Health Policy
PhD in Public Health Concentration
Corvallis campus
Improve public health at a systems level
PhD in Public Health – Health Policy
Making change happen in Washington — or the board room — begins here.
In Oregon State’s PhD in Public Health – Health Policy program you’ll hone the critical thinking and analytical skills required in a data-driven health care system.
You’ll learn analytic tools for understanding the complex effects policy has on health, health care markets and the community, as well as managerial tools for effectively implementing policy changes.
You’ll also benefit from a small student-to-faculty ratio and have the opportunity to collaborate on a research project.
Our public health programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s best graduate programs for 2025.
Health policy research
Our faculty are researchers and influencers. Their areas of expertise include:
- Health care delivery and financing
- Accountable care models
- Health economics; cost and cost-effectiveness analysis methods
- Mental health and substance abuse policies
- Long-term care
- Health and health care disparities
- Health care access
- Quality measurement
Estimated costs
The Public Health PhD program is a 109-credit program that can be completed within 4-5 years on a full-time credit load (except for summer).
The estimated costs for the program are broken down as follows:
Resident costs for years 1-3
$15,795 per year
Resident Tuition ($13,446)
+ Fees ($2,349)
Each additional year after 3
$6,832 per year
Resident Tuition ($4,482)
+ Fees ($2,349)
Non-resident costs for years 1-3
$31,698 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($29,349)
+ Fees ($2,349)
Each additional year after 3
$12,132 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($9,783)
+ Fees ($2,349)
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.
Health policy research in action
Public health experts find severe crisis among Oregon health care workforce
The report, created by public health faculty and a doctoral student, provide recommendations on how to meet the needs of the health care workforce, patients and communities throughout Oregon and eliminate health inequities. Learn more.
More research examples:
- The Coast to Forest project engages communities in solution-building for educational, preventive and systems-level approaches to the opioid and mental health crisis.
- The State of Nursing Facilities in Oregon project produces an annual report that informs stakeholders, the Legislature and the public about skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Oregon.
Your experience as a PhD in health policy student
Get information about assistantships, your investment and more.
We’re here to help
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions.
For academic or professional information specific to the environmental and occupational health doctoral program, please contact Program Director Molly Kile, ScD
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.