Health Promotion Management, M.S.H.P.M.

Offered jointly by the Simmons School of Education and Human Development and the Cox School of Business, the Master of Science in Health Promotion Management (M.S.H.P.M.) degree provides a multidisciplinary, evidence-based program for those seeking leadership positions within the field of Health Promotion. The curriculum provides a highly-focused theoretical and pragmatic understanding of the health management industry–including population health, behavior theory and program development–and the business and technological acumen required of health management professionals.

The program is led by Simmons School academic leaders in health and behavior theory, corporate wellness professionals with extensive experience in the health management industry, and distinguished faculty from the Cox School. It is a 2-year, 38-credit-hour program with evening classes located in the heart of Dallas, a city with outstanding and burgeoning health management marketplace opportunities.

The capstone course is a 180-hour internship at a health management department or company, chosen by the student based on his/her aspiring area of interest. Prospective students include graduates of business, exercise physiology, kinesiology, community health and wellness, and biology programs as well as professionals working in the health management or business industries seeking to enhance their skill sets.

Curriculum and Term Sequencing

Due to the hybrid nature of the M.S.H.P.M. program and the inclusion of both Cox School courses and Simmons School courses, the coursework is offered in two formats. Courses offered by the Simmons School are traditional 3-credit-hour courses scheduled once per week for the 16-week term. Courses offered by the Cox School are 2-credit-hour courses scheduled once per week for seven weeks. Module A courses are offered in the first 7 weeks of a term, and Module B courses are offered in the second 7 weeks of a term. Most semesters include both formats.

Students are admitted to the program during the fall term only. Students complete a combination of Simmons and Cox courses each semester. The course sequence requires that students enroll in 9-10 credit hours per semester. A student must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours to have full-time academic status.

Note: Course sequencing for fall and spring modules is subject to change. 

Admission Requirements

The admissions process is highly selective and follows the admissions standards of the Cox M.S.M. program. The admissions committee is seeking a diverse group of candidates with the following attributes:

• Significant professional and life experiences
• Strong academic capabilities and leadership potential; interpersonal and communication skills
• Personal qualities such as maturity, integrity, self-confidence, and motivation

Preferred candidates typically have full-time work experience and a strong undergraduate record. The program is continuing its test-optional admissions policy for Fall 2023 applicants. Applicants may choose whether to submit a GMAT or GRE score (TOEFL/IELTS score for international students) as a part of their application.

Application deadlines are in the spring, and students are admitted to the program during the fall term only. Applicants are required to submit the following items for admission consideration:

1. A completed application form (www.smu.edu/MSHPM)
2. A cover letter and résumé
3. An essay
4. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
5. It is recommended that students submit supporting recommendation letters from current or former supervisors or academic instructors
6. A TOEFEL/IELTS score report for international students
7. Optional: Official GRE or GMAT score report

Contact Information:

Master of Science in Health Promotion Management
PO Box 750382
Dallas, TX 75275-0382
www.smu.edu/MSHPM
214-768-2776
mshpm@smu.edu