Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Services Policy and Management
The Ph.D. in Health Services Policy and Management, housed in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management, is designed for students who want to conduct rigorous health services research that informs health policy, health care delivery and management practice.
This doctoral program is a strong fit for students who are interested in improving health services and systems, addressing inequities in access to high-quality care, studying how policy shapes health outcomes and using research to guide better decisions across the health care sector.
Students build a strong foundation in health services policy and management, research design, analytic methods and professional development. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, government and public or private organizations across the health care sector.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Health Services Policy and Management prepares students to conduct original research designed to inform health policy and practice.
Students complete foundational coursework in health services policy and management, analytical methods, concentration coursework, professional development and dissertation preparation. The program includes coursework in the U.S. health care system, health policy, health economics, health services research, research design, data analysis, regression models, panel data analysis, categorical data analysis, qualitative and mixed methods, and secondary data sources for health services research.
All students complete a doctoral dissertation that demonstrates their ability to conduct original research.
View the Academic Bulletin for the full curriculum.
Admissions Requirements
Learn about the complete admission requirements and application process for the Ph.D. in Health Services Policy and Management.
Applicants must submit their application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service, SOPHAS. Strong preference is given to applicants with a master’s degree in public health, health administration, business administration, public administration, public policy or a related field. Applicants with only a baccalaureate degree may be considered.
Applications are accepted only for fall admission. The fall priority deadline is December 1, and the fall secondary deadline is February 15.
View the HSPM application requirements, Graduate School application requirements and Academic Bulletin for full details.
Where Our Grads Work
Our graduates go on to make an impact through research, teaching, policy and leadership roles in settings such as universities and colleges, government agencies, healthcare organizations, public health agencies, research institutes, public and private health-focused organizations as well as policy, management and consulting organizations. They are employed as professors, program directors, and clinical research specialists. Our alumni work in places including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory University, University of Florida, Baylor University and the S.C. Department of Public Health.
Graduate Assistantships
A graduate assistantship is a part-time position that allows graduate students to work in a variety of roles while completing their degree.
Graduate assistants may support faculty research, assist with grant-funded projects, help with teaching or support departmental, administrative or program-related work.
Graduate assistants must be admitted to a degree program and enrolled as full-time students. At the Arnold School, graduate assistantships typically require 10 to 20 hours of work per week, depending on the position.
Graduate assistantships may provide a stipend and a special tuition rate. Assistantship funding can vary by position, faculty mentor, department and funding source. The HSPM Ph.D. program notes that admitted students receive competitive funding packages to support their studies and living expenses.
Students interested in assistantships should contact the program and talk with potential faculty mentors about available research funding. Students may also ask about departmental funding opportunities during the admissions process.
Learn more about graduate financial aid and assistantships.
Tuition
Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on enrollment status, residency and assistantship eligibility. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships to help support their education.
Learn more from the Arnold School’s financial aid information and USC’s Tuition and Fees resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health Services Policy and Management examines how health care systems, policies, organizations and financing structures affect access, quality, cost, equity and health outcomes. Students learn to use research to inform health policy and practice.
Students select 12 credit hours of coursework in one of two concentration areas: Health Economics and Outcomes Research or Health Policy.
Applicants with only a baccalaureate degree may be considered, but strong preference is given to applicants with a master’s degree in public health, health administration, business administration, public administration, public policy or a related field.
No. GRE or GMAT test scores are optional. If submitted, official score reports will be required from admitted students.
Applications are accepted for fall admission. The fall priority deadline is December 1, and the fall final deadline is February 15.
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