Degree Programs in
Health Systems

Courses within the Health Systems Program focus on policy analysis; evaluation of national health systems; planning and managing national and global health programs; and institution-building, teaching, and research in these same areas. Research priority is given to work in low- and middle-income countries and with disadvantaged populations.

Master of Health Sciences (MHS) Program 
Graduates of the Health Systems MHS program will have the competencies to play management roles in health services organizations in a variety of international settings. Courses within the Health Systems Program develop skills and knowledge for those who play a role in management of health programs in low- and middle-income countries and with disadvantaged populations. The curriculum focuses on planning and managing health projects and programs at the community, district, national and global levels.

A practicum experience is an important additional component of this degree program. Typical practicum experiences include the following: (1) working in health programs directly serving disadvantaged populations in developing countries, (2) working at an organization’s headquarters or regional office to provide technical support to field programs or to help improve management of an organization’s programs worldwide, and/or (3) working on a research project related to health systems management.

Phd
The overall goal of the PhD program in Health Systems is to produce the next generation of leaders in the research and practice of public health dealing with health systems. Graduates of the Program should have the competencies to play leadership roles in (a) health policy; (b) health planning, financing, management, and evaluation; (c) public health teaching; (d) institution building; (e) community development; and (f) research on health systems.