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Why should I study Population Health?

By Charlene Lattea, WVU Online | Thursday, February 23, 2023

Population Health Program

WVU’s Master of Science in Population Health program is now certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, making it one of five inaugural programs in the country—and the only program in West Virginia—to be CAHME-certified in population health management.

The MS in Population Health will prepare you for a variety of population-oriented leadership, clinical, and research-oriented positions in both healthcare and public health organizations.

The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education is the accrediting body for graduate programs in healthcare management in the United States and Canada.

CAHME-certified programs must meet core criteria while demonstrating a commitment to work with industry executives to create accreditation standards that will enable students to be better prepared to lead in this interdisciplinary field of practice, that is at the nexus of healthcare and public health.

What is Population Health?

The Population Health degree is designed to equip clinical and public health professionals with the skills to identify and address population-level problems.

This field works to integrate both healthcare and public health practices to address critical health issues that affect target populations and to make significant impacts in the health and well-being of those populations.

What is unique about the WVU Online Population Health program?

WVU’s fully online Population Health MS program was established in 2021 and is housed within the WVU School of Public Health.

Erik Carlton, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs, says earning the CAHME certification designation marks a significant milestone for the school.

"As one of the inaugural programs and founding members, we are not only leading the nation, but will be at the heart of efforts to establish formal accreditation criteria for other population health programs."

Why is CAHME certification important?

Steve Davis, director of the M.S. in Population Health program and associate professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management and Leadership, sees this recognition as an important marker in the program’s growth.

"We seek to transform healthcare in West Virginia and beyond by improving the health of groups within society," Davis said. "Earning CAHME certification ensures quality in our program and essentially provides affirmation that we’re doing things right. It is also a reflection of our commitment to preparing exceptional leaders in a rapidly growing field."

How can I apply to the Population Health program?

All students pay in-state tuition rates for the M.S. in Population Health degree. The program is totally online and can be completed in as a little as one year.

Applications are currently being accepted for the fall 2024 term.

Learn more about the M.S. in Population Health.

Talk to Jessica Carr, your Online Admissions Coach.

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