HEOR Frequently Asked Questions

The Tufts Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) Certificate Program is an online, graduate-level certificate that provides foundational training in health economics, outcomes research, health technology assessment (HTA) and real-world evidence (RWE). The program helps students understand how clinical and economic evidence can inform health care decision-making.

The program was designed for professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, clinicians and other health insurance professionals, graduate degree holders and current graduate students. Students bring a range of academic and professional backgrounds to the program.

No. The program is designed to provide foundational knowledge in health economics and outcomes research, making it accessible to learners who are new to the field.

Students develop a foundation in health economics, health technology assessment and real-world evidence. The curriculum is designed to help students understand how economic, clinical and outcomes evidence is evaluated and applied in health care. The program includes three courses: Introduction to Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Health Technology Assessment and Real-World Evidence.

The five-credit certificate consists of three courses:

• Introduction to Health Economics and Outcomes Research: 2 credits
• Health Technology Assessment (HTA): 2 credits
• Real-World Evidence (RWE): 1 credit

The introductory course is offered in the fall, followed by Health Technology Assessment and Real-World Evidence in the spring.

Yes. The program is offered online through asynchronous weekly lectures, active online discussion boards and live webinars with experts in the field.

Yes. Students engage through online discussion boards and live webinars featuring experts in the field. In addition to core faculty, guest faculty include HEOR thought leaders, providing students with perspectives from across the field.

The Tufts HEOR Certificate Program is connected to the Tufts Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health (CEVR), which brings expertise in economics and decision analysis and leads research in cost-effectiveness, health policy and resource allocation. CEVR also houses databases that measure and communicate the clinical and economic value of health care strategies.

Tuition is charged per credit at $1,667 per credit. The five-credit certificate has a total tuition cost of $8,335, based on the program information provided.

Applicants must submit a CV or résumé, personal statement, transcripts from prior degrees, one letter of reference and a $90 application fee. Applicants whose native language is not English must also meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (ELPR) through one of the methods listed on the GSBS Application Requirements page.

Additional option for international HEOR applicants: Applicants may also meet the ELPR through at least two years of professional work experience, within five years of the proposed enrollment term, at an organization based in the United States (including U.S. territories and protectorates), Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Anglophone Canada or New Zealand. Applicants who believe they qualify for this exception should email gsbs-admissions@tufts.edu to confirm eligibility and update their application requirements.

Applications open September 15, close on August 1, and decisions are released on a rolling basis between January and August. You can apply through the GSBS Application Portal.

The program begins in the fall semester with Introduction to Health Economics and Outcomes Research. Health Technology Assessment and Real-World Evidence are offered during the spring semester.