MS in Healthcare Decision Analysis

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Master the Business of Healthcare

USC Healthcare Decision Analysis is a specialized graduate program that directly prepares you for business careers in healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, consulting, health insurance, and medical technology.

Our real-world STEM training provides strategic management tools and actionable insights for improving healthcare value, access, reimbursement, and health outcomes.

All program courses emphasize project-based learning allowing active exploration of real-world healthcare business challenges.

Lectures from leading industry executives offered across all program courses provide unique access to critical insights from experts in their respective fields.

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High Demand, Real Impact

A partnership between USC Mann and the Price School of Public Policy, the Schaeffer Center brings together health policy experts, seasoned pharmacoeconomics specialists and faculty across USC and other leading institutions to solve pressing challenges in healthcare. 

Program Benefits

Hybrid Course Format

Courses are offered in a hybrid format which combines in-classroom instruction on the beautiful USC campus on weekends and online webinars on select weeknights. The hybrid format allows full-time students, dual-degree students, and working professionals to individualize their learning experience while ensuring classroom success. All students have access to best-in-class campus facilities, innovative instructional technologies, as well as learning and networking opportunities with current healthcare industry executives and mentors.

Accordion Content

What is the difference between the healthcare decision analysis program and the biopharmaceutical marketing program?

BPMK students take a deep dive into the specialized areas of biopharmaceutical marketing, product development, and commercialization. HCDA has broader business applications with applied healthcare strategy, analytics, and policy. 

Will I be required to take prerequisites or follow a rigid schedule?

There are no prerequisites for admission and students do not have to follow any pre-set course sequence. All classes are designed to allow individualized progress to learn from the material presented within each course.

Is the program designed to accommodate working professionals?

Yes, our schedule and courses are designed to take advantage of weekends and independent study using adult education principles. Students will have the choice of traditional or flexible classroom participation to allow for distance learning and time independent lectures. The BPMK program’s flexible options are designed to accommodate individual schedules and reduce travel requirements. For those active working professionals who cannot regularly travel to a traditional classroom there is also the Working Professional Cohort.

What is the Working Professional Cohort (WPC)?

The WPC is designed to accommodate working professionals who want to accelerate skills and expertise. Designed for flexibility, those eligible to opt-in to the WPC have the option to participate asynchronously due to professional work demands. 

What if I have to miss a class or weekend?

All classroom lectures are recorded with Zoom and posted following the scheduled class. Students are able to access all materials presented, recorded lectures, and exercise resources via BrightSpace, the online Learning Management System.

Is financial aid available?

The USC Office of Financial Aid administers one of the largest financial aid programs in the United States, with many options available for graduate & professional students, international students, and those with special circumstances. Please contact the USC Office of Financial Aid for more information or reach out directly to Julie Andaya, associate director of financial aid at pharmfao@usc.edu.

Is there a minimum GRE score and/or GPA requirement?

There is no requirement to provide GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA is generally needed to be competitive for entry into the programs.

Do I need a math or science degree to succeed in the program?

No, a math or science degree is not required to be successful in the program. The programs are designed to accommodate and educate students from a wide range of academic experiences and skill levels who are seeking to improve their technical skills and analytical abilities. The students should possess basic science and math competency.

How long does it typically take to earn a degree?

The time period to earn a degree depends on the individual and the enrolled degree program. The Division of Healthcare and Biopharmaceutical Business works to accommodate students, within reason, given the university’s administrative requirements. For individualized support or to explore the fit of our program with your unique needs, please contact Michelle Ton, Program Administrator at tonm@usc.edu. 

  • Graduate Certificates: The 12 unit program can easily be completed in two to four semesters.
  • Master of Science: On average, most students complete degree requirements  within 15 – 24 months.
  • PharmD/MS Dual Degree: The program MUST be completed during the same 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. It is highly encouraged that current USC PharmD students explore this option with the support of advisors from both programs. 
  • PharmD/MS Concurrent Degree: The program can be completed up to 1 year after the completion of the PharmD.

What career paths are open to me after completing the program?

Our graduates have pursued business careers in healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, consulting, health insurance, medical technology and more.

Do you help us secure a job post graduation?

We can provide you with the career resources and coaching to support you in having a successful job search process.

You will have access to USC’s and our program’s individualized career services resources and support. This is available to all of our current students and alumni up to one year after graduation.

Can I take a course or two before applying to see if the program is right for me?

Yes, please contact Michelle Ton (tonm@usc.edu) to inquire about limited status enrollment.

What is the cost of the tuition for the program?

Detailed tuition and fee information can be found in the USC Catalog. Typically, one course is 3 units. Tuition is the same for resident and non-resident students. Note: Tuition rates are subject to change without notice.

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What inspired you to pursue a master’s in Healthcare Decision Analysis?

“I was drawn to the Healthcare Decision Analysis program because of its focus on the intersection of business, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. I acquired a deep understanding of the healthcare field which has helped me excel in my career in medical affairs. As an added bonus, I was able to easily use my employer’s tuition benefits towards the program.”

Kevin Ambrose

PharmD ’03, MS Healthcare Decision Analysis ’22

Medical Account Director, Novo Nordisk
Olivia Lee head shot

Why did you choose the Healthcare Decision Analysis program?

“The Healthcare Decision Analysis program was recommended to me by a mentor who believed this would be an invaluable career asset to me. As the program was structured with classes on the weekends, I was able to work full-time while obtaining my degree. Upon completion of the program, I have been exposed to more job opportunities and promotions within my field.”

Olivia Lee

MS Healthcare Decision Analysis ’16

Senior Associate Director of Value Evidence and Outcomes, Boehringer Ingelheim
Jing Chen head shot

Do you have any advice to the students who are following in your footsteps?

“This is the best healthcare decision analysis program in the world. Upon graduation, you will receive offers from Johnson & Johnson, IQVIA, PwC, Deloitte, and many more, just as I did. Don’t hesitate to network with people, including but not limited to our alumni and industry leaders.”

Jing Chen

MS Healthcare Decision Analysis ’21

Health Economics Analyst at IQVIA Real-World Solutions
Jorge Farias head shot

Why did you decide to pursue the MS in Healthcare Decision Analysis in addition to the PharmD degree?

“I chose to pursue USC’s Healthcare Decision Analysis program because I knew the curriculum would provide me with a better understanding of today’s health care landscape by focusing on topics such as health economics, pricing, reimbursement, managed care, and health policy.”

Jorge Farias

PharmD ’13, MS in Healthcare Decision Analysis ’16

Oncology, Field Medical Outcomes & Analytics Director at Pfizer