Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MS in Population Health Sciences

Master of Science (MS) in
Population Health Sciences

Online

Program Overview

Gain the knowledge you need as a physician, administrator, clinical researcher, health care professional or behavioral scientist to implement outcome-based strategies and improve the quality of care for your patients, while reducing costs and practitioner burnout.

  • Program Format

    Online
  • Credit Hours

    30
  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

Make a Difference in the Changing Landscape of Health Care

The 30-credit-hour Master of Science in Population Health Sciences program can be pursued completely online, allowing you the flexibility to earn your degree around your own schedule. Your curriculum can be tailored to meet individual interests. Whether they are clinical, social and behavioral in nature or you’re looking to advance the research infrastructure of your organization, our program can help you reach your goals.

This innovative program can provide you with the ability to proactively address the health care of your patients and communities in diverse settings. Graduates of this program may pursue or continue leadership careers in clinics, hospitals, primary care offices and other health care settings that emphasize better health care for individuals, patients and communities. For the researcher, we have courses that cover essential areas such as qualitative research methods and data mining.

  • Application DeadlineJune 15 for fall admission and November 15 for spring admission
  • Are test scores required?Test scores are not required for applications

Curriculum

The online MS in Population Health Sciences program consists of 30 credit hours. Students have the option of completing a thesis.

Please note that courses are subject to change..

Required Courses (18 hours)

  • POPH 523 Basic Epidemiology
  • POPH 522 Biostatistics
  • POPH 520 Essentials of Population Health
  • POPH 524 Health Economics
  • POPH 521 Health Policy and Planning
  • POPH 525 Outcome Research in Population Health

Non-thesis option: Complete 9 hours of elective courses and a capstone experience.

Thesis option: Complete 6 hours of elective courses and 6 hours of thesis research.

Elective Courses (6–9 hours)

Elective courses include:

  • POPH 530 Introduction to Medical Care
  • POPH 536 Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Population Health
  • POPH 531 Inter-Professional Health Communication
  • POPH 532 Health Care Reimbursement Systems
  • POPH 533 Healthcare Quality and Informatics

Admission

Population health is an interdisciplinary field, and our degree is beneficial for current licensed health professionals and systems administrators interested in health outcomes research, evidence-based care and health system redesign. This program is designed for aspiring health professionals and introduces these learners to the fundamental principles of population health and the U.S. health care system.

Applications are accepted for fall or spring admission. To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must provide a Statement of Purpose, three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae and academic transcripts from all institutions attended.

GRE or MCAT scores are not required for admission into our program. Applicants with GPAs below a 3.0 can be admitted conditionally to the program if their Statement of Purpose, letters of recommendation and/or an optional admissions test score (GRE or MCAT) speak to their current academic potential.

Your Statement of Purpose should address the following items:

  • Describe your interest in population health.
  • Explain how a population health degree fits into your career plans.
  • Summarize your specific population health topics of interest and identify a possible faculty mentor from our department.
    • Please note that you do not need to contact a prospective faculty member before admission into the program.
  • Describe how your current or future work will advance our College’s mission and reflect upon the values of the College that are most important to you and your planned career in population health.
  • If applicable, address weaknesses within your academic or professional background and explain how you will apply lessons learned from these challenges to help you succeed in graduate school.

I eventually want to go to medical school or get my PhD. Can this program help with that?

  • Yes, students often use this program as a bridge program to medical school or other graduate learning opportunities. You’ll gain skills in research methods, health equity, health policy and evidence-based medicine that will prepare you for additional educational opportunities and the career path you choose.

What is the Capstone Experience?

  • The Capstone Experience is a planned, supervised and evaluated work experience that complements the student’s classroom education. It allows students the opportunity to apply the lessons learned in their coursework. Students are responsible for completing 120 hours under the guidance of their preceptor and are required to document their completed hours on a regular basis.

What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?

  • This degree is beneficial for licensed health professionals, systems administrators and others interested in health outcomes research, evidence-based care and health system redesign. Many of our graduates hold leadership positions within health care organizations, as well as public and population health program management roles in the government, private and non-profit sectors.

Is this program synchronous or asynchronous?

  • The program is asynchronous, and we currently use Blackboard as our learning platform.

 

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.

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Contact Us

Program Information

Skyler Lynch
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
skylerl.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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