This program focuses on the exploration of health policy in relation to equity and international perspectives. The MA and PhD in Health will stress the achievement of equity in health through policies that are directed at the social causes of inequity in health and the organization and delivery of health care.

MA Program

The MA program examines health policy and equity with emphasis on how societal economic, political, and social structures and processes influence health. Attention is given to how public policy shapes the a) social inequalities that cause disease and b) the organization and delivery of care. The program is critical social science-oriented and draws upon various disciplines including educational theory, health studies, political economy, philosophy, political science, law, psychology and sociology, among others.

The graduate students are offered opportunities to closely interact with faculty and peers through coursework, comprehensive research paper, and other practical experiences through community partnerships. We support and encourage our students to attend academic conferences and share their work through peer-reviewed publications. The Health Graduate Student Association and other groups at the university offer opportunities for engagement, networking and learning from peers, scholars and guest speakers.

PhD Program

The PhD program offers comprehensive curriculum covering major scholarly perspectives in health policy and equity. The doctoral program is structured to encourage advanced research and new scholarship along with opportunities to contribute in advancing the scholarly field of health policy and equity.

The doctoral students closely interact with our interdisciplinary faculty and complete their comprehensive exam and dissertation. We support and encourage our students to attend academic conferences and share their work through peer-reviewed publications. The Health Graduate Student Association and other groups at the university offer opportunities for engagement, networking and learning from peers, scholars and guest speakers.