Health Policy & Management

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1. What is the difference between health policy and health management?

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   The study of health policy focuses on how the political system and health economics affect public health systems at local, state, national and international levels. Students gain skills in research, analysis, writing, and advocacy as they learn the current status of health policy and explore such issues as access to care, the uninsured, and the challenges of legislative initiatives. The curriculum prepares students to research and predict future trends and to analyze the feasibility and potential consequences of implementing and managing health care policy innovations. Graduates of this track are employed as policy analysts, managers, directors, and consultants in health departments, government agencies, consulting firms, health information technology companies, and international health organizations.

   The study of health management focuses on the delivery of healthcare services. Students apply the principles of strategic planning, financial management, personnel relations, forecasting, and marketing to health service organizations. The curriculum prepares students for leadership positions within health care organizations and community initiatives. Graduates of this track are employed as operations managers, directors, associate strategists, and consultants in hospitals, community health organizations, consulting firms, insurance, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies, health information technology companies, and health departments.

   Visit the Health Policy Track.

   Visit the Health Management Track

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2. Does the department still offer tracks like Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, Management or Policy?

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   The Department of Health Policy and Management will continue to offer the MPH: Management Track. But beginning in Fall 2012, a new School-wide Certificate/Interdisciplinary Track Program will replace department tracks like Effectiveness and Outcomes Research and Policy.

   Certificate/Interdisciplinary Track offerings include: Comparative Effectives Outcomes Research, Health Policy Analysis, and Global Health. For more information, visit the Prospective Student site.

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3. What is the difference between the MPH: Management Track and the Columbia MPH Certificate in Health Management?

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   The MPH: Management Track offers an intense in-depth curriculum which provides students with the management skills of a business school education with the context needed for working in the healthcare system. The Columbia MPH Certificate in Health Management offers a management base to students with four classes on finance, economics, and management.

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4. What preparation do I need to apply to the Department of Health Policy and Management?

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   Prospective HPM students should demonstrate strong written, analytical, and quantitative skills, and a commitment to the study of public health policy, health management, effectiveness outcomes research, or global health. Students come from a broad spectrum of undergraduate majors ranging from the hard sciences to the humanities. Students are encouraged to take courses in the social sciences, including economics, political science, or sociology. Personal statements should clearly focus on the applicant’s reason for choosing the course of study, as well as future career goals. Visit the Admissions site for more information on applying to the School.

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5. How do I apply for a dual degree?

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   The Mailman School of Public Health currently has dual degree programs with the College of Physicians and Surgeons; School of Dental and Oral Surgery; School of Nursing; Program in Occupational Therapy; School of Business; School of International and Public Affairs; School of Social Work; Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation; and the School of Law. Mailman applicants seeking admission to dual degree studies must apply separately to the collaborating school prior to the end of the first semester in order to follow the proper course sequencing and reduced credit requirements.

   See dual degree programs.

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6. Where is the office located?

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   600 West 168th Street 6th Floor

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7. Do all of the MPH programs offer the certificate/interdisciplinary tracks?

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   Due to scheduling constraints, this program is only open to students enrolled in the Columbia MPH program.

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