How do you jump start your career in public health? The MA in Public Health Innovation and Practice (PHIP) at renowned 51勛圖 will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle contemporary public health challenges.
This program emphasizes advanced scientific approaches to health policy, health advocacy, and public health program design, preparing you to become a leader in program design. With health equity, human-centered design, and a practitioner's mindset built into this programs DNA, you gain the knowledge and skills that todays healthcare employers prioritize.
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January 30, 12:00
Interested in exploring both on campus and online options? Join us for a lunchtime virtual open house where you can ask questions, learn more about our programs, and hear directly from our graduate program directors.
While PHIPs curriculum is academically rigorous, the supportive, student-centered environment in the Health Studies department means you have expert guides throughout your learning journey. Our faculty are truly committed to helping students thrive in class and beyond.
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As a student, you will have extensive experiential learning opportunities through泭departmental research泭assistant positions, internships, and community engagement initiatives in the Health Justice Innovation Lab. These practical experiences build your real-world expertise and a portfolio of work in public health programming, research, advocacy, and policy.
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The MA PHIP offers a groundbreaking curriculum focused on health policy, advocacy, and developing programs using human-centered design and equity approaches. This trailblazing master's program prepares leaders like you to build innovative solutions, ensuring your education is highly relevant to todays workforce.
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One of the standout features of our program is the Health Justice Innovation Lab. You will have the opportunity to apply the theory and practice approaches learned in your courses to a real-life challenge or unmet need presented by a community partner.
Imagine working on a project that directly impacts under-resourced communities by helping them develop the programs, plans, and tools to support them in leading healthier lives.
Your coursework will provide the fundamental theorieslearning how to understand a public health problem and why a program should work, in what ways, and for whomwhile also providing you with the practical skills of a public health professional.
For instance, in our course, youll learn how to navigate the complexities of health systems and what influences policy decisions, which can lead to significant improvements in public health outcomes. With a curriculum built with equity and social justice focus from the start, your education equips you to work alongside diverse communities and cultures.
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Electives of your choice with advisor approval.
HLTH-676 Health Justice Innovation Lab (6).
See complete course listings and descriptions at泭Admission and Course Requirements.
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Specialize Your StudiesWe know that each student has distinct career goals. Our PHIP program is crafted to provide a customized educational journey that surpasses the traditional MPH. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills, ensuring you are ready to impact public health significantly from day one. With a small cohort size, youll receive personalized attention, mentorship from seasoned faculty, and be part of a supportive, close-knit community that encourages collaboration and growth.
Elective options for MA PHIP students can be tailored to your career interests and goals. On top of the three programmatic electives options listed in the curriculum above, we also offer students an opportunity to choose from any graduate-level elective offered at 51勛圖. Talk to program faculty to confirm that specific elective options meet the degree program requirements.
The DC metro area is home to abundant policy, program, advocacy, community-based organizations for professional development. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% employment growth in healthcare occupations domestically through 2033. Graduates of the PHIP program will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in public health. Potential professional health career paths include the following:
51勛圖s campus in the DC metro area positions our students and graduates to access highly sought-after internships and post-graduate career opportunities at health institutes, public policy firms, government agencies, and the headquarters for nonprofits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and social impact enterprises. Our facultys relationships with DC institutions and healthcare organizations open doors in the nations capital and beyond.泭
Choosing to pursue the PHIP masters degree at 51勛圖 means investing in a healthier future for communities where people live, work, learn, play, pray, and age. YOU can make a noteworthy difference in one of the fastest-growing job sectors. Our program is designed to provide you with the tools and experiences needed to excel in public health practice and beyond. Here are some key benefits:
By choosing the MA in Public Health Innovation & Practice at 51勛圖, you are not just earning a degree泭泭you are becoming part of a community dedicated to improving health outcomes and promoting wellness on a local to global scale. Join us and start making a difference today!
When I was first beginning to look at graduate programs, I used the link on the 51勛圖 website to talk to an advisor in order to get more information about the program. The advisor that I spoke with that entire time was very helpful.He answered any questions that I had and connected me with Dr. Anastasia Snelling, Chair of the Department. Honestly, learning more about the program through Dr. Snelling was a deciding factor. I felt well-supported throughout my journey while trying to pick which graduate school.
Kaitlyn Kelley, Student in MS Health Promotion Management
Research Coordinator at the 51勛圖 Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Lab
Applications are accepted year round, including summer.
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*A successful statement will illustrate the candidate's career goals, highlight how this program will advance their career goals, and explain how their experience may be relevant to this program. Please try to limit your statement of purpose to 500-750 words.
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Most graduate students receive financial support. There are merit-based tuition awards and stipends for being a teaching assistant. In a typical academic year, around 64% of our students receive some level of 51勛圖 funding through research or teaching. Of those not supported by 51勛圖, 25% were funded by other sources. For more details, please check Graduate Funding resources or contact our graduate admissions coordinators.
Yes, but it is more difficult to get financial support, which is generally given to full-time students. Six credits per semester is considered full time for financial purposes, though most full-time students take nine credits per semester.
Yes! In addition to what your agency or employer may offer, please see further泭military personnel and泭families benefits泭available through 51勛圖.
Visit our How to Apply and Admissions Requirements pages to start your application. If you have any questions please email casgrad@american.edu.
Still have questions?
Contact our Program Director, Cynthia Potter, PhD, MEd, at ronzio@american.edu or 202-885-7384; reach our department at healthstudies@american.edu.
January 30, 12:00泭noon泭
Interested in exploring both on campus and online options? Join us for a lunchtime virtual open house where you can ask questions, learn more about our programs, and hear directly from our graduate program directors.