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
Get the information you need to take the next step. Explore our programs, admissions details, and student resources—or reach out using the form below, and we’ll connect with you soon.
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.”
Give a gift
Support the Department of Health Management and Policy with a gift to our Education and Research Fund
HMP News
Julie Lee studies public perceptions of public health and health care
When Julie Lee, assistant professor of health management and policy in the College of Public Health and CSSI researcher affiliate, entered her role two years ago, she had questions about how public health fits within the broader healthcare system. Today, that initial curiosity has inspired her to survey the public about their understanding and support of the field.
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VIDEO: Spring Commencement Highlights
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College names 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients
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Giving back with gratitude: HMP alumni Steve Birchard and Marsha Miller-Birchard
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Sharma discusses impacts of nursing home and hospital closures on Iowa’s economy
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New study finds older farmers with dementia face higher risk of serious injuries
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.
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.
Rural Policy Research Institute
Conducts research and analysis on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural America.
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.