Optional Second Year

Introduction

If funding permits, students may choose to stay a second year to further their studies in the MS program in Global Health Policy and Management. The second year option is an enhanced program of study that provides MS students the option to complete an approved second year of course work in a significant field of global health, as part of a two-year program. Students will take 36 credits in their first year and will take 32 credits their second year, totaling 68 total credits for the two-year program. In addition to course work, students  write a Master's paper as part of their second year. 

Program Description

The second year option adds an additional year of coursework and independent study at the Heller School allowing the second year advanced study students to investigate a research topic in a field of global health. While they can craft their own course of study, students will be encouraged to focus it within one of the following MS program strength areas: health systems strengthening, cost-effectiveness, and health economics. 

Students are meant to use the skills learned in their first year to develop their research topic as well as take additional courses at Heller, Brandeis, and other schools in the Boston area to give them a deeper understanding of the field.

Students will work with a faculty member on their specific topic, writing a Master's paper.

This option requires two years of full-time course work.  During the summer months, students are encouraged to participate in an internship that relates to their field of study. Students are responsible for organizing their summer internships. 

Summary of Requirements

• Students must complete all required courses and a minimum of 16 credits for each semester in residence of the second year (36 credits/1st year;  32 credits/2nd year; 68 credits for both years).
• If students can opt to take an independent study for 2 credits with an approved faculty member during their last semester (as part of their required 32 credits for the second year). 
• Students must craft their own course of study.  They are encouraged to tie it in with one of the following MS program strength areas: health systems strengthening, cost-effectiveness, and health economics.
• Working alone or with one classmate, if approved, students must produce a Master’s paper that contributes to their field of study situated within the broader goals of international health policy and management. 

Tuition

Students will pay tuition to Brandeis University for four semesters of courses at Heller.

Academic Advising

Students will choose a faculty adviser with expertise in their chosen course of study to provide academic support and advice on production of the Master’s paper. The adviser must be approved by the program director and can be chosen from core MS faculty, adjunct MS faculty, as well as broader Heller faculty.