Population Health Management, MS

Purposes

The Master of Science in Population Health Management prepares students to be advanced practitioners in the emerging field of Population Health Management. Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Analyze community and individual factors that influence health.
2. Develop innovative approaches and interventions to improve health outcomes.
3. Develop effective practice that reduces healthcare costs.

Admission Requirements

For full admission, the following must be met.

1. A completed health or science-related degree. The health and science related degrees could include Health Sciences, Human Sciences, Psychology, Physiology, Biology, Social Sciences, Kinesiology, Health Systems Management, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Social Work or related studies.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work.
3. Completion of prerequisite courses with evidence of academic study and/ or acquired knowledge of:
   1. Medical terminology
   2. Research methods
   3. Statistics
   4. A course in human disease and/or pathophysiology.
4. A one-page letter of intent detailing your interest in Population Health Management.
5. Two letters of recommendation.

Requirements for Degree Program Retention and Progression

Students enrolled in the program will be required to complete all coursework, earning no less than a “B” in all courses; and earning a passing score on their capstone project.

Requirements for Program Retention and Progression

1. A student must earn a “B” in each course in the program to be eligible for progression.
2. A student who earns a grade below a “B” will be placed on probation and must repeat the course and earn at least a “B.” If a grade below a “B” is earned in the subsequent course, the student may be dismissed from the program.
3. A student who earns more than two grades of “W” in the program is not eligible for progression. A student may appeal progression for extenuating circumstances. “W” grades received as a result of an approved resignation from the University are not included in this calculation.
4. A student who earns a “D” or “F” in any course taken for graduate credit may be ineligible for further graduate work. A student who earns a “D” or “F” because of extenuating, nonacademic circumstances may appeal for readmission.
5. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences reserves the right to investigate situations which may affect the student’s ability to function. In addition, a physician’s release may be required. Students who have health conditions that may prevent their meeting the objectives of the program or a course in the program or that may cause potential injury to the student or the patients for whom they care, will be required to have a personal interview with the Department Head or Dean or with an appropriate College of Nursing and Health Sciences committee.
6. Drug testing will be required prior to enrollment in the capstone course.
7. Federal background check will be required prior to enrollment in the capstone course.
8. Students enrolled in the capstone course are required to meet other agency requirements.

Program Application Admission Deadlines

For Fall Admission, all application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator no later than June 30. For Spring Admission, all application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator no later than November 1. Upon evaluation of application materials, qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. Interviews may be on campus or held via video conferencing.

Admission Notification

Admission to the Population Health Management program is selective and requires a favorable evaluation by the Population Health Management Program Admissions Committee. Within two weeks after participation in the program admission interview, applicants will be notified that they are either accepted or not accepted for admission.

Curriculum

There are two paths students may choose from: Accelerated path or Traditional path. The Accelerated path may be completed in one year and will require full-time enrollment during the regular semesters along with summer and intersessions. The Traditional path may be completed in two years.

Traditional Path

Students on the traditional path have some flexibility in scheduling courses and will work with the graduate advisor to design their degree path.

Students on the traditional path are required to take two courses per semester along with an intersession elective. Students are required to take a second research class and complete a capstone project to consolidate their learning during the final two semesters of their program. Students will complete 35 hours in total for their program.