Health Systems and Policy
Master of Public Health Option
Corvallis campus
Create change in health policy or health systems
Applications reviewed on Dec 1 (Priority), March 1 & June 1 (Final).
Health care is changing. Be on the front lines.
You want to create real change in people’s lives, and you know that often begins upstream, to the source of where policies, rules and laws are created that make the biggest difference in the health and well-being of the greatest number of people.
To enact change, you need training in health systems and policy.
Our public health programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s best graduate programs for 2025.
Your experience as a health systems and policy student
In the MPH in health systems and policy program, you’ll enjoy small class sizes taught by tenure-track faculty who provide individualized attention and a positive environment. They will provide you with well-rounded training in policy analysis and health 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.
Affordability
Your graduate public health education is an investment in your future. We understand you must weigh the cost and benefits of your graduate education.
OSU’s MPH options are among the most reasonably priced in the Pacific Northwest.
We have reduced the tuition cost by nearly $4,000 to help address affordability and reduce barriers for the future of public health.
The Oregon State MPH participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program. You may be eligible to save about $8,000 in tuition over the course of the program.
Estimated costs
The MPH program is a 59-61 credit program that can be completed within 6 quarters on a full-time credit load (except for summer). Estimated costs for the whole program:
Resident
$31,591
Resident Tuition ($26,892)
+ Fees ($4,699)
Non-resident
$63,397
Non-resident Tuition ($58,698)
+ Fees ($4,699)
Western Regional Graduate Program
$45,037
WRGP Tuition ($40,338)
+ Fees ($4,699)
Tuition and fees estimates were calculated using the 23-24 academic year tuition and fees tables in combination with the tuition calculator. Please note, tuition and fees can change for the 24-25 academic year.
MPH curriculum and coursework
The Oregon State MPH Health Systems and Policy program requires 60 credit hours (about 40 semester credits), does not require a thesis and culminates with an integrative learning experience.
You’ll get hands-on experience, build professional contacts and learn from experts in the field as part of a required 200-hour professional internship. You’ll be guided along the way by a dedicated MPH internship coordinator. .
See which courses you'll take as a health systems and policy MPH student.
What you'll learn as an MPH student.
How you'll apply your knowledge.
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.
Health systems and policy career options
When you complete the health systems and policy graduate 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 questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions.
To talk about curriculum and life as an MPH student, contact MPH Administrative Director.
For academic or professional information specific to the Oregon State MPH health Systems and Policy program, please contact the MPH Program Director Jonathan Garcia, PhD
Accreditation
Our BS, MPH and PhD Public Health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. This distinction ensures your education meets the nationally-agreed-upon standards developed by public health academics and practitioners.