The MS track teaches students to become practitioners of health policy analysis. The Ph.D. track trains researchers who will make original contributions to understanding the provision of health care and health status. In both tracks, the emphasis is on skills training, with substantive issues pursued through electives, internships and dissertation research. Students learn to apply skills in economics, law, ethics, epidemiology, information technology and finance to health policy issues. They receive practical training through internships and consulting projects for industry organizations.
Electives cover subjects ranging from comparative health systems to quality measurement.
The USP curriculum draws on the university's traditional strengths in health sciences and the deep resources of the health care industry in the Philadelphia region. Upon graduation, USP health policy students are prepared to be pioneers in a new profession, equipped for positions in private, governmental and academic settings, including hospitals, health systems, pharmaceutical firms, government agencies, consulting firms, insurance companies and managed care organizations.