General Requirements for Master’s Degrees
(Note: This is not a complete list of requirements)
All master’s degree-seeking students must:
- Complete the school-wide core courses required for their program, and complete and submit the thesis or essay
- Fulfill the program’s core course requirements, including required courses, and any field work, and examinations
- Register for two terms of Public Health Grand Rounds
- Complete the online Academic Integrity Module in the first semester
- Submit a master’s thesis or essay
Thesis or Essay
All master’s students must complete a minimum of two essay/special study credits and meet the master’s thesis/essay requirement. Program listings will specify the type of master’s paper required. The form of the essay or thesis must be in accord with specifications stipulated in the University’s Style and Form Manual or the ETD Format Guidelines Manual. The electronic copy of the thesis/essay must be uploaded and all required paperwork submitted to the Office of Student Affairs by the deadline posted for that graduation term.
MPH students who have been permitted to submit an article accepted for publication in lieu of the essay must meet the margin requirements and submit a committee signature sheet and title page patterned after that in the Style and Form Manual or the ETD Format Guidelines Manual. If there are multiple authors, a statement should be included explaining the role of each author. All essays must be read and approved by two faculty representing two different University of Pittsburgh Pitt Public Health departments. MS theses require approval by three readers.
Requirements for the MS Degree:
The Master of Science in Health Services Research and Policy program prepares graduates for positions in health services research and policy, analytics and also prepares them for higher level education (such as a PhD). Graduates will be prepared to conduct research on policy issues affecting the organization, financing, and delivery of health care and public health services.
The MS requires a minimum of 42 credits. The program includes coursework in statistics and research methods as well as foundations in public health. Students must successfully pass a comprehensive exam given during the second year and submit and successfully defend a master’s thesis.
MS Decision Sciences Area of Emphasis
MS Health Policy and Economics Area of Emphasis
