Online Master of Science in Health Care Administration and Policy
In this health care administration and policy master’s, you'll immerse yourself in transforming the health care landscape, focusing not on the benchwork of sciences but on revolutionizing how health care policies and systems serve populations. You'll explore ways to increase access to health care, particularly for vulnerable and rural communities, and tackle pressing issues like health equity. By blending studies in population health, health economics, policy and data analytics with leadership and systems thinking, you'll gain the skills to enact meaningful change.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
If you're someone who naturally questions how things could be better, possesses an entrepreneurial mindset and thrives on creative and innovative thinking, this health care administration and policy master’s could be your calling. It's designed not just for those eyeing administrative roles but for anyone with a passion for health care or seeking to make a significant impact within the system. Whether you're already navigating a career in health care, from administration to clinical roles, or considering a pivot into this vital field, your drive to advance and innovate makes you an ideal candidate.
This program is also a strategic choice for those contemplating medical school. It offers a unique gap-year opportunity to gain insights into the broader context of health care delivery, policy's role in health outcomes and the potential of informatics to enhance decision-making and health results. Your ability to articulate a vision for your future in health care and how this program aligns with your goals is key, regardless of your background in health care or specific undergraduate degree.
What you can do with a health care administration and policy master’s
Upon graduation, you'll be equipped for a variety of impactful roles across the health care sector. Imagine leading teams as an advanced clinical leader, managing health programs or making big decisions as a health care administrator. Your skills in improving quality will be essential for bettering patient care. You may even start your own health care business, bringing new ideas to the field.
While some candidates may initially view this program as a precursor to medical school, students commonly realign their career trajectories towards health care administration or quality improvement upon exposure to the curriculum. As a graduate, you're not just getting a degree; you're preparing to make a real difference in health care, whether it's in managing teams, improving services or innovating.
Arizona State University’s Master of Science in health care administration and policy immerses you in the intricate workings of health care systems and policies, preparing to address their multifaceted challenges with expertise. This program goes beyond theoretical analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of how policies directly impact patient care, access and outcomes. Through a curriculum blending population health, economics, analytics and leadership, you'll develop the skills needed to navigate and innovate within the health care landscape.
Throughout this program, you’ll study topics such as health economics, law, policy, finance and biostatistics. You’ll also take courses that cover management techniques, health care administration and process engineering. Additionally, you’ll have the option to tailor your coursework to your interests with a nine-credit focus area of your choice: health policy and advocacy, health systems management, or performance improvement in health care.
The College of Health Solutions faculty displays a high level of research expertise, focused on creating a better future for all. Our faculty are lifelong learners dedicated to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of their research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
- Incorporating advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
In the College of Health Solutions, students learn and prepare to become the health workforce of the future. Faculty and students also collaborate to research solutions to pressing global health challenges. Partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.
students.
Barrett honors scholars.
faculty members.
in research expenditures.
Applicants to the Master of Science in health care administration and policy program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university of recognized standing in a related field such as biology, business, chemistry, biochemistry, nursing, public health, pharmacy, biomedical informatics, social work, pre-med, pre-health, nutrition, health promotion or others.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
- Letters of recommendation.
One letter of reference from either an academic or professional source is required; a reference letter from a friend or relative will not be accepted. A letter demonstrating involvement in health care, community service or leadership is encouraged.
A personal statement must also be submitted that explains how the applicant plans to contribute to the health care system after the degree is obtained; how the program will help the applicant achieve their goals; what the applicant's career aspirations are; and what interested the applicant in this degree program.
A phone or video conference interview with the admissions committee may be required.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
