Chapter 4
Health Policy and Management
Health Policy and Management (HPM) is a cornerstone of public health, focusing on the organization, financing and delivery of healthcare services as well as the policies impacting health. This field shapes policies and strategies that impact population health and ensures equitable access to care. By blending analytical skills, leadership training and a deep understanding of healthcare systems, HPM professionals lead initiatives to improve the quality, efficiency and affordability of healthcare worldwide.
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Health Policy and Management Careers Outlook
Health policy professionals can pursue careers such as:
- Health Policy Analyst: Develops and evaluates policies aimed at improving healthcare systems and public health outcomes.
- Healthcare Operations Manager: Manages the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities to ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery.
- Healthcare Consultant: Provides expert advice to healthcare organizations on improving operations, financial performance and patient care delivery.
Professionals in this field work in diverse settings, including hospitals, consulting firms, government agencies, insurance companies, technology firms, nonprofit organizations and international health organizations.
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Median Annual Salary
$110,680
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Employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 29% through 2033, much faster than the average for all relevant occupations. The average annual salary for professionals in this field is approximately $110,680, depending on the role, level of experience and geographic location.
Health Policy and Management Master’s Degrees at Columbia
At the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, students can pursue two distinct graduate programs in Health Policy and Management
The MPH in Health Policy and Management is designed for students interested in analyzing and addressing health policy issues. This program emphasizes policy development, economic and financial analysis and program evaluation. Graduates are equipped to lead public health initiatives, advocate for policy change and design strategies to improve healthcare systems.
The Master of Health Administration focuses on preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare management, the MHA program offers full-time, part-time and executive formats. Students engage in cohort-based learning, integrating coursework in organizational leadership, health policy, public health and healthcare systems. The competency-based curriculum builds skills in strategic thinking, financial analysis and organizational leadership, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals, government agencies, consulting, insurance and more.
The new MS in Health Economics and Policy offers advanced training in health economics, policy, and data science. The program equips students with quantitative tools and a deep understanding of health policy to address complex national and global health challenges through the lens of economics.
The Health Policy and Management Department also offers Executive MPH and MHA programs which are designed for mid-career executives. Whether you are aspiring to shape healthcare policy or lead healthcare organizations, you will acquire skills in data-driven decision-making, policy analysis, financial management and leadership.
Student Perspective
Penelope Milsom, MPH '14
Dr. Penelope Milsom’s time at the Columbia Mailman School deepened her focus on global health equity. The program’s emphasis on human rights and the mentorship of faculty such as Dr. Lynn Freedman and Dr. Peter Muennig helped her develop the skills to tackle health inequalities. After graduation, she contributed to health system restoration during Liberia’s Ebola epidemic and continues to advocate for equitable health policies globally.
Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH '06
Dr. Aletha Maybank, MPH '06, serves as Chief Health Equity Officer and Senior Vice President at the American Medical Association (AMA), where she leads the AMA’s Center for Health Equity. Prior to this role, she was the founding Deputy Commissioner for the NYC Department of Health’s Center for Health Equity. Her leadership in advancing health equity has been recognized nationally and internationally and she continues to advocate for structural change in public health.