Health Policy and Health Services Research
The Health Policy and Health Services Research program at Emory University is a two-year, full-time Master of Public Health degree that prepares students to evaluate, design, and influence healthcare policies and systems. Through a curriculum that combines policy analysis, public health theory, and research methods, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how healthcare services are financed, organized, and delivered. The program trains future public health leaders to assess policy effectiveness, interpret health data, and engage in evidence-based decision-making processes that impact population health. Courses emphasize the integration of epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, and ethical frameworks, enabling graduates to navigate complex healthcare environments with confidence and clarity.
Located in Atlanta, a global hub for public health, Emory offers students access to world-renowned institutions including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, major nonprofit organizations, and state agencies. The program promotes hands-on learning through applied research, internships, and policy evaluation projects that connect academic theory to real-world practice. Students are supported by a diverse faculty of policy experts and researchers who guide them in exploring how legislation, service delivery, and health equity intersect. With a strong foundation in critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and systems-level insight, graduates are empowered to lead meaningful reforms in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Health Policy and Health Services Research
- Degree Type: Master of Public Health
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 May 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Public Health
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Core Public Health and System Fundamentals
- Introduction to Health Policy and Management
- Epidemiologic Methods in Public Health
- Biostatistics for Health Services Research
- U.S. Healthcare System and Reform
Semester 2 – Policy Research and Quantitative Methods
- Health Economics and Financing
- Qualitative Research in Health Services
- Program Planning and Policy Evaluation
- Clinical and Community-Based Practicum I
Semester 3 – Comparative Systems and Leadership
- Global and Comparative Health Systems
- Public Health Law and Ethics
- Leadership in Public Health Policy
- Stakeholder Engagement and Strategy Practicum II
Semester 4 – Advanced Research and Integration
- Applied Health Services Research Seminar
- Capstone Project in Health Policy
- Data Visualization and Policy Communication
- Final Presentation and Career Preparation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Emory’s MPH program in Health Policy and Health Services Research are prepared to pursue impactful careers in a wide range of organizations. They take on roles as policy analysts, health services researchers, program evaluators, and health systems consultants within government agencies, public health departments, nonprofit organizations, academic research centers, and healthcare delivery systems. Many graduates work with institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, and state-level health policy offices. Their expertise in evaluating healthcare interventions, analyzing costs and outcomes, and formulating policy recommendations makes them invaluable contributors to health reform efforts and population health initiatives. Some pursue doctoral studies or enter leadership positions focused on health equity, care quality, and systems efficiency, influencing change at both the grassroots and institutional levels.
Why Choose This Program
Emory University’s Health Policy and Health Services Research program offers a distinctive combination of policy training, applied research, and access to nationally recognized public health institutions. The program stands out for its focus on rigorous analysis, practical application, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world policy impact. Students learn from experienced faculty who are actively engaged in shaping health policy at regional and global levels. With its prime location in Atlanta, students benefit from exposure to live policy environments and diverse health systems. The program promotes leadership, advocacy, and innovation while grounding students in the principles of public health ethics and social justice. Graduates emerge not only with the technical skills to conduct meaningful research but also with the vision to drive structural change in health systems that improve care delivery and health equity. This program is ideal for those who are passionate about solving systemic health problems and leading change through smart, data-driven policy.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
