You are here: Â鶹ÊÓƵ College of Arts & Sciences Health Studies MA Public Health Innovation & Practice

Back to top

MA Public Health Innovation and Practice

Large group of Â鶹ÊÓƵ students and faculty smiling in celebration.

How do you jump start your career in public health? The MA in Public Health Innovation and Practice (PHIP) at renowned Â鶹ÊÓƵ will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle contemporary public health challenges.

This program emphasizes advanced scientific approaches to health policy, health advocacy, and public health program design, preparing you to become a leader in program design. With health equity, human-centered design, and a practitioner's mindset built into this program’s DNA, you gain the knowledge and skills that today’s healthcare employers prioritize.
Request InfoÌýÌýÌýÌýHow to Apply

  • Mode of Study
    On campus.
  • Time to Complete
    4 semesters full time, or your own part-time pace.
  • Requirements
    10 courses / 30 credits.
  • Course Scheduling
    Most classes at 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuition and Funding
    $2000 per credit.ÌýAll applicants automatically considered for merit scholarships; visitÌýTuition and Funding.
  • Admissions
    Start in Fall or Spring.ÌýNo health/science background or GRE scoresÌýrequired; visit Admission and Requirements.
  • Questions?
    Contact Program Director, Dr. Cynthia Potter:
    ronzio@american.edu or 202-885-7384.

Department Culture

While PHIP’s curriculum is academically rigorous, the supportive, student-centered environment in the Health Studies department means you have expert guides throughout your learning journey. Our faculty are truly committed to helping students thrive in class and beyond.

Faculty Expertise

As a student, you will have extensive experiential learning opportunities through departmental research assistant positions, internships, and community engagement initiatives in the Health Justice Innovation Lab. These practical experiences build your real-world expertise and a portfolio of work in public health programming, research, advocacy, and policy.

FirstÌýin the Field

The MA PHIP offers a groundbreaking curriculum focused on health policy, advocacy, and developing programs using human-centered design and equity approaches. This trailblazing master's program prepares leaders like you to build innovative solutions, ensuring your education is highly relevant to today’s workforce.

Health Justice Innovation Lab

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Center for Innovation in DMTI.

One of the standout features of our program is the Health Justice Innovation Lab. You will have the opportunity to apply the theory and practice approaches learned in your courses to a real-life challenge or unmet need presented by a community partner.

  • The Innovation Lab runs over two semesters.
  • Your cohort will work together with community partners and clients on projects for new ventures, programs, or policies addressing a current public health problem. Each cohort’s focus and lnnovation Lab is unique.
  • A semester-long course on design thinking and theory will prepare you for this hands-on experience. During the lab, you will receive mentoring and support from faculty and collaborating community/institution partners.

Imagine working on a project that directly impacts under-resourced communities by helping them develop the programs, plans, and tools to support them in leading healthier lives.

Students collaborating at a whiteboard.

CurriculumUpgrade Your Career with the MA in Public Health Innovation & Practice

Your coursework will provide the fundamental theories—learning how to understand a public health problem and why a program should work, in what ways, and for whom—while also providing you with the practical skills of a public health professional.

For instance, in our course, you’ll learn how to navigate the complexities of health systems and what influences policy decisions, which can lead to significant improvements in public health outcomes. With a curriculum built with equity and social justice focus from the start, your education equips you to work alongside diverse communities and cultures.
Ìý

Core (21 credit hours)

  • HLTH-606 Foundations of Public Health and Health Equity (3).
  • HLTH-616 Design Thinking for Public Health (3).
  • HLTH-636 Strategies for Public Health Policy and Advocacy (3).
  • HLTH-641 Health Communication (3).
  • HLTH-651 Programming for Health Promotion (3).
  • HLTH-656 Social Epidemiology (3).
  • HLTH-681 Research Methodology (3).

Elective (3 credit hours)

Electives of your choice with advisor approval.

Practicum (6 credit hours)

HLTH-676 Health Justice Innovation Lab (6).

See complete course listings and descriptions atÌýAdmission and Course Requirements.
Ìý

Classroom with faculty, students, and largescreen projection of drinking water disinfection material.Specialize Your Studies

We know that each student has distinct career goals. Our PHIP program is crafted to provide a customized educational journey that surpasses the traditional MPH. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills, ensuring you are ready to impact public health significantly from day one. With a small cohort size, you’ll receive personalized attention, mentorship from seasoned faculty, and be part of a supportive, close-knit community that encourages collaboration and growth.

Electives Outside the Box

Elective options for MA PHIP students can be tailored to your career interests and goals. On top of the three programmatic electives options listed in the curriculum above, we also offer students an opportunity to choose from any graduate-level elective offered at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Talk to program faculty to confirm that specific elective options meet the degree program requirements.

Career Outlook & DC Career Pathways

The DC metro area is home to abundant policy, program, advocacy, community-based organizations for professional development. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% employment growth in healthcare occupations domestically through 2033. Graduates of the PHIP program will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in public health. Potential professional health career paths include the following:

  • Public Health Analyst: Working with government agencies to develop and implement health policies.
  • Health Promotion Specialist: Designing and managing programs that encourage healthy lifestyles for communities.
  • Social Epidemiologist: Studying the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations.
  • Health Policy Analyst or Advisor: Evaluating programs and policies and recommending programs that improve health results on a large scale.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s campus in the DC metro area positions our students and graduates to access highly sought-after internships and post-graduate career opportunities at health institutes, public policy firms, government agencies, and the headquarters for nonprofits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and social impact enterprises. Our faculty’s relationships with DC institutions and healthcare organizations open doors in the nation’s capital and beyond.Ìý

Why Choose Public Health Innovation & Practice at Â鶹ÊÓƵ?

5 Â鶹ÊÓƵ health students presenting to panel of CASE competition judges.

Choosing to pursue the PHIP master’s degree at Â鶹ÊÓƵ means investing in a healthier future for communities where people live, work, learn, play, pray, and age. YOU can make a noteworthy difference in one of the fastest-growing job sectors. Our program is designed to provide you with the tools and experiences needed to excel in public health practice and beyond. Here are some key benefits:

  • Comprehensive Education: Our curriculum covers a range of topics, ensuring you receive a well-rounded yet innovative education in public health policy, health advocacy, and health program design. This prepares you for diverse career opportunities in the health sector.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced faculty members who are leaders in health equity, public health practice, and human-centered design. Their expertise and mentorship will guide you through your academic journey.
  • Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience through internships, practicums, and research projects. These opportunities allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings, making you a competitive candidate in the job market.
  • Strong Network: Join a community of passionate students, Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumni, and professionals. Our network offers valuable connections and support, helping you to succeed in your career and make a difference in the field of public health.
  • Applied Learning: Our program emphasizes applied learning, ensuring that you not only understand theoretical concepts but also know how to implement them effectively in real-world scenarios.
  • Accessible Learning Options: With evening classes, you don’t have to quit your day job to level up your career with the best master’s program for your specific career goals.Ìý

By choosing the MA in Public Health Innovation & Practice at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, you are not just earning a degreeÌý—Ìýyou are becoming part of a community dedicated to improving health outcomes and promoting wellness on a local to global scale. Join us and start making a difference today!

Kaitlyn Kelley.“When I was first beginning to look at graduate programs, I used the link on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ website to talk to an advisor in order to get more information about the program. The advisor that I spoke with that entire time was very helpful….He answered any questions that I had and connected me with Dr. Anastasia Snelling, Chair of the Department. Honestly, learning more about the program through Dr. Snelling was a deciding factor. I felt well-supported throughout my journey while trying to pick which graduate school.â€

—Kaitlyn Kelley, Student in MS Health Promotion Management
Research Coordinator at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Lab

Application & Admission

Applications are accepted year round, including summer.
Ìý

Admissions Requirements

  • Application and fee
  • Statement of Purpose*
  • Transcripts
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume or CV

*A successful statement will illustrate the candidate's career goals, highlight how this program will advance their career goals, and explain how their experience may be relevant to this program. Please try to limit your statement of purpose to 500-750 words.

Ready to dive in?
Start Application

FAQ

Most graduate students receive financial support. There are merit-based tuition awards and stipends for being a teaching assistant. In a typical academic year, around 64% of our students receive some level of Â鶹ÊÓƵ funding through research or teaching. Of those not supported by Â鶹ÊÓƵ, 25% were funded by other sources. For more details, please check Graduate Funding resources or contact our graduate admissions coordinators.

Yes, but it is more difficult to get financial support, which is generally given to full-time students. Six credits per semester is considered full time for financial purposes, though most full-time students take nine credits per semester.

Yes! In addition to what your agency or employer may offer, please see furtherÌýmilitary personnel andÌýfamilies benefitsÌýavailable through Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

Visit our How to Apply and Admissions Requirements pages to start your application. If you have any questions please email casgrad@american.edu.

Still have questions?

Contact our Program Director, Cynthia Potter, PhD, MEd, at ronzio@american.edu or 202-885-7384; reach our department at healthstudies@american.edu.