Master of Public Policy and Administration - Health Policy

The health policy specialization provides SPP students with comprehensive, state-of-the-art training for professional careers as managers and policymakers in the changing health care system.The management courses emphasize an aggressive yet ethical approach to institutional leadership in a complex period of mounting competition and shrinking resources. Health policy students acquire a solid understanding of the process of policy formation on the international, national, local and institutional levels.Graduates of SPP with a health policy specialization can pursue career opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, international organizations and consulting firms. Examples include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Health Care Financing Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Alpha Center, the Alliance for Justice, Families USA, the National Rural Health Association, and the World Health Organization.Students learn how to improve administrative practice, enhance the effectiveness of health service programs, and improve the health of the public through services that prevent disease and protect health.The MPPA curriculum will provide you with a strong analytical foundation that can be applied to a wide variety of policy issues. You'll complete core courses in areas such as public management, economics in public policy, analysis, and statistical methods. Through electives, you can hone your degree to best suit your personal interests and professional goals. Choose from subjects like negotiations, makerspace leadership, social and environmental enterprises, public policy, racism, and patriarchy. Students also gain real-world experience through a required summer internship, senior capstone project, and a professional development seminar. The health policy specialization provides SPP students with comprehensive, state-of-the-art training for professional careers as managers and policymakers in the changing health care system. The management courses emphasize an aggressive yet ethical approach to institutional leadership in a complex period of mounting competition and shrinking resources. Health policy students acquire a solid understanding of the process of policy formation on the international, national, local and institutional levels. Graduates of SPP with a health policy specialization can pursue career opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, international organizations and consulting firms. Examples include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Health Care Financing Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Alpha Center, the Alliance for Justice, Families USA, the National Rural Health Association, and the World Health Organization.

The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) admissions committee assesses each student's application based on academic record, letters of recommendation, work or volunteer experience, and demonstrated commitment to or passion for public service. We prefer applicants to have at least two years of work experience in a job related to public policy or administration but do admit strong students who have just completed their undergraduate degrees if they have demonstrated a commitment to public service. For those students, greater weight is given to traditional academic criteria, such as undergraduate records, than for students with professional experience.Application RequirementsCompleted application formStatement of purposeTranscripts for all undergraduate and graduate workTwo letters of recommendationInternational students should review Graduate School international applicant policies for any additional requirementsThe GRE is not required for the MPPA program, although applicants can submit their scores if they choose.