Abstract
In response to a growing movement within higher education to provide interdisciplinary educational programs, this study describes the creation of an interdisciplinary graduate certificate program in healthcare policy and management. Building on prior research, we surveyed healthcare executives to examine their perceptions about the need for such a program and the importance of core subject areas. Drawing on our findings as well as the literature on “interactional expertise” and “wicked problems,” we provide a detailed method for launching an interdisciplinary program. Our process may be useful in guiding other institutions interested in setting up new interdisciplinary programs of their own.
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Acknowledgements
This study was funded by Cherilyn and Michael Murer of Murer Consulting, Inc., as part of their broader initiative in Healthcare Policy and Management. The authors would also like to thank the Northern Illinois University Public Opinion Lab for assistance with survey distribution and data analysis.
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McFadden, K.L., Chen, SJ.(., Munroe, D.J. et al. Creating an Innovative Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program. Innov High Educ 36, 161–176 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-010-9164-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-010-9164-6