The decisions, plans, and actions organizations and governments take to achieve health promotion and care goals are the jurisdiction of health policy and management (HPM). Delivering high quality, cost effective health care and developing policies that lead to health and reduce disparities are complex and dynamic processes that integrate topics from a diversity of disciplines and sub-disciplines including, but not limited to: health administration, economics, evaluation, human rights, ethics, anthropology and sociology, etc.. HPM is a diverse specialization that prepares graduates for health-related work across the health services continuum from policy development, program planning, implementation and management, program and policy evaluation, and health systems leadership to achieve intended health outcomes. 

The mission of the HPM graduate program is to promote and protect the public's health through the preparation of graduates for careers leading toward leadership in health services policy and management, and to conduct research and disseminate knowledge that will advance the organization, financing, and delivery of health services. HPM courses are designed to develop students' critical thinking and apply problem-solving skills across the public and private sector to address health challenges in the state of Hawai‘i, the Asia-Pacific region, and around the world.

DEGREE OFFERED

Master of Public Health (MPH)
The MPH degree in HPM prepares students for a professional career in health services, policy, and management. All MPH students complete the core public health coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion theory and methods, health services, program planning, and environmental health, as well as an integrative seminar, a field practicum, a final scholarly capstone paper, and an oral capstone examination. In addition, students complete the following HPM courses: 1) Advanced Topics in Health Policy; 2) Leading and Managing Health Programs; 3) Health Ethics, Law and Politics; 4) Managing Global Health Service Delivery, and 5) Computer Applications in Public Health. 

The MPH degree program generally requires two academic years of full-time study and the required number of credits for graduation is 42. A minimum of 18 credits must be earned in courses numbered 600-798, including at least one graduate seminar in the major or a related field. No more than 9 credits of PH 699 (directed reading/research) may be applied to meet the degree requirements. Please note that the precise degree requirements for each student will be determined in consultation with his/her advisor and program committee members.

Master of Public Health (MPH) – Distance Education (DE)
The MPH (DE) degree specializing in HPM offers the same curriculum as the in-person program, however, the courses have been adapted for asynchronous online delivery with a mandatory 3-day face-to-face orientation at the start of the program and a 3-day face-to-face research showcase at the mid-point of the program. The face-to-face components will be held on the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus. Students will be responsible for coordinating their travel and accommodations for the face-to-face elements.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION

Health policy and management applicants must meet the UHM Graduate Division's admission requirements. Applicants must have computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet construction, and Internet applications. Preference may be given to students with training in health, administration, economics, human services or social science. Work experience in health care or human services is preferred, but not required.