Population Health, M.S.
School of Public Health
The Master of Science in Population Health program, offered by the WVU School of Public Health, prepares students for a variety of population-oriented leadership, clinical, and research-oriented positions in both healthcare and public health organizations. Population health is an interdisciplinary field of practice at the nexus of healthcare and public health.
Cost:
$894 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
12 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
One to three years
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admissions Term: Fall, Spring
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Make a Difference in the Health and Wellbeing of Others
- Healthcare leaders looking for ways to improve the impact and efficiency of their
organizations through more patient-centered, value-based and socially informed
care approaches.
- Clinical providers grappling with ways to improve health outcomes among those
they serve.
- Public health leaders looking for new tools to identify and address health issues
in their states and communities.
- Public health and health services researchers and scientists interested in outcomes-focused,
practice-based applications to improve health and well-being.
"They are flexible for one-on-one sessions to clarify any doubts about the material posted online. The lectures posted are very clear to understand, and you can access them 24/7 and go through them as many times as you want.
Shipra Gupta
Population Health M.S.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Population Health program will prepare you for a variety of population-oriented leadership, clinical, and research-oriented positions in both healthcare and public health organizations. The design of the curriculum will reflect the program’s belief that both healthcare and public health must take more broader and more intentional perspective of how to identify and address pressing health issues while working for the health of the public. This includes concepts and skills that cover social determinants of health, the nature and process of public health, population health analytics, and population health management, as well as an emphasis management and leadership skills. You will learn under a comprehensive, competency-driven curriculum constructed to address contemporary and emerging trends.
Meet the Faculty
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA while in the program.
Required Courses
- BIOS 501: Applied Biostatistics I, 3 credit hours
- BIOS 502: Applied Biostatistics Lab, 3 credit hours
- EPID 501: Epidemiology for Public Health, 3 credit hours
- HPML 523: Healthcare Finance, 3 credit hours
- PUBH 520: Building and Sustaining Public Health Capacity, 3 credit hours
- PUBH 540: Leading and Managing Health Organizations, 3 credit hours
- PUBH 541: Systems Thinking in Public Health Practice, 3 credit hours
- PUBH 604: Health Care Cultural Competence, 3 credit hours
- PUBH 684: Population Health Capstone, 3 credit hours
Electives (9 credits)
- PUBH 521: Public Health Prevention and Intervention, 3 credit hours
- PUBH 658: Public Mental Health, 3 credit hours
- HPML 502: U.S. Healthcare Organization and Delivery, 3 credit hours
- HPML 522: Introduction to Data Analytics for Health Administrators, 3 credit hours
- HPML 556: Managerial Epidemiology & Strategy, 3 credit hours
- HPML 575: Health Insurance & Revenue Cycle, 3 credit hours
- HPML 582: Managing Quality Improvement in Healthcare, 3 credit hours
- HPML 652: Professional Issues in Health Administration: Law and Ethics, 3 credit hours
Admissions Events
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Submit as soon as possible. Do not wait for SOPHAS to receive transcripts, recommendations, or test scores.
- Allow up to four weeks for SOPHAS to verify and process your application.
- Applications must be complete and verified by SOPHAS by the following deadlines:
- June 15 for Fall admission (April 15th for international applicants)
- November 20 for Spring admission (October 15th for international applicants)
- Upon acceptance from SOPHAS, students will receive correspondence from the WVU School of Public Health regarding their acceptance and instructions to complete the WVU Graduate application.
- All application information submitted to SOPHAS will be transferred directly to WVU Admissions
- Please note: There are both SOPHAS and WVU application fees.
- A statement of purpose and objectives
- Two letters of reference
- A current resume/curriculum vitae
- All university transcripts (SOPHAS requires original transcripts from ALL U.S. institutions attended, even study abroad)
- International students must submit English language proficiency test score(s).
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with an Admissions Coach
Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-6841 jessica.carr1@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
The Master of Science in Population Health program prepares students for a variety of population-oriented leadership, clinical, and research-oriented positions in both healthcare and public health organizations. Additionally, this program prepares graduates for employment and advancement opportunities in the following sectors:
Career Paths
- Hospital and Health Care Systems
- Non-Profit Community Health Organizations
- Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies
- Assisted Care Facilities (e.g., Nursing Homes)