Health Policy Analysis: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Health Policy Analysis equips students with the analytical frameworks and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to evaluate, design, and influence health-related policies across local, national, and global contexts. This program emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, critical assessment of health systems, and the complex interplay between governance, equity, and public well-being.
- Contemporary Health Issues and Policies: Explores pressing challenges in health care, including access disparities, health equity, and emerging public health threats, with a focus on policy responses and long-term implications.
- Politics and Economics of Health Care Delivery: Investigates how political structures, funding mechanisms, and market dynamics shape health system performance and policy outcomes.
- Epidemiology: Develops skills in analyzing disease patterns, risk factors, and population health data to inform policy development and intervention strategies.
- Public Health: Covers foundational principles of disease prevention, health promotion, and population-level interventions within policy frameworks.
- Comparative and Global Health: Examines health systems and policies across countries, identifying best practices, structural differences, and lessons for international policy reform.
- Medical Law and Ethics: Addresses legal standards, patient rights, and ethical dilemmas in health care, including issues related to privacy, consent, and resource allocation.
- Statistical Methods: Builds proficiency in quantitative analysis, data interpretation, and modeling techniques essential for evaluating policy effectiveness and health outcomes.
- Policy Application and Case Studies: Applies theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, analyzing specific policy challenges such as health reform, pandemic preparedness, and health technology adoption.
Health Policy Analysis Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Health Policy Analysis Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Health Policy Analysis degrees, including Medical and Health Services Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 865,470 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111 | $117,960 | $69,680 - $219,080 | 565,840 | $56.71 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Social Science Research Assistants 19-4061 | $58,040 | $36,410 - $100,620 | 32,940 | $27.90 |
Health Policy Analysis Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $76,970 in Oklahoma to $127,208 in District of Columbia—a 65% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Arkansas, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 865,470 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Health Policy Analysis by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 24 institutions offering Health Policy Analysis programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Health Policy Analysis is found at Brandeis University (114 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (53 graduates), Temple University (29 graduates), Yale University (27 graduates), and University of California College of the Law (UC Law SF), San Francisco (16 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 301 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
114 | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
53 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Temple University |
Master's
|
29 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
|
27 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of California College of the Law (UC Law SF) |
Master's
|
16 | San Francisco, California | Public | uclawsf.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Drexel University |
Master's
|
6 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Post-Master's
|
5 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Mount Saint Mary's University (MSMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Los Angeles, California | Private | msmu.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
3 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Mississippi College (MC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Clinton, Mississippi | Private | mc.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| University of New England (UNE) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Biddeford, Maine | Private | une.edu |
| Rider University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| Baylor University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Siena College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Loudonville, New York | Private | siena.edu |
| Ursinus College (Ursinus) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Collegeville, Pennsylvania | Private | ursinus.edu |
| George Mason University |
Master's
|
1 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Capella University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Health Policy Analysis programs
How much can I earn with a Health Policy Analysis degree?
Salaries for Health Policy Analysis graduates vary by role and location. Medical and Health Services Managers earn a median of $117,960 annually, while Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $105,620. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $127,208 compared to $76,970 in Oklahoma. Approximately 865,470 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Health Policy Analysis programs?
Currently 24 accredited institutions offer Health Policy Analysis degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Brandeis University (114 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (53 graduates), and Temple University (29 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Health Policy Analysis growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 12 in 2010 to 301 in 2023-24. This represents a 2,408% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Health Policy Analysis degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical and Health Services Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 865,470 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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