MS in Population Health Science

Population health science tells the whole story

The Master of Science in Population Health Science degree teaches students to examine information from multiple sources to discover how various social determinants impact the health of people. This population health framework provides a way to deeply understand health determinants and outcomes. With that insight, population health scientists can make meaningful recommendations to improve the lives of people who otherwise may not flourish.

Opportunities abound in an emerging field

A master’s degree in population health science provides a platform for job opportunities in health care, government, academics, research, and business. For students who plan to pursue doctoral degrees, the master's degree provides a solid academic background.

UMMC program distinctives

In the Master of Science program at the UMMC John D. Bower School of Population Health, students learn perspectives and skills from fields including demography, epidemiology, health behavior theory, and sociology. The program teaches students about the impact of health policy and community-based interventions to improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and improve health care systems. The program culminates with a capstone project that demonstrates a student’s application of required competencies.

Program coursework is offered 100% online.

Gain expertise in the science of population health

Mastery of population health requires the ability to look at and integrate various types of information. Graduates from our master’s program will:

• Understand fundamentals of population health science and its contribution to improving health and health care.
• Apply evidence-based approaches for learning, including the ability to:
  • Critique relevant literature, summarize evidence, and understand new information.
  • Analyze and interpret primary and secondary population-level data to reach valid conclusions about the health of populations.
  • Design appropriate research studies to identify clinical and non-clinical determinants of health, distribution of health outcomes, and health disparities.
  • Conduct community health needs assessments, including information about health status, multiple determinants of health, and community assets and resources.
• Develop effective communication skills.
• Design interventions to improve health outcomes for specific populations.

Course requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours to graduate from the program. All students must complete a directed research course and complete a capstone project.