Course Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration requires students to complete a combination of lower division courses, upper division core courses, and elective coursework that focuses on interpersonal and organizational skills. The program begins with 12 units of required lower division courses that provide students with a foundational understanding of business, economics, public health, and data analysis. These courses typically include accounting fundamentals, macroeconomic or microeconomic analysis, healthy lifestyles, and introductory statistics. Together, these subjects help students develop basic knowledge of financial management, economic systems, and statistical methods that are important in healthcare administration.Students must also complete 30 units of upper division coursework that focuses on the management and operation of healthcare systems. These courses introduce students to core concepts in public health and healthcare administration. Topics include introduction to public health, ethical considerations in public health, health data analysis, epidemiology, and the structure of the United States healthcare system. Additional courses explore healthcare systems and operations, administration of healthcare organizations, organizational behavior in healthcare settings, and healthcare process improvement. Students also complete a business communications course that strengthens professional communication skills needed in administrative and leadership roles.In addition to the required courses, students must complete 11 to 13 units of interpersonal skill-building electives. Students choose four courses from a list that includes subjects such as intercultural communication, management of contemporary organizations, human resource management, organizational behavior, and bioethics. Some students may also choose experiential learning opportunities such as public health study abroad programs or fieldwork in health or safety organizations. These electives help students develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that are essential for managing healthcare organizations and working with diverse populations.Overall, the program requires approximately 53 to 55 units and is designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare administration and management. Graduates gain knowledge of healthcare systems, organizational management, and health data analysis, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills needed to work effectively in public, private, and nonprofit healthcare organizations.