Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MS in health services and policy research, students will be able to:

• evaluate the organization, financing, and delivery of U.S. health services;
• evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity;
• analyze the behavior of health care market stakeholders using the principles of health economics;
• select the appropriate study design and statistical models for health services research questions and outcomes;
• use statistical computing programs to analyze quantitative data; and
• conduct a study using health services research methods.

The Master of Science program in health services and policy research requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.

Students are provided with content knowledge and methodological skills pertaining to the practice of health services research. Evaluating the organization, delivery, and outcomes of health services and the impacts of health policies on health services use and health outcomes is intrinsically interdisciplinary. As such, students will acquire theoretical knowledge of U.S. health policy, health economics, and the organization and delivery of health services as well as a range of analytic skills that will allow them to design and execute health services research studies. 

The MS includes coursework in health services research design, statistical methods, health policy, health economics, and the organization and delivery of health care services. Additionally, students will be required to complete a final research project. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects and participate in cocurricular learning opportunities that focus on health services research, such as seminars, journal clubs, and conferences. The MS is a pathway to the PhD in health services and policy. 

The MS with a major in health services and policy research requires the following coursework.

Core Courses

Electives

Students choose 6 s.h. of elective coursework. The following are possible elective choices.

Independent Research

Students complete 3 s.h. of independent research work in the following course.

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 the 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 and 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.

The MS in health services and policy research prepares graduates for research careers in a variety of applied settings including academia, think tanks, government agencies, private sector organizations, and other settings where health services research skills are sought.

The program is designed to provide clinicians with the skills needed to work as health services researchers in a wide variety of settings. Given the program's strong emphasis on research design, evaluation, and quantitative methods, it is a pathway for students who desire to prepare themselves to be competitive applicants for doctoral studies in health services research, health policy, health economics, and other closely related fields at the University of Iowa or other leading institutions.

The program also is designed in a way that allows students in the department's PhD in health services and policy program to earn the MS degree as they complete coursework and exam requirements for the PhD program en passant.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Health Services and Policy Research, MS

a

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

b

Graduate College program GPA is comprised of all courses that are approved degree requirements. If a student takes more than the minimum required number of semester hours to complete the degree, but all courses taken are eligible to count toward the degree, those courses will be included in the Graduate College program GPA.

c

See the General Catalog for a list of approved elective courses; work with faculty advisor to select appropriate graduate coursework.

d

Verify completion of all degree requirements.