https://publichealth.ouhsc.edu/academics Parent Page: Academics id: 34627 Active Page: MPH Health Policy id: 36322 Portal ID: 321

The Master of Public Health in Health Policy will prepare students for roles such as government health policy analyst, policy-focused positions in public health agencies, health policy consulting, and health system or Medicaid program administration. In these careers, individuals analyze data, evaluate policies and programs, and help organizations make decisions about regulation, financing, and service delivery. Graduates may work in government agencies, consulting firms, hospitals and health systems, state Medicaid programs, or policy research organizations.

The Hudson College of Public Health and the Master of Public Health program offered by the department are accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH). The MPH program may be completed by full or part-time students and is offered in Oklahoma City.

How Long to Complete the Program?

2 years

Median Salary

$120,000

Job Outlook

Projected 23% growth through 2031

Curriculum

This comprehensive 42-credit hour program offers courses like Health Policy and Politics, where you’ll learn to navigate and influence the complex landscape of health policy. The program emphasizes the importance of using data-driven approaches to inform policy decisions, advocating for policies that improve health at the population level, and evaluating the impact of policy interventions on different populations.

Course Requirements

Core courses 21 credit hours
Required HAP courses 15 credit hours
Elective courses 6 credit hours
Core Courses
BSE 5163 Biostatistics Methods I
BSE 5113 Principles of Epidemiology
HPS 5213 Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
OEH 5013 Environmental Health
HAP 5453 U.S. Health Care System
HPS 5211 Qualitative Methods in Public Health

 

Required Courses
HAP 5313 Health in All Policies
HAP 5203 Health Economics
HAP 5353 OR HAP 7403 Public Health Law and Regulations OR Experiencing Public Health Law
HAP 5303 Health Policy and Politics
HAP 5343 Political Institutions, Advocacy & the Policy Process

 

Other Required Courses
CPH 7003 Integrated Public Health Practice
CPH 7941 Practicum Preparation Seminar
CPH 7950 Public Health Practicum (1 credit hour, 240 contact hours)

Electives: 6 credit hours

A minimum of 42 credit hours is required for the MPH in Health Policy degree.

Additional Degree Requirements

  • Students are required to meet with their advisor at least once every semester.
  • Certified in Public Health Examination
  • Interprofessional Education Requirement
  • Culminating Experience

STEM Designation

The Master of Public Health in Health Policy program is NOT considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.

Admissions Requirements

For the general application requirements see our How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

  • Bachelor’s degree or entry-level first professional degree from an accredited institution.
  • Must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended.
  • Grade point average requirement on a 4.00 scale can be met by any of the following:
    • 3.00 in bachelor’s degree cumulative GPA 
    • 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours of upper-division coursework applied to the bachelor’s degree
    • 3.00 in the master’s degree (or higher) cumulative GPA
    • 3.00 in the last 12 or more hours of graded graduate level coursework
    The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is excluded from participation in the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Academic Forgiveness Provisions including repeat, reprieve, and renewal. Therefore, all grades earned will be included in grade point calculations when applying for acceptance to an OU Health Sciences program. OU Health Sciences student undergraduate coursework is included in this policy. Click here for additional information.
  • College Algebra or a higher-level math course.

If after reviewing the qualifications for the Master of Public Health in Health Policy program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact hcoph@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences. 

Please also review the application requirements and application deadlines found on the How to Apply page. 

How to Apply

Program Details

Location Offered

Oklahoma City

Degree Acquired

Master of Public Health in Health Policy

Application Window

Applications open by August 1 for the following year. Applications are reviewed continuously, and decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Application Deadlines

Fall – August 1
Spring – December 15
Summer – May 1

Admissions

Have questions about the admissions requirements? We're here to help you navigate the process.

Tuition and Aid

Need help with tuition and financial aid? We're here to help you explore your options and support you through the process.

Health Administration & Policy Faculty

Department of Health Administration & Policy

The Department of Health Administration and Policy offers the only CAHME-accredited health administration program in Oklahoma. The department is proud to provide a comprehensive, practical, and rigorous education, preparing students to become leaders in health policy and administration. Our students benefit from experiential learning opportunities, strong faculty support, and access to cutting-edge research through collaborations with partnerships.

More about the HAP Department

Explore the Hudson College Further

Academic Resources

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students are empowered with a diverse range of accredited degree programs, hands-on learning experiences, and state-of-the-art research opportunities, all guided by our multidisciplinary faculty.

Research

The Hudson College of Public Health is enriched by its research partnerships with esteemed institutions and organizations, providing students with a robust, real-world learning experience that complements their academic journey.

Field Work

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students apply their curriculum through immersive field experiences and practicums, fostering a hands-on, real-world understanding of public health challenges and solutions.

Why OU Hudson College of Public Health?

Discover why we lead in educating top professionals who serve as clinicians, educators, researchers, and administrators in healthcare and education.

Student Life

Discover what makes student life here unique, from vibrant campus events to a supportive community that feels like home.

Visit

Experience the OU Health Campus and the Hudson College of Public Health firsthand. Schedule your visit today and see what makes us extraordinary.