The collaboration between the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy and the School of Public Health at Rutgers University reflects a shared recognition that addressing health outcomes, policy, and economics requires expertise that spans both clinical sciences and population health. Pharmacy contributes strengths in pharmaceutical outcomes (e.g., pharmacoeconomics), clinical research, and therapeutic evaluation, while public health offers expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and health systems. Together, the two schools provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary foundation that neither could offer alone.

This partnership supports multiple educational pathways, including the Master of Science in Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (MS-HOPE), the Certificate in Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics, and a PharmD/MS-HOPE dual-degree program option. Collectively, these programs expand access to specialized training, prepare graduates for leadership in research and policy, and respond to workforce demands for professionals who address pressing challenges in health care financing, outcomes research, and policy development.

Program Descriptions

The MS-HOPE degree program is jointly offered by EMSOP and the School of Public Health at Rutgers University. Since its launch, the program has produced professionals trained to conduct and evaluate research in health economics, patient outcomes and clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness analysis, health technology assessment, and health policy. The curriculum requires 40 credits, including 10 credits of public health core courses, 12 credits of statistical and epidemiological methodology, 6 credits of health economics and outcomes research, 6 elective credits, and a 6-credit capstone project. The program also fosters collaborative research, training, and service while engaging with industry, government, and academic partners. Please refer to the HOPE website and SPH catalog for admissions and curriculum requirements.

The PharmD/MS-HOPE dual-degree program is a specialized pathway that enables students to complete the PharmD and MS-HOPE degrees in less time than if pursued independently, while receiving integrated training in clinical sciences, health policy, and outcomes research. Except where otherwise specified, the academic structure, policies, and requirements of the dual-degree program follow those of the MS-HOPE program. Please refer to the EMSOP website for more information on dual degree programs.

The HOPE Certificate introduces students to foundational concepts in health economics, outcomes, and research (HEOR). It is particularly well-suited for students exploring HEOR career paths in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, health insurance, and government health agencies. It is governed by its own admissions and curriculum requirements as described in the SPH catalog and program website. The certificate requires 18-credits for standalone students and currently enrolled students not concentrating in biostatistics, epidemiology, or pharmacoepidemiology. (The certificate is 15-credits for currently enrolled SPH students concentrating in biostatistics, epidemiology, or pharmacoepidemiology.) Please refer to the SPH catalog for admissions and curriculum requirements.

Admission Requirements

The MS-HOPE degree program, the HOPE Certificate program, and the PharmD/MS-HOPE dual-degree program attract students with varied backgrounds but with a common interest in health economics, outcomes research, and policy. Given the specialized nature of these offerings, admission is limited to highly motivated students with clearly defined career goals.

PharmD students may begin taking HOPE courses in the spring of their P1 year, if they meet scholastic requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.2. Interested students should contact Dr. Lahiri, Office of Assessment (Minakshi.lahiri@rutgers.edu for more information.

For additional information about program administration, admissions, financial aid, and curricular issues, please click here: program administration.