knowledge and skills to achieve the following core competencies:
Examine past, current and emerging issues related to the organization, financing and management of health care delivery in the U.S.
Apply policy analysis skills to make evidence-informed policy recommendations that improve the health of populations.
Demonstrate an ability to influence the formulation of health policies by developing a broad-based advocacy strategy for policy change at the regulatory or legislative level.
Analyze existing and proposed governmental policies to assess implementation challenges and the impact of those policies on different populations and stakeholders.
Apply knowledge of governmental and nonprofit financial management and financial analysis to plan for, operate, monitor and report on the financial results of nonprofit and publicly financed health programs.
Apply key principles of organizational behavior, management, leadership and workforce management.
Required Courses & Sample Plan of Study
In addition to the interdisciplinary, 14-credit Gillings MPH Core, you will take six concentration-specific courses covering topics such as leadership and workforce management, financial management and advanced health policy analysis.
HPM 730: Leadership and Workforce Management Strategies
HPM 745: Financial Management and Analysis for Public and Nonprofit Entities
HPM 754: Health Care in the United States: Structure and Policy
HPM 758: Underserved Populations and Health Reform
HPM 790: Advanced Health Policy Analysis and Advocacy
HPM 992: Health Policy MPH Culminating Experience
Health Policy Degree Requirements and Study Plan (PDF)
Health Policy Degree Requirements and Study Plan-17 months (PDF)
Health Policy Degree Requirements and Study Plan-21 months (PDF)
Our graduates are widely recognized as strategic thinkers and problem solvers. They are leaders in developing, enacting and implementing state and national policies and advocating for health policy changes at the local, state and national levels. Upon graduation, you will be:
- Sought-after by top companies, universities, health care systems, nonprofit organizations and government agencies;
- Prepared to work in organizations that are making a difference; and
- A champion for population health who is committed to nurturing the next generation of health policy and management leaders.
Career Opportunities
99% of Gillings graduates have a job or continue their education within one year of graduating.
Learn more about the opportunities that await you with an MPH from the Gillings School.
Students fund their education through a combination of sources, including loans, fellowships and awards, assistantships and grants. Several awards and scholarships are supported by generous contributions to the School and University who value the current and future contributions of our students.
Contact: Sarah Kitchens, Funding and Awards Coordinator, sarah_kitchens@unc.edu
