Faculty of Public Health

Faculty: Public Health

Language: Armenian

Delivery mode: Full-time, at the YSMU

Duration: 18 months

Total ECTS credit: 90

Degree Awarded: Master of Public Health (Healthcare Management and Planning)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Healthcare Management and Planning at Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) is a state-recognized European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7 Program designed to prepare highly qualified public health professionals capable of leading, managing, and improving healthcare systems in Armenia and internationally.

The Program addresses Armenia’s evolving health system needs by cultivating ethically grounded, analytically competent specialists who can apply evidence-informed planning, systems thinking, and strategic leadership to strengthen healthcare organizations and public health functions.

Students acquire a strong foundation in the core principles of public health together with advanced competencies in healthcare management, organizational performance, and health service delivery. The Program equips learners with the ability to identify, evaluate, and address complex health system problems; design and implement evidence-based health programs; and interpret population health indicators within the broader determinants of health.

With its interdisciplinary approach, the Program develops essential skills in leadership, human resource management, effective communication, and health policy development—preparing graduates to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage healthcare organizations, and contribute to sustainable public health development in Armenia and the broader region.

The Program fully aligns with the Armenian National Qualifications Framework and YSMU’s mission to advance research-driven education, professional excellence, and population health improvement.

The mission of the Program is to educate future healthcare leaders who can advance population health, strengthen health systems, and improve the quality, efficiency, and responsiveness of healthcare services.

Program aims:

• Develop advanced managerial and leadership skills for healthcare organizations and systems.
• Strengthen analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capacities in public health and health management.
• Equip graduates with competencies in strategic planning, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making and the use of data in health policy and management.
• Foster professional ethics, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

Core Public Health Competences

• Analyze population health data and trends
• Apply epidemiological and biostatistical methods
• Understand health determinants and their impact
• Evaluate health systems and services
• Design, implement and evaluate public health programs
• Communicate effectively with professional and non-professional audiences
• Demonstrate leadership, management, and collaboration skills

Healthcare Management and Planning Competences

Graduates will be able to:

• Apply systems thinking to healthcare organizations
• Conduct strategic planning and resource allocation
• Manage human resources and organizational performance
• Analyze health financing and budgeting
• Use digital health tools and health information systems
• Lead organizational change and quality improvement initiatives

Classes are conducted three times per week—on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Program offers two study shifts:

• Morning shift: 09:00–14:00
• Afternoon shift: 15:00–20:00

Students select their preferred shift at the beginning of the semester. Once selected, the shift cannot be changed during that semester.

The curriculum is organized over three semesters, delivered through consecutive 2-week modules.

Year 1: Fall Term

Year 1: Spring Term

Year 2: Fall Term

*One of the elective courses must be chosen:

1. Global Health
2. Healthcare in Emergencies
3. Injury and Violence Prevention
4. Strengthening Healthcare System

Problem Solving Paradigm in Public Health (3 credits)

This module introduces students to structured approaches for analyzing and addressing complex public health problems, with a strong emphasis on systems thinking, root cause analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. Students learn to apply analytical tools such as problem trees, logic models, and prioritization matrices to define issues, identify determinants, and develop feasible solution strategies.

Through case-based learning, with examples drawn from Armenia and global health, the module emphasizes stakeholder engagement, option appraisal, and integration of national policy priorities and data systems into decision-making processes. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to design and communicate contextually relevant, ethically grounded, and actionable recommendations for improving public health practice.

Data Management (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of public health data management across its full lifecycle, from collection and entry to quality assurance, storage, and archiving. Emphasis is placed on applying international standards and Armenian health information systems, including ARMED and Ministry of Health reporting protocols. Students gain hands-on experience with data management software such as Excel and SPSS, learning to prepare real-world datasets for analysis, reporting, and policy use. The module also addresses ethical and legal dimensions of data protection, confidentiality, and secure handling of sensitive information, equipping students with the skills to manage public health data responsibly and effectively.

Biostatistics I (3 credits)

This module introduces students to the foundational concepts and methods of biostatistics, with a focus on summarizing, presenting, and interpreting public health data. Students learn to classify variables, calculate descriptive measures, and apply statistical tools to real datasets from Armenian surveillance and health information systems. Emphasis is placed on the construction of meaningful indicators of health system performance, graphical presentation of data consistent with national reporting formats, and the application of probability concepts and statistical distributions to public health problems. The module equips students with essential skills for understanding variability, uncertainty, and representativeness in population health data, laying the groundwork for advanced statistical analysis in subsequent coursework.

Epidemiology I (Non-Communicable Diseases) (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), emphasizing their distribution, determinants, and public health impact in Armenia and globally. Students gain competence in applying epidemiological study designs and calculating key measures of disease occurrence and association using NCD datasets. The module explores behavioral, environmental, occupational, and genetic determinants of chronic diseases, with practical application of national surveillance systems, cancer registries, and global burden of disease metrics. Ethical, legal, and methodological issues in NCD research are integrated throughout, preparing students to interpret evidence critically and contribute to evidence-based prevention and control strategies.

Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

This module introduces students to the theoretical foundations and practical application of qualitative research in public health. It emphasizes the value of qualitative inquiry for understanding experiences, behaviors, and systems, particularly in contexts where quantitative methods may be insufficient. Students gain hands-on experience with key data collection techniques, including interviews, focus groups, and observation, and develop competence in systematic approaches to data analysis such as coding and thematic analysis. The module also addresses issues of rigor, reflexivity, and ethics, with examples drawn from Armenian public health research to illustrate methodological and cultural considerations.

Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

This module equips students with the theoretical foundations and practical skills required to design, implement, and analyze quantitative public health research, with a particular focus on Armenia’s health system priorities and data sources. Students learn to construct structured surveys, apply sampling strategies, and calculate sample sizes using national demographic and health indicators. The module emphasizes rigorous study design—including cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control approaches—while addressing threats to validity, measurement error, and instrument reliability. Hands-on training in data preparation and exploratory analysis using statistical software enables students to work directly with datasets from national surveys and program monitoring systems. Ethical and cultural considerations in survey-based research are integrated throughout, ensuring alignment with institutional and national regulatory frameworks.

Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health (3 credits)

This module introduces students to the application of behavioral and social science theories in addressing public health challenges, with a focus on Armenia’s cultural and social context. Students examine how social determinants such as poverty, displacement, and aging shape health behaviors, equity, and access to services. Emphasis is placed on designing and evaluating culturally grounded interventions that address mental health stigma, vaccine hesitancy, and health literacy. Through case studies and intersectional approaches, the module prepares students to develop strategies that respond to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups in Armenia, including rural, war-affected, and minority populations.

Healthcare Planning (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare planning principles and their application within Armenia’s evolving and decentralized health system. Students learn to conduct health needs assessments using epidemiological and administrative data, and to apply strategic planning tools such as SWOT analysis, problem trees, and logical frameworks. The module emphasizes the development of evidence-informed health plans that integrate budgeting, resource allocation, implementation strategies, and insurance coverage within the context of national benefit packages and ongoing sector reforms. Special attention is given to addressing health inequalities and social determinants of health, with focused applications in maternal and child health, rural and underserved populations, and displaced communities. By the end of the module, students will be able to design comprehensive and adaptive healthcare plans aligned with national priorities, financing mechanisms, and Sustainable Development Goals.

Environmental Health (3 credits)

This module explores the relationships between environmental factors and population health, with an emphasis on risks, interventions, and policies relevant to Armenia. Students learn to assess and manage environmental and occupational hazards across domains such as air and water quality, food systems, housing, and climate change, using Armenian surveillance data and case studies. The module highlights approach to environmental justice, child health, and nutrition, while introducing frameworks for risk assessment, exposure monitoring, and regulatory action. Students also examine climate change adaptation, the One Health approach, and planetary health principles, equipping them to design evidence-informed interventions and contribute to sustainable public health planning in Armenia.

Healthcare Management (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare management principles and their application within complex and evolving health systems. It covers organizational behavior, governance, leadership, and operational management, with an emphasis on improving performance and service delivery in healthcare institutions. Students develop skills in strategic planning, change management, and workflow analysis, as well as in coordinating interdepartmental operations during emergencies. Ethical, legal, and accountability considerations are integrated throughout, with case studies drawn from Armenian and international contexts to illustrate practical challenges and solutions. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to manage healthcare organizations effectively, promote innovation, and strengthen system resilience.

Biostatistics II (3 credits)

This module builds on foundational biostatistical knowledge to develop students’ competence in inferential statistics and applied data analysis for public health research. Students learn to apply bivariate and multivariate methods—including regression, chi-square tests, and ANOVA—to investigate associations and evaluate health outcomes using real or simulated datasets. Emphasis is placed on building, interpreting, and critically assessing statistical models, checking assumptions, and addressing limitations, while using statistical software such as SPSS for data preparation, analysis, and visualization. By the end of the module, students will be able to interpret complex statistical outputs and communicate findings effectively to support evidence-informed decision-making and health system evaluation.

Epidemiology II (Communicable Diseases) (3 credits)

This module provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the epidemiology, surveillance, and control of communicable diseases, with applications to both national and global public health contexts. Students learn to analyze surveillance data, investigate outbreaks, and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies using evidence-based approaches. The module emphasizes emergency preparedness, intersectoral coordination, and digital risk communication to manage misinformation and enhance public trust. Students also explore the One Health framework, including zoonotic disease epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance, while developing leadership, ethical reasoning, and communication competencies essential for effective outbreak response and public health decision-making.

Bioethics (3 credits)

This module introduces students to the ethical principles, theories, and normative frameworks guiding public health, clinical practice, and health policy decision-making. Students develop competence in applying structured ethical reasoning to dilemmas in healthcare delivery, public health programming, and biomedical research, with reference to Armenian regulatory and institutional frameworks. The module emphasizes balancing individual rights and population health, addressing issues of equity, justice, and public trust. Students explore ethical, legal, and human rights considerations in the design and evaluation of public health interventions and research involving human participants, guided by both national standards and international norms.

Health Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation (3 credits)

This module equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate healthcare programs at local, national, and international levels. Students learn to apply evidence-based tools such as logic models, problem trees, and results frameworks to design effective interventions, incorporating stakeholder engagement, resource planning, and operational logistics. The module emphasizes the development of monitoring and evaluation systems, the use of quantitative and qualitative data for assessing program performance, and the integration of ethical, contextual, and system-level considerations. Through case studies and practical exercises—including examples from Armenian health programs—students gain the competence to critically assess program relevance, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, and to use evaluation findings for adaptive management and policy decision-making.

Health Finance and Economics (3 credits)

This module introduces students to the principles and applications of health economics in public health and healthcare systems, with a particular focus on Armenia. Students gain critical understanding of concepts such as opportunity cost, efficiency, equity, and marginal analysis, and apply economic reasoning to evaluate resource allocation, healthcare market behavior, and financing decisions. The module covers methods of economic evaluation—including cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit analyses—and explores the design, sustainability, and equity implications of various health financing models, including public, private, and social insurance systems. Case studies from Armenian health reforms and international systems provide practical context for evidence-informed decision-making and policy analysis.

Human Resource Management (3 credits)

This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of human resource management (HRM) principles, processes, and frameworks as applied to healthcare systems. Students learn to plan, recruit, retain, and develop healthcare staff effectively, while considering workforce distribution, performance management, and motivation strategies within national and decentralized health contexts. The module emphasizes the role of leadership, team dynamics, organizational culture, and labor relations in shaping staff performance and system effectiveness. Through practical examples and case studies, students develop the competence to design and implement HRM interventions that align with institutional goals, enhance workforce productivity, and support ongoing reforms in Armenia’s healthcare system.

Leadership (3 credits)

This module equips students with the knowledge and skills required to lead effectively within public health and healthcare systems, with particular reference to Armenia’s evolving health governance and reform context. Students explore core leadership theories and develop competencies in team management, change facilitation, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. The module emphasizes ethical, culturally informed, and emotionally intelligent leadership, applying systems approaches to enhance organizational performance, cross-sector collaboration, and health equity. Practical applications include crisis leadership, resilience-building, and strategic decision-making in resource-constrained, post-conflict, and climate-sensitive health settings.

Health Care Quality Management (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare quality principles, frameworks, and methodologies, emphasizing both international standards and Armenia’s national context. Students learn to assess and manage service quality, evaluate accreditation models, and analyze regulatory and compliance requirements. The module equips students to design evidence-informed quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient safety, service effectiveness, and organizational efficiency, taking into account local healthcare delivery structures, resource constraints, and institutional accountability. Practical case studies and exercises illustrate applications in Armenian primary, hospital, and specialized healthcare settings.

Hospital Administration (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of hospital administration, governance, and service delivery systems, with particular focus on the Armenian health system. Students explore core management principles—including budgeting, human resource management, procurement, and logistics—and apply them to the operation of inpatient and outpatient services within national frameworks such as Armenia’s Basic Benefit Package. The module emphasizes hospital performance evaluation through quality assurance, accreditation, and patient-centered safety protocols, while integrating legal, ethical, and accountability considerations. Students also examine the role of hospitals in ensuring continuity of care, equity, and emergency preparedness.

Health Policy and Law (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, as well as the legal frameworks that underpin public health and healthcare delivery. Students learn to analyze the influence of governance structures, policy instruments, and stakeholder interests on population health outcomes, equity, and system performance. The module emphasizes the application of policy analysis tools, critical assessment of national and international health policies—including those relevant to Armenia—and interpretation of public health laws and regulations. Special attention is given to legal foundations for emergency preparedness, disaster response, and health system accountability, integrating ethical and human rights considerations.

Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Systems (3 credits)

This module introduces students to the comparative study of health systems, focusing on their structural, functional, and governance characteristics across diverse country contexts, with particular attention to Armenia’s post-Soviet health system. Students critically examine the influence of political, economic, social, and cultural factors on health system organization, financing, and service delivery. The module emphasizes performance assessment using international indicators of access, quality, equity, and efficiency, and explores strategies for health system reform, resilience, and post-conflict recovery. Case studies from high-, middle-, and low-income countries provide practical insights into system strengthening and adaptation to evolving public health challenges. 

Health Education and Promotion (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of health education and promotion theories, frameworks, and practical applications. Emphasizing participatory, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive approaches, students learn to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that address behavioral, social, and structural determinants of health. The module highlights the use of communication, advocacy, and literacy strategies to promote sustainable behavior change, with a particular focus on equity, rights-based approaches, and the diverse regional, ethnic, and social contexts of Armenia. Case studies from national and international campaigns illustrate practical application and ethical considerations in promoting health across populations. 

Healthcare Marketing (3 credits)

This module equips students with a critical understanding of marketing principles and their application in public and private healthcare contexts. Students will learn to conduct market research, segment populations, and design strategic communication campaigns that align with organizational objectives and public health priorities. Emphasis is placed on analyzing consumer behavior, leveraging branding and digital outreach, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing strategies, with attention to cultural, legal, and infrastructural considerations specific to Armenia. Practical examples from national health programs and NGO initiatives illustrate the integration of marketing into evidence-informed healthcare delivery and population engagement.

Digital Health (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of digital health technologies and their applications in healthcare and public health, with particular reference to Armenia’s e-health system. Students will critically evaluate the planning, financing, and governance of digital health initiatives, and assess how digital tools enhance care delivery, surveillance, and population health outcomes. The module emphasizes ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations, including national and international standards, and explores digital literacy, equity, and inclusion in access to digital health services. Students will also examine infodemiology principles to monitor and respond to health misinformation, applying evidence-based strategies and case studies to strengthen system performance and public engagement.

Research Seminar and Thesis Preparation (3 credits)

This module guides students through the structured preparation and development of their Master’s thesis in public health. It focuses on synthesizing core public health knowledge, research evidence, and methodological principles to produce a coherent, ethically conducted, and academically rigorous thesis. Students will apply biostatistical and epidemiological techniques to analyze data, draw evidence-based conclusions, and relate findings to public health policy or practice. The module emphasizes scientific communication, proper academic formatting, referencing, and adherence to institutional and international research ethics. Students will develop a Pre-Submission Progress Report that consolidates completed work, identifies pending sections, and provides a clear timeline for full thesis submission, incorporating supervisory feedback to refine content, structure, and analytical reasoning.

Global Health (3 credits)

This module introduces students to the complex, interconnected determinants of global health and well-being, with emphasis on structural, environmental, political, and economic factors. Students will develop interdisciplinary knowledge by exploring how multiple academic fields contribute to understanding and addressing global public health challenges. The module covers ethical and human rights principles in global health, global governance structures, cross-border health threats such as pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related risks, as well as global health financing mechanisms. Through critical analysis of international case studies and frameworks, students will gain insights into policy, coordination, and equity considerations that shape global public health strategies.

Healthcare in Emergencies (3 credits)

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the public health dimensions of humanitarian emergencies, including natural disasters, technological crises, and conflict-related events. Students will examine the causes, health consequences, and population vulnerabilities associated with emergencies and complex humanitarian settings. The module emphasizes the application of humanitarian principles, ethical frameworks, and international operational standards (e.g., SPHERE, IASC) in the assessment, planning, and implementation of emergency health interventions. Students will develop competence in conducting health needs assessments, prioritizing interventions, and designing evidence-based response strategies tailored to national and regional contexts, including Armenia. Attention is given to coordination mechanisms and the roles of national and international actors involved in humanitarian health response.

Strengthening Healthcare System (3 credits)

This module explores the structure, evolution, and reform of Armenia’s health system within the broader post-Soviet context. Students will develop a critical understanding of key health system components—including governance, financing, workforce, and service delivery—and apply strategic planning and monitoring & evaluation principles to assess national policies and programs. The module equips students to identify implementation gaps, analyze system challenges, and design a five-year evidence-informed health system strengthening strategy aligned with national priorities and global public health frameworks. Through case studies, comparative analyses, and practical exercises, students gain skills to evaluate, plan, and communicate actionable strategies for health system improvement in Armenia and comparable settings.

Violence and Injury Prevention (3 credits)

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, and public health burden of injuries and violence at local, national, and global levels. Students will critically evaluate strategies and policies for the prevention of both intentional (e.g., interpersonal and gender-based violence) and unintentional injuries (e.g., road traffic accidents, occupational injuries, falls), applying public health frameworks to design, implement, and assess interventions. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, equity, and protection of vulnerable populations. The module also explores the role of legislation, community engagement, and intersectoral collaboration in reducing harm, with reference to national institutions, policies, and data. Through case studies, applied exercises, and policy analysis, students gain practical skills to develop evidence-informed strategies for injury and violence prevention.

Integrating Experience (12 credits)

The Integrating Experience is the capstone of the MPH program, designed to demonstrate students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills in healthcare management and public health. It consists of three core components: the Written Master Thesis, the Interdisciplinary Computer-Based Examination, and the Oral Defense of the Master Thesis. Completion of all components is required for graduation.

The Written Master Thesis involves independent research under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. Students develop a research plan, obtain ethical approval, collect and analyze data, and prepare a full thesis following YSMU academic and formatting standards. Supervisors provide ongoing feedback on interim drafts, data analysis, and writing. Theses are evaluated by an Examination Board using a standardized rubric to ensure consistency, rigor, and fairness.

The Interdisciplinary Computer-Based Examination is conducted at the end of the final semester and assesses knowledge across healthcare planning, management, and quality improvement. The exam uses multiple-choice, single-best-answer, and exception-type questions under standardized conditions. Passing this exam is required before progressing to the oral defense.

The Oral Defense of the Master Thesis allows students to present and defend their research before the Examination Board. The defense includes a structured presentation, responses to reviewer feedback, and a discussion with examiners. Students receive guidance from their supervisors in preparing presentations and practicing responses. The defense is evaluated on both content and presentation using a standardized rubric.

For more details regarding master thesis see YSMU Master’s thesis defense procedure at https://ysmu.am/right/bardzraguyn-krtutyan-kanonakarger/

The Program uses interactive, student-centered teaching approaches:

• Lectures and interactive discussions
• Case studies and problem-based learning
• Simulations and practical exercises
• Statistical software workshops (SPSS, Excel)
• Group projects and presentations
• Policy and management scenario analysis

Formative assessment is integrated into all modules to support continuous learning.

Assessment is aligned with intended learning outcomes and EQF Level 7 standards.

Methods include:

• MCQ, SBA and exception-type tests
• Short-answer and analytical questions
• Written assignments and essays
• Group projects and presentations
• Practical data analysis tasks
• Master’s Thesis and oral defense
• Interdisciplinary computer-based exam

Clear assessment rubrics and requirements are shared with students at the start of each module.

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• Ministry of Health and national health authorities
• Public health agencies and research institutions
• Hospitals and healthcare organizations
• Health insurance companies
• NGOs and international organizations
• Universities and academic research
• Health policy and planning departments

Candidates applying to the Master of Public Health program are expected to have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline or Integrated Education Diploma.
• Candidates may be enrolled conditionally based on evidence from graduating university that the candidates have completed the educational program and the candidate expects formal issuance of final transcript and/or diploma by a certain date. In that case, the decision on enrollment shall prescribe the period of time within which the candidate shall provide the necessary documents to the University;
• a minimum GPA of 5 out of 10-point scale or equivalent on the applicant’s degree (bachelor’s, master)
• high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program presented during the interview.
• Proficiency in Armenian language

The annual tuition fee for the MPH in Healthcare Management and Planning is 500,000 AMD.

Students may choose one of the following payment options:

• Per semester (250,000 AMD each semester), or
• Monthly payments, with a minimum of 50,000 AMD per month

There are five tuition-free government-funded places for MPH in Healthcare Management and Planning Program

Applicant should submit to the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Public Health required documents during the admission period:

1. Complete the application form
2. Original and copy of a National ID card or passport;
3. Original and copy of diploma of higher education with transcript;
4. CV in Armenian language

5. 4 photos (size 3×4)

Important dates for those who are applying for the 2025-2026 academic year:

• Start for application – June 16, 2025
• Deadline for application – August 27, 2025
• Interview dates – August 27,28, 2025

Research Plan Guide

Master Thesis Guideline

MBA in Healthcare Management

MPH Student Manual 2025-2026

Sample Interview Questionnaire for Admission

• Program email: mph@ysmu.am
• Phone number: +374 301 000 (ext. 308)
• Address: 2 Koryun Street, Yerevan 0025, Armenia