Program Details

Start Date Fall
Duration 4-5 Years (typically 5+)
Tuition NC Resident: ~$12,500/year; Non-NC Resident: ~$32,000/year (Note: Many PhD students receive full funding covering tuition and stipend).
Format On-campus
Credits Approximately 60 post-baccalaureate credit hours for coursework, plus dissertation research.

Program Statistics

Acceptance Rate Highly competitive; exact rate not published.%
Employment Rate High employment rate (typically >90%) in academic, research, government, and non-profit sectors.%

The PhD in Health Policy and Management program at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health offers rigorous doctoral training for aspiring scholars and leaders dedicated to advancing health through research and policy. This program is designed for individuals seeking to contribute original research to the field, influence health system design, and educate the next generation of public health professionals.

Students engage in advanced coursework spanning health economics, health services research, organizational theory, and policy analysis, developing a deep understanding of the complex factors influencing health care delivery and public health outcomes. The program emphasizes critical thinking, sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and high-level policy roles.

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Curriculum

The PhD curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in health policy and management research, followed by specialized study and dissertation work. Key components include:

  • Core Courses: Advanced seminars in health economics, health services research, organizational behavior, public policy analysis, biostatistics, and research methods.
  • Concentration Areas: Students typically specialize in areas such as health economics, health services research, organizational theory and management, or health policy analysis, with elective courses tailored to their research interests.
  • Qualifying Examinations: Comprehensive exams assessing mastery of core knowledge and chosen specialization areas.
  • Dissertation Research: Original empirical research culminating in a doctoral dissertation, guided by a faculty advisor and committee.
  • Research and Teaching Experience: Opportunities to engage in faculty-led research projects and gain teaching experience as part of assistantships.
  • Professional Development: Participation in departmental seminars, colloquia, and national conferences to present research and network.

The program emphasizes methodological rigor, interdisciplinary perspectives, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world health challenges.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., public health, economics, public policy, management) or a strong bachelor's degree with significant research experience.
  • Demonstrated strong quantitative skills (e.g., coursework in calculus, statistics, econometrics).
  • Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for international applicants whose native language is not English.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume detailing academic, professional, and research experience.
  • Statement of Purpose outlining academic and career goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing the PhD at UNC Gillings.
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and research potential.
  • A writing sample (e.g., master's thesis, research paper, published article) is strongly recommended.

Application Process

The application process for the PhD in Health Policy and Management typically involves two main components:

  1. SOPHAS Application: Complete the online application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), providing all personal, academic, and professional information.
  2. UNC Graduate School Supplemental Application: Submit a supplemental application directly to the UNC Graduate School, which requires additional institutional-specific information.

Applicants must submit all required supporting documents, including official transcripts, GRE (optional) and English proficiency scores (if applicable), curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample (highly recommended). Selected candidates may be invited for virtual or on-campus interviews to discuss their research interests and fit with the program. Admission decisions are typically made by early spring for fall enrollment.

Application Fee: Approx. $145 (SOPHAS) + $95 (UNC supplemental, may be waived for certain applicants).

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