The primary goal of the Master of Science in Health Policy Research training program is to train outstanding investigators in health services and policy research. Students completing the MSHP are well situated to pursue careers in academia, non-profit organizations and health policy. Tailored educational experiences enable students to engage effectively with community partners, policy makers, and other interested stake holders. Through mentored research students learn to plan and execute policy-relevant, patient-centered research using a variety of different methodologies including qualitative, cross-sectional, simulation, quasi-experimental, and experimental study designs. Finally, the educational experience is deepened with a two year career development lecture series that introduces students to skills essential to careers more generally, including applying for grant funding, managing a research team, negotiating a job, communicating research findings, creating a national reputation and other skills that are just as important to career success as skills in research methods.
Major Curricula Areas
- Core courses in health economics, health policy, research methods and statistics
- Electives drawn from throughout the University of Pennsylvania
- Mentored research project