Texas A&M University - College Station

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises methodological rigour and applied research in areas such as health policy analysis, health economics, health services research, and organisational behaviour in healthcare. Core coursework typically covers advanced econometrics, biostatistics for health research, research design, health systems and policy, healthcare finance and management, and qualitative methods. Students also take seminars in specialised topics that reflect faculty expertise — for example, comparative health policy, implementation science, health law and regulation, patient-centred care, and health disparities.

Beyond coursework, the programme centres on a mentored research apprenticeship: students complete comprehensive or qualifying examinations, develop a doctoral research proposal, and conduct an original empirical dissertation. Most students gain teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants and pursue practicum or applied research placements with health systems, government agencies or policy organisations. Regular participation in departmental and university research seminars, grant-writing workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations with public health, medicine, economics and engineering is expected.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example, MPH, MPA, MSc in Health Economics, or a closely related discipline) or an honours bachelor’s degree with strong research preparation. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a solid quantitative background (courses in statistics, econometrics, or other methods), academic excellence, and clear research interests aligned with faculty strengths.

Required application materials usually include a statement of purpose outlining research interests, a current CV, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. The programme evaluates candidates on fit with faculty mentors and available research funding; GRE requirements may vary by cohort or be optional, so applicants should consult the school’s admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Health Policy and Management pursue a range of careers that draw on high-level research and analytical skills. Common trajectories include academic faculty positions in schools of public health, medicine, or social sciences; research scientist roles in government agencies and public health institutes; leadership and analytic roles in healthcare systems, hospitals and provider organisations; and positions in policymaking bodies, think tanks and non-governmental organisations.

Other career outcomes include consultancy and leadership roles in health economics and outcomes research, industry research positions within pharmaceutical and health technology firms, and senior analyst roles in healthcare financing and regulation. The programme’s emphasis on methods and applied research prepares graduates to design studies, evaluate programmes, and inform policy and managerial decisions.

Why study at Texas A&M University - College Station

Texas A&M offers the PhD within a large public research university with a growing School of Public Health and strong links across the Texas A&M health and biomedical enterprise. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations with departments in economics, engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine, and from access to research centres and institutes that focus on health systems, population health and implementation science.

The university’s emphasis on applied research provides opportunities for engagement with regional and state health organisations, health systems and policy-makers, while the broader Aggie network supports professional development and career placement. Faculty in the Health Policy and Management area have active research programmes in health economics, health services research, and policy evaluation, and doctoral students commonly secure funded assistantships or research positions to support their training.

Overall, the programme is well suited to candidates seeking rigorous methodological training, close faculty mentorship and practical research experience that translate into leadership roles in academia, public policy and healthcare organisations.