MPA in Health Policy
The field of public administration is growing rapidly, as government programs and non-profit organizations continue to expand in all areas. If students want to work as a leader in this field, they should get their Master of Public Administration (MPA). When students enter an MPA program, they have the chance to choose a concentration, and one of the best options is health policy. With a health policy MPA degree, students are able to work in positions creating regulations and even laws. This is a career area where students truly can make a difference.
My Degree and What It’s Good For
In this career field, students are able to work in a variety of settings, completing tasks in a number of areas. An MPA program prepares students for the challenges associated with health policy, as well as leadership positions through management and administration classes. Every MPA program is different, so the exact coursework students can expect depends on the program they choose, though most programs typically include courses covering:
- communications
- international law
- ethics
Each MPA program also has different entrance requirements. Some require students to have work experience in their field, while others they can enter directly from their bachelor’s degree program. While the field of public administration is not in and of itself related to healthcare, by concentrating in health policy or a related specialty, students can work in the medical industry. Students do not have to be a doctor or nurse to make a difference in this field.
My Earning Potential
Working in health policy can mean a variety of potential positions in public administration. Health policy is all about the decisions made in order to improve implement changes in various policies, including personal health, public health, tobacco control, vaccinations, and even in pharmaceuticals. Professionals work to address issues of financing and accessibility of health care, as well as the quality of health care. If students want to work in government to directly help change and implement these policies, they can obtain positions such as administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, these types of government officials can expect to earn the following average salaries:
- local government: $63,100
- state government: $60,000
- federal government: $97,400
Online MPA Degrees in Health Policy
Walden University – MPA in Health Policy
Best Online MPH (Master of Public Health) Degrees
Public health is the science of preventing disease and promoting health at the population level. Programs prepare students to become leading public health professionals capable of addressing current global public health problems. By clicking on the logos below, you can receive more information regarding your degree and school of choice.
Master of Public HealthMPH: Disaster Mgmt MPH: Health Education MPH: Health Policy MPH/MBA Dual Degree |
Benedictine University – Benedictine University's Master's in Public Health program features a curriculum of public health core with a focus on the needs of today's healthcare industry. Courses feature a conceptual, factual, and skill base where students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting. Benedictine offers areas of emphasis within their MPH program: disaster management, health education, and healthcare policy. They also offer an MPH/MBA dual degree. |
MS: Health Communication |
Boston University – At the Boston University online Master of Science in Health Communication program, students are taught cutting edge methods in hospital administration through a dynamic curriculum that examines current healthcare issues. The program gives students a world class education in the art of communicating health literacy. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Behavioral Science MPH: Health Policy |
Capella University – The MPH program at Capella University prepares students for careers in public health management, social welfare, or research. Key facets of the curriculum include the behavioral, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the health of populations. Specializations include behavioral science and healthcare policy. Courses include International Public Health, Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health, and Principles of Biostatistics. |
Master of Public Health |
Grand Canyon University – The Grand Canyon University Master of Public Health program is recognized as a leader in training the next generation of public health advocates. Featuring a curriculum that is developed around a multidisciplinary methodology, courses include Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, and Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Public Health. |
MHA: Health EducationMHA |
University of Phoenix – The Master of Health Administration and MHA in Health Education programs at the University of Phoenix provide a foundation in sciences with a relevant working knowledge of the industry. Graduates of either online degree program will be empowered to both analyze current public health care environments and have the tools necessary to improve their management. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Health Education |
Kaplan University – Graduates of the Kaplan University MPH program are ready to take their careers to the next stage at the government, nonprofit, or private level. The online program provides students with an education on how to analyze and apply scientific research, prepare public health policies, develop health education programs, and review the impact of occupational and environmental factors. Kaplan offers several specializations within their MPH program, including health education. |
MS: Disaster Mgmt |
Philadelphia University – The Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management at Philadelphia University is focused on the study of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, natural disasters, psychological effects of disasters, stress intervention, and disaster research. In a post 9/11 world, this knowledge is in high demand. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Epidemiology MPH: Health Mgmt MPH: Intl Public Health |
University of Liverpool – The University of Liverpool Master of Public Health degree provides a foundation in the science of promoting health and preventing disease. Areas of emphasis within the MPH program include epidemiology, healthcare management, and international public health. As an added convenience, the university offers a modular system that provides students the flexibility of obtaining credits at partner institutions. |
Master of Public HealthMPA: Health Policy |
Walden University – The Walden University MPH degree teaches the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program provides core study in the public health field, using real-world teaching methodology, industry leading professors, and a capstone fieldwork practicum. Those interested in policymaking may find Walden's MPA in health policy to be of interest. |
MS: Health ServicesMBA: Health Services |
Strayer University – Strayer University offers two health services administration degrees through its accredited online program. The Master of Health Services Administration prepares students for high-level careers as healthcare managers, managed healthcare plan coordinators, hospital administrators, and much more. The MBA in health services administration gives students a well-rounded business education in addition to healthcare-specific knowledge. |


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