The Master of Science program in health policy requires 48 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.
Students learn how to quickly identify, evaluate, and formulate policies, and conduct quantitative and qualitative health policy research. These skills are developed through a combination of coursework and applied learning opportunities, including special lectures and conferences.
The M.S. with a major in health policy requires the following coursework.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these (39 s.h.): | ||
| HMP:5005 | Introduction to Healthcare Organization and Policy | 3 |
| HMP:5410 | Health Economics I | 3 |
| HMP:5610 | Health Policy | 3 |
| HMP:5650 | Health Policy Analysis | 3 |
| HMP:6610 | Legal Aspects of Healthcare | 3 |
| HMP:6710 | Federalism and Health Policy | 3 |
| HMP:6750 | Seminar in Health Policy | 3 |
| HMP:7550 | Cost Effectiveness and Decision Analysis | 3 |
| HMP:7950 | Design Issues in Health Service Research | 3 |
| BIOS:4120 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOS:5120 | Regression Modeling and ANOVA in the Health Sciences | 3 |
| CPH:6100 | Essentials of Public Health | 2 |
| CPH:7270 | Principles of Scholarly Integrity: Public Health (taken twice; once for 0 s.h. and once for 1 s.h.) | 1 |
| EPID:4400 | Epidemiology I: Principles | 3 |
Electives
Students choose 6 s.h. of elective coursework.
Thesis
Students complete 3 s.h. of thesis work in the following course.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HMP:7990 | Thesis/Dissertation | 3 |
Applicants must apply through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). All applicants also must submit the supplemental University of Iowa application fee. For detailed application information, visit HMP Degree Programs on the Department of Health Management and Policy website.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Students begin the program in fall semester. Campus visits are encouraged.
A variety of financial assistance is available, including scholarships and awards, student loans, and graduate research assistantships. Every effort is made to provide financial support to students who demonstrate need and maintain satisfactory academic standards. Some awards are offered in recognition of outstanding academic performance and experience, regardless of need.
Graduate research assistantships generally are awarded on the basis of student merit and the department's need. Assistantships afford valuable experience in health policy research and management projects. Graduate research assistants work 10 hours per week and must apply for reappointment each year. Assistantships provide a stipend, some tuition assistance, and entitle students to the resident tuition rate.
Opportunities also exist for part-time employment both on and off campus. For information and financial aid application forms, contact the University's Office of Student Financial Aid.
Graduates will have acquired the subject matter expertise and methodological skills sought by academic institutions, government agencies, and private and nonprofit organizations engaged in health policy analysis, development, and implementation. Additionally, graduates will be prepared to pursue doctoral studies in health policy, health services research, and other closely related fields.