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Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)

Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Health Systems

OFFERED BY: DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HEALTH

Onsite | Full-Time | 1.5–2 years

About the MSPH in Health Systems Program

The Health Systems MSPH Program prepares students to take on leadership and management roles in health policy and planning, health financing and management, and monitoring and evaluation of health programs. Our graduates contribute to strengthening health systems through the implementation of equitable and cost-effective interventions for improving access, quality, and efficiency of health services for underserved populations.

This is a STEM designated program. Eligible F-1 visa students can receive an additional 24 months of work authorization, beyond the initial 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

MSPH in Health Systems Program Highlights

Students are trained in monitoring and evaluation of large-scale programs, health policy analysis, comparative health systems analysis, and implementation research. Students also receive a strong background in key areas such as primary health care, maternal and child health, and health financing.

Global Network

Practicum opportunities around the world

Health Equity

Study how to expand access and improve equity in low- and middle-income countries

Health Policy

Examine institutional capacity, sustainability, and systems governance

STEM Designated

Eligibility for a 24-month STEM OPT extension

Meet our MSPH alumni

Prianca Reddi, MSPH '20

"Overall this program broadened my understanding of the complexities and nuances that comprise a health system. Through the engaging classroom discussions, robust methods curriculum, and hands-on experiences of the program, I’ve learned skills that are needed to look at evidence and ask the right questions at the right time."

Current job title

Public Health Advisor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Job description

After graduating from the MSPH Health Systems program, I joined the CDC as a Presidential Management Fellow. I work within CDC’s Center for Global Health in the Division of Global Health Protection, focusing on strengthening surveillance and emergency response systems internationally.

Prianca Reddi

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Health Systems?

Alumni enjoy careers in academia, government and nongovernment sectors, and industry. Graduates become public health practitioners who provide technical assistance to public health researchers and public health managers in the design, implementation and evaluation of programs to address public health problems facing underserved populations in the US and abroad.

Organization Job Title

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Public Health Advisor

Clinton Health Access Initiative

Access to Medicines and Diagnostics Program Manager

Catholic Relief Services

Regional Technical Advisor for Health and HIV for West Africa

ORISE Research Fellow

Emergency Response and Recovery Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Innovations for Poverty Action

Research Coordinator in Tanzania

Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry at the Cambridge Health Alliance

Research Coordinator

Curriculum for the MSPH in Health Systems

The practicum experience and capstone paper allow students to apply the knowledge gained through academic coursework to solving pressing health problems and challenges in global health and to make meaningful contributions to the health of underserved populations. Students have the opportunity to work on faculty projects and to be placed within a number of organizations across the world, including the School’s wide array of international collaborators.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this master's 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.

Courses Available in the Following Areas:

  • Health policy and planning
  • Health financing and management,
  • Monitoring and evaluation of health programs
  • Primary health care
  • Maternal and child health
  • Injury prevention
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Humanitarian health
  • Gender, health equity, and social justice

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Prior Coursework 

Students should have a prior degree in biological or health sciences or, alternatively, in management or social science. Some prior international or health systems experience is highly desired. 

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Sara Bennett
Professor
International Health

Sara Bennett, PhD, MPhil, examines health policy and systems in low- and middle-income countries with a focus on institutional capacity, sustainability, and systems governance.

Abdulgafoor Bachani
Associate Professor
International Health

Abdulgafoor M. Bachani, PhD '11, MHS '08, studies how to address burden of and preventing injury and disabilities, and to expand access to rehabilitation services.

Ligia Paina
Assistant Professor
International Health

Ligia Paina, PhD '14, MHS '08, studies how to improve health systems policies and programs so they provide equitable, quality care and are responsive to poor and marginalized communities.

Bryan Patenaude
Associate Professor
International Health

Bryan Patenaude, ScD '17, MA, researches the sustainability, efficiency, and equity of public health programs and health systems in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Tuition and Funding

The Master’s Tuition Scholarship is available to students in good academic standing in a two-year, full-time master’s program. The MTS is a 75% reduction in tuition for year two of an eight-term program.

Contact Us

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Elisabeth Simmons, MEd
Academic Program Administrator
esimmo15@jhu.edu

Ligia Paina, PhD
Assistant Professor
MSPH in Health Systems Co-Concentration Director
lpaina@jhu.edu

Nukhba Zia, PhD
Assistant Scientist
MSPH in Health Systems Co-Concentration Director
nukhba.zia@jhu.edu

 

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