Health Policy, Planning, and Leadership Track

UCF Master of Public Health

The Health Policy, Planning, and Leadership (HPPL) track of the Master of Public Health degree prepares future health leaders to shape policies, lead organizations, and improve the health of communities. Through a curriculum that integrates health policy, strategic planning, leadership, and population health, students develop the expertise to address complex public health challenges, advance health equity, and create meaningful systems-level change.

Graduates are prepared for careers leading public health initiatives and influencing health policy in governmental, nonprofit and healthcare organizations.

Graduates of the HPPL Track will be prepared to:

Analyze, develop, and evaluate health policies and organizational strategies to improve population health outcomes.

Apply leadership principles and strategies to address complex public health challenges.

Assess the impact of public policies on population health and health equity.

Develop, manage, and justify organizational and program budgets.

Utilize data-driven approaches to support public health planning, decision-making, and management.

Engage and collaborate with diverse partners to advance public health goals and initiatives.

Communicate public health evidence and policy recommendations to professional, community, and policymaking audiences.

Thesis Option

Students may pursue a thesis option to demonstrate advanced mastery through the completion and defense of an independent research study. Students must declare their intent to pursue the thesis and be approved by the beginning of the Year 1 Summer Semester. They should anticipate two additional semesters and six additional credit hours to complete their thesis research.

Curriculum

Non-thesis: 49 credits, 5 semesters
Thesis: 55 credits, 7 semesters
8 core courses; 8 track-specific courses
Courses on UCF main and downtown locations; course modality varies
Supervised internship (3 credits) providing hands-on experience in a community or organizational public health setting

Careers

Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Program Planner
Population Health Manager
Community Health Director
Government Affairs or Public Policy Specialist
Nonprofit Program Director
Public Health Consultant

Earning Potential

$117,960

Median wage for medical and health services managers

$101,190

Median wage for management analysts

$78,749

Median wage for social and community service managers

Job Growth

23%

Projected growth in jobs for medical and health services managers from 2024 through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

11%

Projected growth in jobs for management analysts in the public sector and healthcare consulting from 2024 through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Projected growth in jobs for social and community service managers from 2024 through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Accreditation

The MPH program is designed to meet the accreditation criteria of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), including the CEPH-required foundational knowledge areas and foundational competencies. The program intends to pursue CEPH accreditation.

Contact

Catherine Bush, Ph.D.
Interim Track Coordinator

Lecturer
Catherine.Bush@ucf.edu

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