Health Policy and Law (MS)

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Degree Offered: MS
Program Leadership:
Janet Coffman, PhD, MPP, MA, Program Co-Director (UCSF)
Sarah Hooper, JD, Program Co-Director (UC Law SF)
Mallory Warner, JD, Associate Director (UC Law SF)
Admissions Inquiries:
Mallory Warner, Associate Director

Program Description

The joint UCSF/UC Law SF Master of Science in Health Policy and Law (HPL) is an online master’s degree program intended for students who wish to obtain interdisciplinary training in the fields of health science, law, and policy. The 24 semester-unit degree includes 24 units of core required coursework. The core relies on curriculum drawn from both UCSF and UC Law SF. UCSF and UC Law SF will jointly confer the degree. 

Admission Requirements

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Applicants must have an introductory level understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, as evidenced by one or more of the following and documented in the applicant’s resume, transcripts, CV or letters of recommendation:
    1. Job, professional, volunteer, or other experience related to health care, health law, or health policy; or
    2. Completion of an undergraduate-, graduate-level, or continuing education course that includes an introduction to the U.S. healthcare system.
  2. Ideal candidates will be well-organized, capable of working independently, and proactive in engaging with faculty and fellow students.
  3. If accepted, all candidates must ensure they have sufficient computer and internet access to complete the largely asynchronous online curriculum.

Application Requirements:

  1. Completed HPL Application Form
  2. Completed Supplemental Materials:
    1. Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
    2. Official academic transcripts
    3. Statement of Purpose
    4. $75 non-refundable application fee
    5. Two letters of recommendation
    6. English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)

Learning Outcomes

  1. Graduates will demonstrate practical understanding of social, political, economic, and legal dynamics of health policy in the United States.
  2. Graduates will use evidence-based reasoning to critically assess legal, policy, and social challenges facing U.S. health care, and articulate advantages and downsides of different approaches for addressing those problems.
  3. Graduates will demonstrate ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals of diverse disciplinary backgrounds to address health policy issues.
  4. Graduates will develop effective strategies for oral and written communication with diverse policy stakeholder groups.