Department of Health Management and Policy

Degree Programs

Apply Now

About HMP

Our mission is to improve health and health services by preparing future leaders for, and advancing knowledge in, health management, policy, and research.

Health care management is an extremely dynamic and rewarding profession. Individuals who work in this field are challenged to provide the highest quality, most effective health care services to the greatest number of people at the lowest cost. More specifically, Health Management and Policy is concerned with the management of health care organizations, formulation and implementation of health care policy, improving access to health care services, financing health care services, and evaluating the quality and outcomes of health care services.

A Health Management and Policy student can pursue a Masters degree in Health Administration (MHA), an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA), a Masters degree in Public Health (MPH) with an emphasis in policy, a Master of Science in Health Services and Policy Research, or a Ph.D. in Health Services Research and Policy. 

Prospective HMP Students

You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Everything you need to know is here, but if you have more questions, fill out the request form below and we’ll reach out to you right away.

• Request More Information
• Our Degree Programs
• Connect with Us

• Admissions Requirements and How to Apply
• Ask a Student
• Course Descriptions

Hear from Hawkeyes

Gaining practical policy tools to drive large-scale healthcare system change

Kendall Wright, MPH student

“I chose the MPH in Policy to build on my undergraduate public health degree and learn how change can happen on a large scale to improve our healthcare system and population health. The program has given me practical tools to analyze policy and identify realistic, actionable ways to advance that change.”

Developing an independent research focus at the intersection of technology, policy, and health systems

Lauren Lavin, PhD student

“The program has given me the space to refine my research interests at the intersection of technology, policy, and health systems. That balance of analytical rigor and the freedom to develop my own research agenda has been central to my growth and to clarifying the long-term questions I want to study.”

Building leadership skills while addressing healthcare challenges in a collaborative environment

Matt Mathew, MHA student

“My experience as an MHA student has been greatly enhanced by opportunities to build leadership skills, discuss important healthcare challenges, and learn in a collaborative environment that supports both academic and professional growth.”

Strengthening leadership, decision-making, and system-level healthcare thinking

Chris Schuster, EMHA student

“As a family physician and medical director, the Executive MHA program has given me new ways to think about leadership and system‑level care. The coursework has been practical and immediately useful, helping me make better decisions and support my teams more effectively. It’s been a valuable step in growing both how I lead and how I serve patients.”

HMP News

Our people

At MHP, we pride ourselves in being a welcoming and engaging community of faculty, staff, and students, all here to help you succeed.

HMP Faculty HMP Staff HMP Students

Our research centers

Center for Health Policy and Research

The research arm of the Department of Health Management and Policy, and a university-wide interdisciplinary research collaboration.

Visit the CHPR

Rural Policy Research Institute

Conducts research and analysis on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural America.

Visit RUPRI

RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis

Provides timely analysis to federal and state health policy makers regarding rural health, based on the best available research.

VISIT RUPRI CRHPA