Public Health students talk in Cunz Hall

Health Services Management and Policy - Doctor of Philosophy

The doctoral program prepares thought leaders with a deep understanding and expertise in health care services management and policy.

Ohio State’s health services management and policy PhD is a highly interdisciplinary program with students from a variety of backgrounds, including business, social sciences, physical and life sciences, and humanities. Doctoral education, training and hands-on research experiences in the College of Public Health will help you land a career in a high-impact setting such as faculty at a major research institution, research leadership at non-profits, analysts in government agencies and leaders at health care delivery systems.

Learn about the Public Health PhD

Get answers to your questions about Ohio State's public health PhD specializing in health services management and policy. Sign up for an upcoming session and learn more how you can become a Public Health Buckeye.

Available dates

July 9

Graduate program information session

Sept. 16

Graduate program information session

The PhD curriculum

Learn the various factors affecting health care spending, health care policy formation, quality of care, patient safety, financial viability of health care systems, the role of health technology and ways of improving the delivery of care.
Download sample curriculum

Research expertise

As a PhD student, you will be mentored by distinguished faculty who are national leaders in health care management, health policy, health systems research, quality-of-care measurement and improvement, health finance and health economics. You’ll be highly engaged in research programs funded by federal and state agencies, private foundations, community groups and health care organizations.
Explore faculty interests

Funding opportunities

Ohio State offers paid research, teaching and administrative assistantships as well as competitive fellowships and other grant opportunities. Learn more about how financial support is awarded to graduate students.
Graduate funding

Program requirements

  • Minimum credit hours: 80, up to 30 credits that can be applied to the degree from related graduate training programs (a max of 20 credits can be applied to dissertation research)
  • GRE scores are optional
  • TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores for international students: See minimum scores
  • Program start: Autumn semester

2025/2026 deadlines to apply

DEC
1
 Priority deadline

FEB
1
 Regular deadline

Take your next step

Every applicant's file is reviewed holistically. Relevant work experience, community service activities, leadership and communication skill along with motivation and commitment to improve deliver and financing of health services. Our prepared list of requirements will help you prepare your application.

Prepare your application
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