Health Policy, MS

Contact Info

Please visit our department’s FAQs for prospective students. If you still have unanswered questions, please email us at hap@gmu.edu.

Gilbert Gimm, PhD
Professor
 

Gilbert Gimm

This 42-credit hour master's program provides students with the skills necessary to become health policy decision makers at the local, state, and national levels; consultants; or public health advocates in the United States and abroad. Applications are accepted for both fall and spring admissions.

Curriculum Information

The program curriculum, including short descriptions of the required courses, is available in Mason's University Catalog. Courses are taught once a week in the late afternoon and evening, and a course is occasionally offered on alternate Saturdays. Some courses are also taught in an online format to provide students with flexible options. 

Students can complete their degree at their own pace; however, students must complete their degree within six (6) years of starting the program. The program culminates with the student enrolling in the Final Project in Applied Health Policy (HAP 743) course. While course schedules are subject to change, here is an example of a course sequence for students enrolled in the program.  While students should follow this sequence, it is important for them to meet with their academic advisor at the beginning of the program and once a semester for guidance in developing and implementing a matriculation plan.

The curriculum was carefully developed so students graduating from the program will achieve competency in six crucial areas. These core competencies comprise the framework for the program.

Students are prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health systems approaches; formulate policy; and support policy development in health care financing, health and medical professional development, health systems innovation, and the allocation of scarce resources. For examples of specific organizations graduates may gain employment in, see health policy careers.