Students in the Health Policy (Management) program will learn how theories and concepts from fields such as technology and operations management, organizational behavior, organizational economics, and competitive strategy can be applied to—and further developed for understanding—health care organizations.

• Health Policy Core Seminar (Health Policy 2000)
• Microeconomic Theory (Econ 2020a/b; HKS API 101Z/102Z; or HKS API 109/110; Econ 1460 may be taken in place of second term course)
• Design of Field Research Methods (HBS 4070)
• Introductory Data Analysis Course
• Intermediate Data Analysis Course
• Advanced Data Analysis or Research Design Course
• One course in one of the following areas: Decision Sciences; Ethics; Health Equity and Social Determinants; History; Mental Health Policy; or Political Analysis
• Two MBA courses, one in General Management or Healthcare

Students must teach or assist with teaching in a formally offered course for one full academic term. This engagement should include, at least, 8 hours of front-of-class teaching and 16 hours of teaching preparation time. The requirement may be fulfilled by completing a teaching fellow or instructor assignment at a Harvard University.

• Health Policy General Exam: This exam tests candidate’s general knowledge of health policy topics. At the conclusion of the second year of coursework, candidates are expected to take and pass both a written and oral exam.
• Special Field Exam: During the third academic year, a candidate should take and pass this exam, which is designed to test the candidate’s depth and breadth of knowledge in his or her chosen special field and to help the candidate develop skills in acquiring and using knowledge in new areas.

• Health Policy Research Seminar: To monitor and encourage progress on dissertations, all candidates in their third- year or above are required to attend this weekly seminar.
• Dissertation Proposal Exam: Before June 15th of the third academic year and prior to the commencement of a candidate’s dissertation, a candidate is expected to form a dissertation committee, submit a written proposal and pass an oral exam on his or her dissertation proposal.
• Dissertation Committee Meetings: After passing the dissertation proposal exam, students are expected to meet with their dissertation committee at least twice each academic year
• Dissertation Oral Defense: To graduate, candidates must submit and orally defend their dissertation to their committee.