Health Policy Research, MSHP
Based in Perelman School of Medicine, the Master of Science in health policy research (MSHP) is a two-year training program. The curriculum spans four major domains: health economics, health policy, qualitative and quantitative measurement, and statistics. The students in the program for the most part have terminal degrees in other clinical fields (largely MDs) and take part in the MSHP during their clinical-fellowship training. Students completing the MSHP program are well-situated to pursue careers in academia, non-profit organizations, and health policy governmental positions. Through mentored research, students learn to plan and execute health policy research using a variety of methodologies.
For more information: https://mshp.med.upenn.edu/about-penn-mshp
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| HPR 5010 | Economics of Health Care Delivery | 1 |
| HPR 6000 | Health Services Research and Innovation Science | 1 |
| HPR 6030 | Health Services and Policy Research Methods I: Primary Data Design and Collection | 1 |
| HPR 6040 | Introduction to Statistics for Health Policy | 1 |
| HPR 6060 | Fundamentals of Health Policy | 1 |
| HPR 6070 | Health Services and Policy Research Methods II: Causal Inference Using Secondary Data | 1 |
| HPR 6080 | Applied Regression Analysis for Health Policy Research | 1 |
| Thesis | ||
| HPR 9900 | Health Policy Research Thesis I | 1 |
| HPR 9901 | Health Policy Research Thesis II | 1 |
| Non-Academic Requirement | ||
| HIPPA Training | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Select 3 electives | ||
| Total Course Units | 12 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Course Units | |
| HPR 6000 | Health Services Research and Innovation Science | 1 |
| HPR 6040 | Introduction to Statistics for Health Policy | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Fall | ||
| HPR 6030 | Health Services and Policy Research Methods I: Primary Data Design and Collection | 1 |
| HPR 6080 | Applied Regression Analysis for Health Policy Research | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| HPR 5010 | Economics of Health Care Delivery | 1 |
| HPR 6070 | Health Services and Policy Research Methods II: Causal Inference Using Secondary Data | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| Elective | 1 | |
| HPR 9900 | Health Policy Research Thesis I | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Fall | ||
| HPR 6060 | Fundamentals of Health Policy | 1 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Elective | 1 | |
| HPR 9901 | Health Policy Research Thesis II | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 12.00 | |