Department of Health Care Organization and Policy (MPH, MSPH, DrPH)

Research and instructional foci in this department include health economics, public health administration and planning, health policy, outcomes research and health services evaluation.

Peter M. Ginter, MBA, PhD, Professor and Chair

Faculty

Professors: Bronstein,  Duncan, Ginter, Mennemeyer, Michael, Morrisey, Nelson; Associate Professors: Klapow; Assistant Professors: Becker, Gary, Kilgore, Rucks, Sen, Wingate

Programs in the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy (HCOP) are designed to provide training and education at the master's level for those desiring a professional career in the analysis of health services policy options, outcomes research, or in the management of public health programs. The didactic programs of the department require that students master the major concepts of:

• health economics,
• public health management and planning,
• health policy,
• outcomes research, and
• health services evaluation

The instructional programs of the department address the need for:

• Administrators with training in management, law, public health policy, health economics, epidemiology, and biostatics;
• Individuals with specific training in health policy analysis;
• Individuals capable of assessing treatment protocols and outcomes;
• Professionals with training in both law and public health;
• Individuals pursuing other professional degrees desiring an emphasis in health care; and
• Enhanced skills of established health workers, clinicians, or other professionals through didactic training in Public Health and Health Care Organization.

The department offers Master of Public Health (MPH) degree options in health care organization, health policy, general theory and practice, and in public health preparedness and management.  Also offered are a coordinated Master of Public Health/Juris Doctorate program, a coordinated Master of Public Health/Master of Business Administration program, a coordinated Master of Public Health/Doctor of Optometry program, a coordinated Master of Public Health/Master of Public Administration program.  The department offers the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) option in outcomes research and a coordinated MSPH/PhD degree program with the Department of Psychology. A Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree is offered in public health management.

Career Opportunities

Rapid changes taking place in both the private and public sectors of health care and related industries have created a need for a broad spectrum of qualified professionals to manage complex institutions, organizations, and public health services delivery programs.  Additionally, these changes have created an increased demand for professionals with expertise in policy analysis, outcomes research, strategic planning, and health economics.  Depending on their educational background, experience, and interests, graduates of our programs typically find positions at all levels of federal, state, and local public health agencies, industry, consulting firms, traditional and non-traditional health services delivery organizations, managed care organizations, voluntary organizations, federal and state legislative offices, research organizations, or law firms.