Health Care Management & Economics, PhD
The program combines intensive training in health care management and economics coupled with advanced training in a traditional business discipline.
Our program provides thought leadership and policy development in the following areas of distinction:
- Value of technology and innovation
- Health insurance design and reform
- Design and impact of incentives in numerous health industry contexts
- Competition and collaboration across the value chain
- The broad interprofessional/multidisciplinary work of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
Wharton’s doctoral program is unique among similar programs because it provides a strong background in microeconomic theory, an advanced teaching of econometric and statistical techniques, a comprehensive analysis of both health economics and health care services research, and grounding in management/strategy theory and research. The doctoral program complements the course work with numerous opportunities to collaborate with faculty members in research projects exploring a wide variety of topics in the health economics and management fields.
For more information: https://doctoral.wharton.upenn.edu/health-care-management-economics/
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| Health Care Courses | ||
| Select major field course requirements from the following list: 1 | ||
| HCMG 9000 | Proseminar in Health Economics: Models and Methods | 1 |
| HCMG 9010 | Proseminar in Health Economics: Health Econometrics | 1 |
| HCMG 9020 | Special Topics in Health Economics: The Industrial Organization of Health Care | 1 |
| HCMG 9030 | Economics of Health Care and Policy | 1 |
| HCMG 9040 | Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior and Theory in Health Care | 1 |
| HCMG 9051A | Health Care Management PhD Research Seminar | 0.25 |
| HCMG 9051B | Health Care Management PhD Research Seminar | 0.25 |
| HCMG 9052A | Health Care Management PhD Research Seminar | 0.25 |
| HCMG 9052B | Health Care Management PhD Research Seminar | 0.25 |
| Statistics 1 | ||
| Select one of the following course combinations: | 2 | |
| Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance and Introduction to Nonparametric Methods and Log-linear Models | ||
| Probability and Applied Econometrics I | ||
| Applied Econometrics I and Applied Econometrics II | ||
| Applied Econometrics I and Mathematical Statistics | ||
| Econometrics I: Fundamentals and Econometrics II: Methods & Models | ||
| Microeconomics 2 | ||
| Select one of the following course combinations: | 2 | |
| Microeconomic Theory and Game Theory and Applications | ||
| Microeconomic Theory I and Microeconomic Theory II | ||
| 6 additional courses chosen in consultation with Advisor | 6 | |
| Total Course Units | 16 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
A one-year graduate level sequence in statistics or in probability and statistics is required. Any of the following sample sequences can be used. Students may substitute other graduate level courses upon approval of the graduate director of the Statistics department.
- 2
A one year sequence in microeconomics is required.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| First and Second Years | ||
Coursework | ||
Examination | ||
Research Papers | ||
Research Activities | ||
Completion of Other Requirements by Field | ||
| Third Year | ||
Directed Reading & Research | ||
Admission to Candidacy | ||
Formulation of Research Topic | ||
| Fourth Year and Beyond | ||
Continued Research | ||
Dissertation Proposal Defense | ||
Dissertation Defense | ||