HPA doctoral students specialize in either epidemiology or health economics.
Students usually complete the degree in four years.
Students are encouraged to become members of the many faculty-directed research projects in order to develop their research skills. Research in the division applies the methods and theories of economics, epidemiology, and political science to study the processes by which health policies are created and implemented, the consequences of health care interventions to quality of care and quality of life, and the management of health care systems and institutions. Simulation models to explore the costs and consequences of alternative patient care strategies for major chronic diseases such as AIDS and asthma. The effect of managed care on physician practice patterns, scope of services, and enrollee well being particularly for children with severe emotional disturbance. The effect of regulatory reforms on the safety of new medicines.