Health Promotion and Policy

The Health Promotion and Policy program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is designed to prepare students for impactful careers in public health, emphasizing the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies that promote health and well-being across diverse populations. This interdisciplinary program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates principles from epidemiology, behavioral sciences, environmental health, and health policy to address complex health challenges faced by communities today. Students will gain a solid understanding of the social determinants of health, health disparities, and the critical role of policy-making in shaping effective health interventions. The program combines theoretical coursework with practical experiences, including internships, research projects, and community engagement initiatives, to ensure graduates are well-equipped to contribute to health promotion efforts at local, national, and global levels. Faculty members are actively involved in research that influences public health policy and practice, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge studies. The program also emphasizes the development of leadership skills, cultural competence, and the ability to analyze and communicate health data effectively. Graduates of the Health Promotion and Policy program often pursue careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and academic research, working to create healthier environments and policies that support lifelong healthy behaviors. With a focus on evidence-based strategies and a commitment to health equity, this program aims to prepare students to be innovative leaders in the field of public health who can advocate for policies that improve health outcomes and reduce disparities worldwide.

his degree program offers experienced health workers an opportunity to complete a course of study that leads to a professional degree. Working health professionals expand their knowledge base in public health, extend and sharpen their professional skills, broaden their perspective on public health problems, and prepare to assume greater professional responsibility.

The basic requirement of the M.P.H. degree is the completion of a minimum of 42 credits of academic work depending upon area of concentration, and practice experience. Candidates may enroll either full time, in which case they should be able to complete degree requirements in three semesters and an intervening summer, or part time, in which case they are expected to complete degree requirements within three years of matriculation.

Community Health Education

The total number of credits required for graduation is 42, 15 of which must be earned in Public Health core courses (PUBHLTH 540, 565, 601, 620, 630), 15 credits earned in Community Health Education core courses (PUBHLTH 690SJ, 602, 603, 608, 622, 704), 3 credits for the practicum experience, 3 credits for a culminating experience, which is fulfilled by completing an M.P.H. project; and 6 credits from elective courses.

Health Policy and Management

The total number of credits required for graduation is 42, 15 of which must be earned in Public Health core courses (PUBHLTH 540, 565, 601, 620, 630), 3 credits for the practicum experience, 3 credits for culminating experience, which is fulfilled by completing a M.P.H. project; and 21 credits from Health Policy and Management courses. The courses in Health Policy and Management have been classified under three content areas: Health Care Management and Administration (PUBHLTH 525, 621, 628, 691G, 780), Health Policy (PUBHLTH 524, 525, 580, 614, 629, 630, 726, 780), and Health Services Research (PUBHLTH 608, 622, 624, 628, 640, 704, 726). The remaining credits may be earned through a combination of elective courses, practicum experience, and M.P.H. project (or other culminating experience).

All M.P.H. students are required to complete a practicum as part of their degree requirements. Practice experiences may be paid or unpaid. Culminating experience options include one or more of the following: a capstone course, an M.P.H. project or a comprehensive examination.

Courses

• 507 Violence as a Public Health Issue505 Current Issues in Health Education
• 524 Introduction to Health Politics and Policy
• 525 Ethical Issues in Health
• 580 Comparative Health Systems
• 582 Women’s Health and Family Planning
• 583 Global Health
• 601 Application of Social and Behavioral Theories in Public Health Interventions
• 602 Community Development and Health Education
• 603 Principles of Group Dynamics in Public Health
• 608 Communication Theory Applied to Health Education
• 615 Politics of HIV/AIDS
• 620 Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System
• 621 Health Care Organization and Administration
• 622 Program Evaluation in Health Administration
• 624 Research Methods in Health Services Administration
• 625 Hospital Administration
• 627 Long Term Care, Policy and Management
• 628 Financial Management of Health Institutions
• 629 Politics of Tobacco Control in the United States
• 696D Special Problems in Public Health
• 699 Master’s Thesis (M.S. candidates only)
• 702 Advanced Methods in Health Education
• 704 Planning in Community Health Education
• 708 Research Methods in Community Health Education
• 722 Managed Care Planning
• 726 Health Economics and Reimbursement
• 780 Public Health Law

• A completed Application Form.
• The cost for a SOPHAS application is $135 for the first school or program you apply to. Any additional schools or programs you choose to apply to will cost $50 per designation, even if you submit those schools or programs later in the application cycle.
• International Student Sponsor Statement is required of all international students.
• One official transcript from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where (nine) 9 or more credits were taken are required. If they are not mailed directly from the college/university, they should be enclosed in sealed envelopes signed by the college/university.  If the official transcripts and/or degree certificate(s) are not in English, notarized English language translations in duplicate must accompany them. Do not list colleges/universities where (eight) 8 or fewer credits were taken.
• Letters of recommendation (academic references) from two (2) professors or instructors who have taught you in courses in the field you are applying to here. After submission of the electronic application, we will send an email to each referee giving them instructions on how to electronically deliver the recommendation to the Graduate School. All recommendations will be considered confidential unless the applicant doesn't waive his/her right of access.
• Scores from the following standard examinations:
  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination)-General Test required by nearly all graduate programs - (refer to Degrees and Programs Offered)
  • GRE SUBJECT TEST (not a universal requirement-refer to the Programspage for those programs requiring a Subject Test)
  • GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)-for graduate applicants to Management, Hospitality & Tourism Management, and Sport Management


  • English Language Test: Either TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)-only the academic version of test is accepted, or PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

Scholarships

• Department-Based Scholarships and Fellowships
• Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships
• SPHHS International Travel Research Award

The Health Promotion and Policy program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers students a comprehensive education focused on improving health outcomes through evidence-based policy, community engagement, and health education strategies. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in public health, policy development, community health work, and health education. Students gain an understanding of the social determinants of health, health disparities, and the ways in which policies can influence health behaviors and outcomes. The curriculum incorporates coursework in epidemiology, health behavior, health policy analysis, program planning and evaluation, and research methods. Practical experience is emphasized through internships, community projects, and fieldwork opportunities, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, engaging students with faculty from public health, social work, and policy disciplines. Graduates from the program are equipped to work in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and research institutions, contributing to the development and implementation of health initiatives that promote health equity and improve population health. The university's location and connections facilitate access to diverse health communities and policy environments, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and a broad perspective on health promotion strategies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and ethical considerations in health policy and practice, preparing students to become effective advocates and change-makers in the field of public health.