SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
Master of Science in Population Health Sciences
MSPHS
Program Details
Start Term
Spring & Fall
Deadline
Fall: December 19 (Priority)
Rolling Admissions Thereafter
Work with Data
A strong focus on data science and applied analytics for clinical decision-making and medication-use policy.
Gain Real Industry Experience
Active-learning pedagogy featuring case-based inquiry, real-world projects, and peer-to-peer collaboration.
Become a Pharmacy Leader
Graduate ready to drive value and outcomes across healthcare systems, life sciences, and public agencies.
About KGI's MS in Population Health Sciences
The Master of Science in Population Health Sciences (MSPHS) at Keck Graduate Institute prepares students to lead improvements in patient care, health equity, and health care delivery performance. The program develops a unique skillset at the intersection of pharmaceutical care practice, population health, and healthcare system transformation. A distinctive feature is KGI’s emphasis on data science—empowering students to leverage advanced analytics, informatics, and high-performance computing (including AI and machine learning) to optimize health care delivery, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity.
Our MSPHS program includes:
- An interdisciplinary approach across economics, marketing, pharmacy practice, health services research, epidemiology, and regulatory science.
- A strong focus on data science and applied analytics for clinical decision-making and improving clinical, economic, and health outcomes.
- Highly collaborative learning with opportunities to engage KGI faculty, healthcare systems, health plans and payors, and industry partners.
- Active-learning pedagogy featuring case-based inquiry, real-world projects, and peer-to-peer collaboration.
- A culminating capstone aligned with each student’s career goals and interests.
What You’ll Learn
The core curriculum builds depth and breadth across population health and pharmaceutical care delivery, including:
- Healthcare data analytics and informatics
- Behavioral science and implementation science
- Scientific and medical communication
- Pharmaceutical care delivery and medication-use policy
- Evidence-based practice and applied research methods
Program Overview
The MSPHS program is offered in-person and is designed to be flexible. The program can be completed full-time in two semesters, with a summer internship between the first and second semester if starting in the Spring or after the second semester if starting in the Fall. Part-time study is available for students who wish to extend the duration of their program. KGI PharmD students and graduates benefit from an accelerated pathway, while eligible non-KGI PharmD graduates may transfer up to 18 credits.
Careers in Population Health Sciences
Graduates of the MSPHS program are prepared to drive value and improved outcomes across healthcare systems, life sciences, and public agencies. Representative sectors and roles include:
- Health care systems and managed care organizations
- Health and Prescription drug plans
- Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry
- Government agencies and self-regulatory organizations
- Scientific communication and population health advocacy organizations
- Academia, medical research institutes, and contract research organizations
Common job titles include Population Health Research Specialist, Provider Performance Associate, Healthcare Quality Analyst, Pharmacy Informaticist, Population Health Coordinator, and Vice President of Population Health and Clinical Operations.
How to Apply to the MSPHS Program
Ready to explore the possibilities at KGI? Your next step is to apply for the MS in Population Health Sicnes program. Be a part of our first class beginning in January 2026.
When applying, you must include:
- Online application
- Personal statement
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language proficiency (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, or iTEP is required for international students)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, or equivalent. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, applicants with a GPA below 2.5 will be reviewed through an additional discussion process. An admissions interview is not required, but a program interview is part of the application process.
Financing Your Master’s Degree in Population Health Sciences
Invest in your graduate education with confidence. KGI offers guidance tailored to your needs and connects you with essential information and helpful resources to ensure you fully understand the costs of your degree and the financial support you will receive. Whether you’re exploring scholarships or applying for federal aid, we’re here to help you.
Financing Your StudiesBecome a Leader in Health Equity at KGI
Ready to help transform healthcare delivery and advance health equity? Join KGI’s MSPHS program and build the analytical, clinical, and leadership skills to make measurable impact.
Channel the power of population health sciences into improving healthcare outcomes. Start your graduate application for Keck Graduate Institute today.
Program Details
The MSPHS program can be completed in three semesters, with two semesters spent on campus and one semester as a summer internship or faculty-directed research in area of interest within the field.
FALL
- Biostatistics
- Introduction to Industry
- Healthcare Delivery Science and Medication Safety
- Fundamentals of Medical Affairs
- Data Analytics in Python
- Chronic Diseases and Community Health
- Electives in Global Health, Advanced Analytics, or Health Outcomes
- Capstone
SPRING
- Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacovigilance
- Population Health
- Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement
- Pharmaceutical Marketing
- Planning, Implementing, and Optimizing Systems
- Machine Learning in Life Sciences or Market Analytics
- Electives in Advanced Analytics, Informatics, Health Systems, or Epidemiology
- Capstone