A New Degree Offering in Health Economics and Policy
The U.S. health care landscape is evolving rapidly and is now more complex than ever. Recent trends include changes in prescription drug pricing and coverage, growing consolidation among health care providers and insurers, and shifts in how providers are paid for care. Not surprisingly, demand is high for researchers with specialized training to understand the impacts of these and other changes and develop strategies to help Americans get the care they need.
To meet this need, Columbia Mailman’s Department of Health Policy and Management is launching a new MS degree program in Health Economics and Policy. Unique within Columbia University and beyond, its curriculum will equip students with advanced training in health economics, policy research, and data science so they can shape evidence-based solutions at the local, national, and global levels.
Recruiting is ongoing for the inaugural class. Classes begin next fall. (Interested students can inquire about the program here.)
Health economist Matthew Neidell, a professor of Health Policy and Management, directs the new MS. “The economic power of our health system is enormous. One in every six dollars is spent on health care, and spending keeps rising,” he says. “Our program is designed to train students to understand health care systems through an economics lens, with a strong emphasis on policy.”
The two-year MS is open to students of varied backgrounds, including those with prior training in economics, political science, public policy, public health, biology, data science, and more. Graduates will be well positioned to work as researchers or policy analysts in industry, government, consulting, or think tanks. The degree also serves as a pre-PhD track for those interested in continuing their studies.
All students will get hands-on experience working on research projects with faculty. Projects might include studying how changes in prescription drug payments affect patient outcomes and new drug development, how removing ACA subsidies affects enrollment, or how growth in bundled payment systems affects patient outcomes.
Neidell explains: “A distinctive feature of the program is the opportunity for close engagement with faculty. Students participate in research apprenticeships, working directly on faculty-led projects, and receive individualized guidance throughout the thesis process. This combination of coursework and one-on-one mentorship ensures that graduates are prepared not only with technical expertise but also with the ability to apply their knowledge to complex policy and economic challenges in health.”