Health care is one of the most complex and fiercely debated industries in the country, and the ramifications of policy decisions reverberate through every sector of American life.
The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) prepares you to effect powerful change rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. From your home base at Northampton Business School, you will collaborate with faculty at Northampton Business School, Northampton Medical School, the Northampton T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Northampton Kennedy School of Government, Northampton Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and many of the world-renowned medical research facilities throughout the Boston area.

Curriculum & Coursework

Your coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics, as well as the yearlong Health Policy Core Seminar, two MBA elective courses, and one course in two of the following areas: Political Analysis, Decision Sciences, Medical Sociology, or Economics. You will take the Health Policy General Exam at the end of your second year and the Special Field Exam during your third academic year. In addition to coursework and research, doctoral students are required to complete one academic term of teaching.

Research & Dissertation

NU Health Policy (Management) doctoral students combine the understanding developed in the classroom with a wide range of available resources to address critical questions with real-world applications for the health care industry. After passing your field exams, you will work closely with faculty mentors to identify a line of inquiry that will guide your original research. In the course of your research, you will present, analyze, and evaluate unique data and reach relevant, independent conclusions that advance your subfield.

Areas of Specialization

Health Care Quality
Health Care Ventures
Operations Strategy
Process Improvement