The program in Health Policy and Management seeks to give students the analytical and practical skills they need to effectively discharge policy-making and managerial roles in a broad range of health care institutions.
The program has a 45-point curriculum that includes a public health core and a health policy and management (HPM) core. The program is offered in three formats:
Executive Program
This two-year course of study in Health Services Management is designed for the experienced student with a full-time job. Executive students enter each September and attend classes one long weekend each month as an integrated group. When classes are not in session, students communicate with each other, the program coordinator, and faculty, using a computerized bulletin board. The goal of the Executive MPH Program is to develop skilled, knowledgeable managers who can effectively meet the multiple, growing responsibilities of health care institutions.
Students enter in September and complete the program by the following January. The required HPM courses for all full-time students include health economics, organizational behavior, health policy, research techniques, health care quality assessment, and strategic analysis. Students select one of three concentrations: management, policy, or effectiveness and outcomes research. Each concentration has its own set of required courses.
MPH Part-time: Columbia On the Job (OTJ)
The part-time program permits students employed as entry-level managers and policy analysts to complete requirements for the MPH degree in 28 months.An interdisciplinary group students employed in health care settings goes through the 28-month program as a distinct cohort. The educational program is problem-based and uses case studies and problem-solving exercises to enhance student participation and the exchange of ideas and insights.
Practicum
All full-time students will complete a three-month practicum, normally in the summer between the second and third semesters. The practicum gives students experience under the supervision of an experienced researcher or administrator, in applying concepts learned in the student's area of concentration. Students have the opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge gained in the classroom and to obtain the practical skills necessary for management and policy decisions
While all students are advised to take one or more courses in other divisions or schools of the University, some students will prefer to receive a joint degree. Dual degree programs currently enroll students in a variety of the University's professional schools. Those wishing to enter one of these programs should submit a separate application to each school and indicate the dual degree status on the application. Although it is advised that applicants seek admission for a dual degree before beginning the graduate program, it is also possible to enter after matriculating. It is strongly advised that two components of the dual degree be pursued simultaneously, but the option of entering into a dual degree program generally remains open as long as the student has not graduated from the first program. The following joint degrees are sponsored by the department:
- Masters in Business Administration / MPH
- Urban Planning / MPH
- Masters in International Affairs / MPH
- Masters in Public Administration / MPH
- Masters of Science in Nursing / MPH
- Masters of Social Work / MPH
- Doctor of Dental Surgery / MPH
- Medical Doctor / MPH
- Occupational Therapy / MPH