Health Policy and Administration, B.S. (Health and Human Development)

Program Code: HPA_BS

Program Description

This major helps prepare students for management and policy positions or graduate study in the field of health care. Students in the major develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand the complex societal problem of providing access to quality health care at reasonable cost. All Health Policy and Administration students complete an internship in a health-care-related setting, giving them valuable experience and contacts in the industry. HPA students study a multidisciplinary curriculum that prepares them to work as health services managers or health analysts. Health services managers, also called health care executives or health care administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical, health, and/or long-term care services. They might manage an entire facility or specialize in managing a specific clinical area or department, administrate a program or manage a practice for a group of providers. Health analysts are employed throughout the health care industry gathering, compiling, modeling, validating, and analyzing data needed by different organizations of providers, payers, and policy makers. Analysts help these organizations understand the current trends in the health care system and to make well-informed decisions. Both health services managers and analysts must be able to adapt to changes in health care laws, regulations, and technology. HPA students have also used the degree to prepare for graduate study in business, law, medicine or allied health fields, health administration, health services research or policy, and public health.

What is Health Policy and Administration?

Health Policy and Administration (HPA) is a multidisciplinary course of study with courses in the liberal arts, business administration, and health sciences. In general HPA students are prepared to work in six types of health care organizations including:

  1. Health care providers (hospitals, physician practices, nursing facilities, home health agencies, etc.)
  2. Health insurers (nonprofit and commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations, etc.)
  3. Health care consulting firms
  4. Health care supply companies (pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, etc.)
  5. Health services research and policy organizations (health policy research groups, industry trade groups, etc.);
  6. Local, state, and federal health agencies (local health departments, state Department of Health, federal Department of Health and Human Services, etc.).

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTH POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You are interested in business administration or management but want to focus primarily in the healthcare industry.
  • You are interested in influencing health policy by working in government at the state or federal level
  • You are interested in improving access to health care for underserved populations
  • You are interested in reducing health care costs or improving health care quality through policy reform.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE TO STUDY HEALTH POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Policy and Administration, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 4-6
Requirements for the Major 81-83

12 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 6 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GS courses.

The requirements for the major are outlined below. Students may select courses in the Supporting Courses and Related Areas category to fulfill requirements for a minor, to develop a specialization, or to complete courses required for admission to medical, dental, law, or other graduate schools.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. H P A requires students to complete 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for this major.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ECON 102Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
HPA 101Introduction to Health Services Organization3
HPA 210Health Care Payment3
HPA 211Financial Decisions in Health Care Organizations3
HPA 301Health Services Policy Issues3
HPA 310Health Care and Medical Needs3
HPA 311Population Health and Healthcare3
HPA 332Health Systems Management3
HPA 390Professional Development in Health Policy & Administration3
HPA 395Field Experience in Health Policy and Administration3
HPA 455Strategic Planning and Marketing for Health Services3
PLSC 1American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers Keystone/General Education Course3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 101Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course3-4
or CMPSC 203 Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases Keystone/General Education Course
or MIS 204 Introduction to Management Information Systems Keystone/General Education Course
STAT 200Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course3-4
or STAT 250 Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Comparative Health Systems
Principles of Public Health Administration
Principles of Managed Care
Health Care Leadership
Administration of Hospital and Health Service Systems
Safety Net Health Care
Culturally Competent Health Services for Diverse Populations
Principles of Epidemiology
Long-Term Care Management
Nursing Home Administration
Aging Policy in the United States
Health Economics
Economics and Health In Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Financing Health Care
Healthcare Policies and Politics
Health Care Professional Communication
Human Resource Management in Health Care Organizations
Health Care Information Management
Health Care Quality
Physician Practice Management
Special Topics
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 30 credits from University-wide offerings on department list in consultation with adviser 130
1

Must include at least 9 credits at the 400 level.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.H.A. in Health Policy and Administration

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.H.A. in Health Policy and Administration can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.I.A. in International Affairs

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.I.A. in International Affairs can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.P.H. in Public Health

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.P.H. in Public Health can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.P.P. in Public Policy

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Health Policy and Administration and M.P.P. in Public Policy can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Know Health Organizations: HPA graduates will possess in depth understanding of health and health care, including the structures, policies, processes and institutions that make up the U.S. health care system.
  • Organize and Direct Resources: HPA graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary for organizing and directing resources towards the achievement of organizational objectives.
  • Policy Analysis: HPA graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate public policy.
  • Emotional Intelligence: HPA graduates will possess an awareness of and the ability to manage ones own emotions in a way that enables positive interpersonal interactions and the building of productive relationships.
  • Diversity Adeptness: HPA graduates will recognize the value of diversity and possess sensitivity to underrepresented and underserved groups in health care.
  • Critical Thinking: HPA graduates will be able to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information to identify, examine, and solve problems that occur in the health care system.
  • Communication: HPA graduates will be able to effectively receive, process, and relay information through speaking, writing, and listening.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Caroline Condon-Lewis
Academic Adviser
604 Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1192
cxc29@psu.edu

Beaver

Nima Khodakarami
Assistant Professor of HPA
100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3939
nzk26@psu.edu or khodakarami@psu.edu

Harrisburg

Jane Beckett-Camarata, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator
Olmsted Building, W160
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6206
ejb27@psu.edu

Hazleton

Beth Greenberg
Lecturer, Health Policy and Administration; Program Coordinator, Health Policy and Administration
Schiavo Hall, 206
76 University Drive
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3152
bag5413@psu.edu

Lehigh Valley

Anita Yuskauskas
Health Policy and Administration Program Coordinator   
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5107
auy10@psu.edu

MONT ALTO

Michelle Pittman
Lecturer and Program Coordinator of HPA
112 General Studies
1 Campus Drive
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6124
mxp99@psu.edu

Schuylkill

Louise Meret-Hanke, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6070
lam330@psu.edu

Shenango

Iffath Syed
Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator
Address 1: 147 Shenango Avenue
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2977
ixs5254@psu.edu

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Health Policy and Administration, B.S. at University Park Campus and World Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
BISC 4, BIOL 141, BIOL 161, or BBH 1013HPA 210*3 
ECON 102*†3PLSC 1*†3 
HPA 101*3General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, ENGL/CAS 138T recommended)3 
HPA 123S1General Education Course (GH)3 
General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15, ENGL/CAS 137H recommended)3Supporting Course13 
PSU First-Year Seminar2  
 15 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
HPA 211*3CMPSC 101, 203, or MIS 204*‡3-4 
HPA 301W*23HPA 311*3 
STAT 200 or 250*‡3-4HPA 332*3 
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GN)3 
Supporting Course13Supporting Course13 
 15-16 15-16 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
HPA 310*3HPA 390W*23HPA 395*3
General Education Course (GA)3HPA 400 level course (see degree audit)*3 
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (GA)3 
Supporting Course13Supporting Course13 
Supporting Course13Supporting Course (400 level)13 
 15 15 3
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A or 202D preferred)3HPA 455*3 
HPA 400 level Course (see degree audit)*3HPA 400 Level Course (see degree audit)*3 
Elective3General Education Course (GHW)3 
Supporting Course13Supporting Course (400 level)13 
Supporting Course (400 level)13  
 15 12 
Total Credits 120-122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

The Supporting Course List can be found here: https://hhd.psu.edu/hpa/supporting-courses

2

HPA 301W and HPA 390W fulfill the Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

Minimum credits required for graduation is 120.

LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: Per Senate policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum.

Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.

Health Policy and Administration, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

This Suggested Academic Plan is for students on Commonwealth Campuses where the HPA major is not offered.

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
BISC 4, BIOL 141, BIOL 161, or BBH 1013General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C recommended)3 
ECON 102*†3PLSC 1*†3 
General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15 recommended)3STAT 200 or 250*‡3-4 
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GN)3 
General Education Course (GH)3Supporting Course13 
 15 15-16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
General Education Course (GA)3CMPSC 101, 203, or MIS 204*‡23-4 
General Education Course (GHW)3General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A or 202D preferred)3 
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (GH)3 
Supporting Course13Supporting Course13 
Supporting Course13Supporting Course13 
 15 15-16 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
HPA 101*3HPA 211*3HPA 395*3
HPA 210*3HPA 301W*33 
HPA 310*3HPA 332*3 
Supporting Course13HPA 390W*33 
Supporting Course (400 level)13Supporting Course13 
 15 15 3
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
HPA 311*3HPA 455*3 
HPA 400 level Course (see degree audit)*3HPA 400 Level Course (see degree audit)*3 
HPA 400 level Course (see degree audit)*3Supporting Course (400 level)13 
Supporting Course (400 level)13Elective3 
Elective or GQ23  
 15 12 
Total Credits 120-122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

The Supporting Course List can be found here: https://hhd.psu.edu/hpa/supporting-courses

2

Either CMPSC course will apply to GQ requirement, if MIS 204 is selected another GQ will be needed to fulfill the University requirement replacing elective credits.

3

HPA 301W and HPA 390W fulfill the Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Advising Notes:

Minimum credits required for graduation is 120.

LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: Per Senate policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum.

Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.

Career Paths

The mission of the Bachelor of Science Program (B.S.) in HPA is to develop graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values appropriate to work in entry-level management or policy-related positions or for the pursuit of graduate education in health administration, health policy, health law, health services research, public health, and other health related needs. HPA students develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand the complex societal problem of providing access to quality health care at reasonable cost.

Careers

The HPA curriculum prepares students to work as health services managers/administrators or health analysts. Health services managers/administrators plan, direct, and coordinate medical, behavioral, and/or long-term care services. These individuals might oversee matters of personnel, budgeting, billing, equipment outlays, information systems, planning and more. Health analysts are responsible for analyzing, compiling, and validating information needed by different organizations of providers, payers, and policy makers. Analysts help these organizations understand the current trends in the health care system and to make well-informed decisions. Employment in the health care sector is projected to grow 18 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than all other occupations.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE HEALTH POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

HPA’s blend of courses in liberal arts, business administration, and the health sciences, is designed to prepare students for careers or further study in health care. HPA students have used the degree to prepare for graduate study in business, law, medicine or allied health fields, health administration, health services research or policy, and public health.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Accreditation

HPA is a fully certified member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). As such it has been recognized for having withstood the rigors of peer review wherein curricula, faculty, and educational outcomes have been critically examined by external peer review. In a process comparable to other specialty program accreditations, programs seeking AUPHA certification must submit an extensive self-study detailing the program's structure, educational processes, and assessment mechanisms in response to national criteria established by AUPHA.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACCREDITATION BY THE ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS IN HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
604 Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-2900
pennstatehpa@psu.edu

https://hhd.psu.edu/hpa

World Campus

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
604 Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-2900
jll95@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-health-policy-and-administration-bachelor-of-science-degree

Beaver

100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3939
nzk26@psu.edu or khodakarami@psu.edu

https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/majors/hpa

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Olmsted Building W160
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6779
aqk5884@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/public-affairs/health-policy-administration-bs

Hazleton

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Schiavo Hall, 109
76 University Drive
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3138
bag5413@psu.edu

https://hazleton.psu.edu/health-policy-and-administration
https://hazleton.psu.edu/person/beth-greenberg

Lehigh Valley

2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5107
auy10@psu.edu

https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/academics/degrees/health-policy-and-administration

MONT ALTO

112 General Studies
1 Campus Drive
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6124
mxp99@psu.edu

https://montalto.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/health-policy-and-administration-degree

Schuylkill

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6070
lam330@psu.edu

Shenango

147 Shenango Avenue
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2977
ixs5254@psu.edu

https://shenango.psu.edu/academics/degrees/health-policy-administration