Austin Parkes grew up constantly on the move. As the son of a Navy officer, he was raised in and around military bases, often surrounded by hospitals, clinics, and professionals who worked with discipline and purpose. Those early experiences planted a clear idea in his mind: he wanted to be part of that world.
Like similar aspirants, Parkes first set his sights on becoming a physician. He joined a pre-med track in college and took the standard science-heavy courses. But as he dug deeper into the field, his perspective shifted. “I found, eventually through some research, that there was a degree called a Master of Public Health (MPH), and you could specialise in those very same fields, specifically, health policy and management,” he says.
That changed everything. Parkes realised he wasn’t only interested in treating individuals — he wanted bigger change. He wanted to address the root causes of health disparities, enhance public health systems, and support communities in their growth. “I found that here at the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University,” he says.
The MPH in Health Policy and Management at Texas A&M University prepares students to lead in administration, planning, research, and decision-making to improve public health. Source: Texas A&M University
The School of Public Health at Texas A&M is the largest public health school in Texas and the fifth largest in the US. With over US$100 million in research funding each year, the school is a hub for public health innovation. Students here dive into practical, community-focused research designed to solve real-world problems, from chronic disease to emergency preparedness.
At the heart of this impact-driven approach is the MPH programme. Affordable and tailored for public service, the programme provides the knowledge and experience for students to make a difference. Among its six concentrations, Health Policy and Management stands out for those who want to influence the way healthcare is structured, delivered, and improved.
This concentration examines how policies are developed and implemented, how systems function, and how strategic leadership can drive improved outcomes. “Texas A&M’s Health Policy & Management Department is oriented towards practical solutions and community priorities,” says Hannah Rochford, assistant professor. “This philosophy primes students in the MPH programme to co-develop, -implement, and -evaluate decisions in partnership with those they aim to serve.”
In other words, students learn how to lead. The programme turns them into professionals who can work across sectors, from hospitals and government agencies to non-profits and private health systems. Graduates are ready to contribute to strategic planning, operations, policy design, and the broader decision-making processes that shape public health outcomes.
A major strength of the programme is its interdisciplinary flexibility. Students come from a range of academic backgrounds — not just biology or health sciences. Whether someone comes from a background in political science, sociology, economics, or even law, the programme equips them with a solid understanding of healthcare systems, public health policy, and organisational leadership.
The MPH in Health Policy and Management programme offers networking opportunities with alumni and industry leaders who can share valuable insights and support your public health career. Source: Texas A&M University
Expert faculty ensure this. Their backgrounds span a wide range of professional experiences, including work in disaster response, hospital leadership, public health law, international development, and even frontline social services. They bring these lived experiences into the classroom and structure assessments that build collaboration, adaptation, and management skills.
This real-world insight makes a big difference. “One of the amazing things about this programme is the expertise of the faculty,” says MPH student Jocelyn Goodman. “For example, one of my faculty members used to work for the CDC, and he has shared several experiences from his time working with the federal agency. Another faculty member is currently away advising the Secretary of Health on real health matters. It has been a privilege to be trained by such amazing experts in the field of public health.”
Students have access to research and practicum experiences at leading centres like the Southwest Rural Health Research Centre, the Centre for Community Health & Ageing, and the USA Centre for Rural Public Health Preparedness. Opportunities to work with the local health department and Texas Health & Human Services are embedded into the programme as well.
“All these entities allow students to gain additional content knowledge in these areas, expand the analytic skillsets aligned with their aspirations and apply the skills they are developing in the classroom to benefit their community members even before they enter the public health workforce,” Rochford says.
Beyond the classroom and fieldwork, students have access to a growing network of alumni and industry professionals. Through mentorship, collaboration, and career support, they’re connected to leaders who can guide them through the next stages of their journey.
“I believe the Health Policy & Management Department at Texas A&M creates allies across disciplines,” Rochford says. “The department produces MPH graduates prepared to advance health and safety in traditional healthcare and public health settings, but equally so in law and justice, social services, housing and public planning, emergency management, and other industries that have significant but often overlooked consequences for population wellness.”
Apply to the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University today.
