Health Systems and Policy

Master of Public Health Option

 Corvallis campus

Create change in policy and health care

   Request info

Applications reviewed on Dec 1 (Priority), March 1 & June 1 (Final).

Health care is changing. Be on the front lines.

You want to effect real change in people’s lives, and you know that often begins upstream. To the source, in fact, where the policies, rules and laws are created that make the biggest difference in the health and well-being of the greatest number of people.

To create change, you need well-rounded training in health systems and policy.

Your experience as a health systems and policy student

With small classes and individualized attention, Oregon State University’s Master of Public Health - Health Systems and Policy program will provide you with well-rounded training in policy analysis and systems.

You’ll be matched with a faculty advisor, providing the opportunity to collaborate on research and outreach projects.

You’ll gain advanced critical thinking skills and in-depth expertise in analytic methods that are relevant for public health policy, health systems innovation and population change.

You’ll learn to solve health care challenges in practical ways and understand health services delivery from the distinct viewpoints of those who receive, provide, finance and regulate care.

In sum, you’ll be equipped to effect real change in people’s lives.

MPH curriculum and coursework

The Oregon State MPH – Health Systems and Policy program requires 58 credit hours of coursework (approximately the equivalent of 40 semester credits).

This includes 12 credits of integrated core coursework, 26-30 credits of option-specific coursework, 14-16 credits of elective coursework and a 6-credit internship.

The program does not require a thesis; rather, it culminates with an integrative learning experience (ILE). Each MPH option has its own distinct ILE, created by program faculty to assess students’ mastery of program competencies.

See which courses you'll take as a health systems and policy student.
Option-specific handbooks

What you'll learn as an MPH student.
Learning competencies

How you'll apply your knowledge.
MPH internships

Accelerated MPH program

If you are a current Oregon State undergraduate student, you can apply to the accelerated graduate program now. Start taking graduate classes and apply those credits (maximum of 22) to your current undergraduate degree, as well as the MPH in Health Systems and Policy. See how.

Health systems and policy career options

When you complete the health systems and policy program, you may decide to assume a leadership position in a health care or insurance organization, a not-for-profit, a policy organization, government agency or academia.

Sample careers:

  • Advocacy specialist
  • Director of care management
  • Health operations analyst
  • Health policy analyst
  • Research analyst

April Gillette, MPH '16


“I found myself working long hours in a position that didn’t let me make process changes when they were gravely needed. I talked to an advisor at Oregon State, and given my veterinary medicine background, public health was a natural transition.”

We’re here to help

For information on assistantships, your investment and more visit the main MPH program page.

We’re happy to connect with you by email, phone or virtual meetings.

  

For questions about the application process and requirements, contact CPHHS graduate admissions.

  

To talk about curriculum and life as an MPH student, contact MPH Administrative Director Hanako Justice, MPH, MSW, CHES.

  

For academic or professional information specific to the Oregon State MPH health systems and policy program, please contact MPH in Health Systems and Policy Program Director Annie Hommel, Ph.D.

Accreditation

In 2014, our college was accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health – the first in Oregon. This distinction provides our students with more resources, more opportunities to engage in research, and faculty experts who specialize in a variety of public health topics.