Ph.D. Program in Health Policy and Administration
In This Section:
Graduate Degrees in Health Policy and Administration viewbook- Doctoral (Ph.D.) Degree Program
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program
- Theses of Recent Graduates
- Admission Requirements and Procedures
- Financial Aid and Tuition
- Graduate School and Living at PSU
- About Penn State
- About State College, PA
The mission of the Ph.D. program is to develop intellectual leaders who will produce important new insights in health policy and administration. Through clear thinking and analysis, rigorous research, and effective teaching and communication of new knowledge, our graduates contribute to the design and implementation of cost-effective services and programs that improve people’s health.
Our research-oriented Ph.D. program trains quantitative, multi-disciplinary graduates to meet the rapidly growing demand for health service researchers in government, private industry, and academia.
Graduates of the Ph.D. program are leading research programs in health systems and managed care organizations, and they are employed as academics and research scientists at universities and in private and public policy research organizations.
Ph.D. students need strong analytical abilities and substantial interests in health policy and administration. Course work provides a solid foundation in economics, organizational theory, and health services research methods. Students focus their studies in areas where HPA faculty are leading research, including:
- Aging and Long Term Care
- Quality Improvement in Health Systems and Health Care Organizations
- Health Disparities among Children, Youths, and Families
- Demography and Population Health Outcomes
HPA students may complete graduate minors in gerontology or demography An option to complete a dual-title Ph.D. in HPA and Demography is also available
Apply to the PhD Program
Two separate applications are required for admission
Additional Information about the PhD Program
