Health Systems Administration MPH (online, in-person or hybrid)
Online, in person, or hybrid options available
Learn how to assess population health needs, formulate policies and interventions, and assure the effectiveness of community programs and services.
Program Information
One of the biggest issues that the U.S. healthcare system is facing today is how to control healthcare costs while improving population health and maintaining meaningful and efficient patient-provider interactions.
In response to this demand, we developed a multidisciplinary program that combines innovative research with didactic training in foundational public health concepts, policy formulation, community health assessment, program intervention and urban planning design, behavioral economics and financial incentives, implementation and dissemination research, program management and evaluation, and other core health services competencies.
Public Health Skills
- CS1. Use clinical, billing OR population data to assess the relationship between the financial, health outcomes and regulatory aspects of health care delivery (EEH 532 & EEH 538)
- CS2. Critically appraise evidence to understand and evaluate policy effects (EEH 536 & EEH 538)
- CS3. Identify political processes necessary for health system policy or program design, rulemaking, operating and evaluation. (EEH 536 & EEH 538)
- CS4. Apply the principles of program development, budgeting, management, and evaluation to health system performance. (EEH 532 & EEH 538)
- CS5. Apply principles of strategic planning and marketing to public health and health system improvement. (EEH 536 & EEH 538)
Learn More
What to Know Before You Apply
- Fall Admissions
- Domestic: DEADLINE EXTENDED - August 3*
- International: March 1
*You must submit the SOPHAS application by this date. Supporting materials including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and transcript evaluations (if applicable) must be submitted no later than August 15th
- Summer Admissions
- Domestic students only: May 1
- Spring Admissions
- Domestic: Dec. 1
- International: Nov. 1
Students are reviewed holistically based on all accomplishments and qualifications.
- Applicants should have:
- Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA or above
- Coursework in:
- Health-related sciences (biology, nutrition, anatomy)
- Social sciences (sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology)
- Statistics or other quantitative methods
- GRE scores are not required and will not be considered
Are you an international student or do you have a degree from outside the U.S.? See additional application requirements here.
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Personal statement describing your education, experience, MPH interest and career goals
- Contact information for a minimum of two references (faculty preferred; professional references accepted for applicants with substantial public health experience)
- Resume or CV
Combined Degree Programs
With the 3+2 BS-Public Health/MPH program, you can earn both degrees in five years through an accelerated, integrated curriculum, preparing graduates for advanced public health practice and leadership.
Learn more here.
Through this four-year dual degree program, you will earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Juris Doctor (JD). This interdisciplinary program offers an integrated course of study that prepares you for leadership at the intersection of public health, law, and policy. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in public health principles and population-level problem solving, alongside legal training in analysis, advocacy, and regulatory frameworks. Together, these skills equip you to address complex health challenges, shape policy, and advance health equity through legal and public health systems.
Through this three-year program, you will earn an MPH and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This collaborative program facilitates an integrated course of study that prepares you for high-level management careers in health care organizations and agencies. The curriculum provides you with a comprehensive understanding of public health philosophy and practical skills to address current and emerging public health problems, along with the skills you need for our globally integrated world of business.
Earn both your MPH and Doctor of Medicine (MD) in a streamlined five-year program. This combined degree prepares you to address complex health issues from both clinical and population health perspectives—an advantage for students interested in patient care, research, or health systems leadership.
The MD curriculum provides a comprehensive medical education designed to develop your clinical skills, critical thinking, and ability to solve real-world health problems.
Earn both your Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Social Work (MSW) in a three-year program that prepares you to address social and health challenges at individual and population levels. This combined degree blends public health knowledge with social work practice, emphasizing prevention, community engagement, and support for vulnerable populations. You’ll gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, practicums, and applied projects, with select MSW courses counting toward your MPH training. Graduates are prepared for careers in community health, social services, policy, and other roles that bridge public health and social work.
Earn both your Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Urban Planning (MUP) in a streamlined three-year program. This combined degree prepares you to design healthier communities by integrating public health principles with urban planning strategies—an advantage for students interested in public service, health organizations, or consulting in planning and environmental health.
Through a carefully coordinated curriculum, you’ll gain expertise in public health practice, urban planning, and hands-on project experience, including opportunities to apply urban planning credits toward your MPH fieldwork and culminating projects.
Earn both your MPH and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in this integrated five-year program. Designed for students who want to combine clinical pharmacy expertise with population-level impact, this program prepares you to address health challenges across patients, systems and communities.
Gain specialized training in internal medicine, preventive medicine and public health through this combined program that trains board-eligible primary care physicians for leadership careers.
Find more information here.
Contact Us
For all questions, please email sphhp-eeh@buffalo.edu
New Scholarship Opportunity
Learn about the Kristina M. Young scholarship for in-person or hybrid students here.