COURSE CURRICULUM

The Health Policy and Management Master of Public Health (MPH) program at University at Albany (UAlbany) provides a comprehensive and career-focused curriculum designed to develop expertise in public health systems, policy analysis, and organizational leadership. The program begins with core courses that build a strong foundation in essential public health areas, including biological and environmental health, epidemiology, statistical inference, healthcare organization and financing, and social and behavioral aspects of health. These courses ensure that students understand how population health is influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors, as well as how healthcare systems operate. Building on this foundation, the program offers specialized training in health policy and management through courses such as health policy analysis, principles of health organization management, strategy and leadership applications, financial management of healthcare institutions, and economic evaluation in healthcare. Students also develop strong analytical skills through advanced statistical and quantitative coursework, enabling them to assess program effectiveness and support evidence-based decision-making. Electives provide flexibility to explore specific interests, while the Integrative Learning Experience requires students to produce a high-quality written project that demonstrates the ability to synthesize and apply their knowledge. A key feature of the program is the requirement to complete internships in at least two different professional settings, such as health departments, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations, where students gain hands-on experience addressing real-world issues like health equity, healthcare access, food insecurity, and system performance. These practical experiences often lead to professional opportunities and help students build strong networks. Overall, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare administration, policy development, and public health organizations, equipping them with the skills to manage change, engage stakeholders, and improve health outcomes at the community and population levels.