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Health Services Policy and Management, Ph.D.

Arnold School of Public Health

Use research to answer hard questions and improve health care for all. Join a program committed to increasing the quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of health services and health systems.

As inequities in access to high-quality care persist and health outcomes remain suboptimal, there has never been a better or more important time to pursue a doctoral degree in health services policy and management. Join projects at three research centers either led or co-led by health services and policy management faculty members.

Program Highlights

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    Apprentice-Based Program

    Pair with one of our nationally known faculty members, and work with them on research projects from day one.

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    Financial Assistance

    Receive two full years of tuition, fees and health insurance assistance as well as a generous stipend for living expenses.

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    Special Guests

    Learn from national and international health policy and health services research leaders in our weekly seminar.

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    Marketable Skills

    Train in professional development, and hit the ground running in a career in academia, government or industry.

What You’ll Study

Study quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in health equity, data science or health outcomes, policy and economics. Develop and write compelling grants. Faculty members have expertise in rural health, substance abuse policy, telehealth, Medicare and Medicaid policy, infectious diseases, primary care, hospital-based care and much more.

Program WebsiteDegree DetailsAdmissions Info

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

    Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

    Research

    Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

  • Scientific Writing

    Communicating scientific research and findings in a clear, accurate and compelling manner

    Evaluate Policies

    Examining their impact and effectiveness in achieving specific goals or objectives

    Presentation Skills

    Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade or inspire

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Faculty Member
  • Researcher

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Associate Professor
  • Assistant Professor
  • Program Director
  • Department Chair
  • Senior Clinical Specialist

Workplace Settings

  • Academia
  • Government
  • Research Organizations
  • Insurance
  • Business
  • Pharmaceuticals

Employers of Alumni

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Emory University
  • University of Florida
  • Baylor University
  • S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control

Once I started to become more acquainted with my new department, I realized how incredibly fortunate I was to have the opportunity to pursue my degree with the Arnold School of Public Health.

Sophia Negaro
Portrait of Sophia Negaro

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