M.S. In Health Services Research Program
Health services research (HSR) can be defined as the study of the access, quality, and costs of health care. The Institute of Medicine defined Health Services Research (HSR) as "a multidisciplinary field of inquiry that examines the use, costs, quality, accessibility, delivery, organization, financing, and outcomes of health care services to increase knowledge and understanding of the structure, process, and effects of health services for individuals and populations." It requires a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of the HSR literature. At a local, state, and national level, there is an increasing need for analytic services and for individuals who have training and experience in HSR. The M.S. Program in Health Services Research provide students an indisciplinary training in health care organization, health economics, biostatistics, medical care, and epidemiology.
Graduates of the M.S. Program in Health Services Research are prepared to plan, organize, and conduct research on the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care programs, report research findings orally and in writing to health professionals, and write grant proposals. Career opportunities include working as a research associate in universities, private research firms, and consulting firms; claims analysis for health insurance companies and managed care organizations; and utilization management and market research for hospitals and health systems. Graduates who hold a doctorate in another field may seek careers as faculty members in medical schools.
The MS in Health Services Research is offered both as a Thesis (30 credit hr) or as a Non-Thesis (36 credit hr) option.
