Health Economics and Outcomes Research, MHS at Johns Hopkins University

The Master of Health Science in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (MHS in HEOR) is an academic/research program focused on economic evaluation and outcomes research methods for healthcare.  This rigorous program develops data analytic and economic modeling skills, as employed in the health policy context. Health economics and outcomes research is an applied field of study drawing upon two disciplines: economic evaluation and outcomes research. Methods in this field are used to promote the efficient and equitable allocation of healthcare resources in public health. 

The discipline of economic evaluation is grounded on seminal theories of health economics that relate the value of healthcare to individuals and society. Statistical and decision sciences further enable researchers to build upon these theories and model the value of healthcare technologies to individuals and society. Some examples of this research include the evaluation of the value of new pharmaceuticals to existing therapies, the value of vaccines to society, or the value of a public health campaign to provide safety. 

The discipline of outcomes research is grounded on seminal theories of health services that relate the role of healthcare to improving the lives of individuals and society. These theories enable researchers to identify important clinical, patient, and provider outcomes; design measurement techniques to capture different outcomes; and incorporate outcomes measurement into health systems. Specific examples of this research include assessing the impact of new pharmaceuticals on patient outcomes, how to measure a new approach for healthcare delivery, or how to validate a new patient reported outcomes instrument for a pediatric population. 

Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to take courses from multiple departments across the School of Public Health taught by faculty with expertise in a variety of disciplines-many of which are true leaders in the respective fields. Through their coursework, experience at seminars, and capstone projects, students are provided a multidisciplinary experience.  Graduates of the program work in public health research, healthcare consulting, pharmaceutical and insurance industries. Many go on to pursue doctoral study in health services research, health economics or other areas of economics or public health and some have entered the program with a medical degree or plan to pursue medical school, and these graduates have used the tools taught in the program to supplement their clinical research.