Concentration in Health Services Research and Policy
Offered By: Department of Health Policy and Management
Onsite | Full-Time | 4 - 5 years
About the Concentration in Health Services Research and Policy
The PhD concentration in Health Services Research and Policy provides a firm grounding in public health principles, research and evaluation methods, policy analysis and numerous content areas related to health and health services delivery and population health. The program at Johns Hopkins is one of the oldest and most respected of its type in the nation.
In this concentration, students acquire the conceptual and methodological tools needed to conduct research, program evaluation, and policy analysis and synthesis to advance the state of knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes the following areas: public and private sector health insurance and financing, organization and delivery of health care, methods for measuring and improving quality and safety of medical care, methods to measure personal and population health status, methods for assessing the impact of government health care policy on individuals and populations, and patient-centered outcomes research and comparative effectiveness research methods for assessing the impact of technology and treatments on patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on special need populations, such as older adults, minorities, persons with mental illness and substance abuse, high burden diseases, and disabilities.
The development of research and analysis methods, as well as content knowledge is also stressed. In addition to careers in academia, the program prepares students for leadership careers as health services researchers and health care policy analysts working in public or private agencies or organizations. There are many research opportunities within research centers of the Department and elsewhere within the Johns Hopkins University and Health System. Also the Baltimore-Washington area is the home to the largest concentration of public and private health services research and health care policy analysis organizations in the world. Formal and informal relationship with these agencies, including research practicas, thesis collaborations and part-time employment are encouraged and facilitated.
What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Health Services Research And Policy?
The program prepares students for successful research careers in health services and outcomes. Former students have gone onto careers in academia, government, research-oriented non-profits, and the private sector. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.
View a list of selected recent graduates and dissertation titles for the PhD Concentration in Health Services Research and Policy.
Curriculum for the Concentration in Health Services Research and Policy
Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU Academic Catalogue, explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory, and find many more details in the program's Student Handbook.
Admissions Requirements
For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.
Prior Graduate Degree
Not required, but highly recommended.
Prior Work Experience
Not required, but successful applicants generally have 2-3 years of full-time work experience in a related field.
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test scores are not required and not reviewed for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.
Jennifer L. Wolff, PhD ’03, MHS '95,
Jennifer L. Wolff, PhD ’03, MHS '95, advances policies and programs that improve quality of care and life of older adults with complex health needs and their caregivers.
Tuition and Funding
Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.
Need-Based Relocation Grants
Students who are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students.
Contact Us
Questions about the program? We're happy to help.
HPM_Admissions@jhu.edu