Online Master’s in Health Policy and Services

Impact Comes Through Public Health Policy

Examine the political, economic and social factors that impact the development and implementation of health care laws and regulations. Learn the role that health care organizations, nonprofits, advocacy groups and government agencies play in creating effective public health strategies at the local, state and federal levels. Develop analytical skills that can be utilized in multiple capacities throughout the policymaking arena. USC’s online MPH in Health Policy and Services can prepare graduates to make an impact on public health on a wide scale.

Benefits of Pursuing an Online Master’s in Health Policy and Services

Opportunities for Career Advancement

Enter a field with substantial growth potential and qualify for roles requiring an advanced degree.

Ability to Make an Impact

Gain expertise in specific aspects of public health that can allow you to advocate for positive health policy change.

Flexible Scheduling

Complete in a way that fits your busy schedule and allows you to keep outside commitments.

Online Master’s in Health Policy and Services Career Paths

When it comes to the world of health policy and services, there is a great deal of career flexibility. This is due to the number of interdisciplinary organizations that collaborate to make laws and regulations, as well as the type of skills required to successfully write them.

Job titles in health policy and services and policy include:

  • Medical and health services manager: approximate median annual salary $101,340**
  • Manager, government and regulatory affairs: approximate median annual salary $108,800*
  • Manager, health policy and research: approximate median annual salary $75,600*
  • Senior health policy analyst: approximate median annual salary $83,570*
  • Medical director: approximate median annual salary $233,210*

*Payscale

**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

 

Typical Work Settings for Online Master’s in Health Policy and Services Graduates

  • State or local public health departments
  • County or city governing bodies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Hospitals or physician groups
  • Advocacy organizations (e.g., American Cancer Society)
  • Governing bodies
  • Government agencies (e.g., U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Online Master’s in Health Policy and Services Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% job growth in medical and health services manager occupations between 2021 and 2031 — much higher than the national average. The BLS notes that this will likely be due to increased demand for policy assessments and improvements. Health care organizations will also need political scientists to analyze and advocate for their policies.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why Choose USC for Your Online Master’s in Health Policy and Services?

USC’s MPH in Health Policy and Services program is 100% online and offers a level of flexibility that allows students to learn and study at their own pace. Students enrolled in the MPH program receive personalized instruction and mentorship provided by USC’s faculty of industry experts. They can also forge connections through the school’s network of 400,000 Trojan alumni.

Master’s in Health Policy and Services Online Curriculum

USC’s Health Policy and Services concentration contains a total of 20 units in addition to the general MPH requirements. It consists of four required courses. Students choose one of two additional courses to complete the program.

Required Courses

Concentration Total: 20 Units

PM 504 Quality in Health Care 4 units
PM 547 Public Health Policy and Politics 4 units
PPD 503 Economics for Public Policy 4 units
PPD 542 Policy and Program Evaluation 4 units

And choose one of these courses:

PM 529 Environmental Health: An Epidemiological Approach 4 units
PM 577 Global Health, Law and Human Rights 4 units

Frequently Asked Questions

Full-time students can complete USC’s MPH in Health Policy and Services degree in as few as four semesters through USC’s online MPH accelerated fast-track option. Full-time students can usually complete the program in two years.