Health Services Administration 

Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Services Administration degree program is designed to prepare students to become leaders of institutions that provide health care services to residents of the Western Pennsylvania region and beyond.

The structure and financing of health care is changing rapidly. Future administrators must be prepared to deal with evolving integrated patient care delivery systems, technological innovations, an increasingly complex regulatory environment, restructuring of work, and an increased focus on preventive care. They will be called upon to improve efficiency in health care facilities and the quality of the care provided.

Through the B.S. in Health Services Administration program, you'll gain the knowledge and develop the leadership skills that will enable you to lead individuals, groups and organizations in today's ever-changing health care industry. Through an integration of theory and practical experience, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry, including its nuances and challenges, in order to develop a focused leadership style that is adapted to the reality of patient care delivery today.

Curriculum
The 120-credit hour curriculum has three components:

1. Robert Morris University Core - 39 credits
   These are the traditional liberal arts requirements of the University. Studies in humanities, communications skills, and social, behavioral, natural and quantitative sciences are included.
2. Health Services Administration - 45 credits
   This is the major field of study and includes 15 courses in various areas of health care administration, including policy, strategic planning, marketing, human resources, law and ethics, finance, economics, accounting, research, information systems and an undergraduate thesis.
3. Minor/Open Electives - 36 credits
   This component allows students to choose up to 12 courses to tailor their program of study to meet their professional and personal needs and interests. Many students use these courses to complete a minor. These courses also may be filled by transfer and life experience credits.

Major Courses

Market Demand
Nationally, health care is a $1.7 trillion industry, or nearly 16 percent of the U.S. gross national product. As the "Baby Boomer" generation approaches retirement, a new generation of managers will be needed to lead the largest-ever expansion of the health care industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow faster than the average through 2012.

The demand for qualified health care managers in Western Pennsylvania is strong and will continue to grow, as approximately 18 percent of the region's population is over the age of 65. As a result, health care is one of the region's major industries. The region is home to one of the nation's largest health insurance companies, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and one of the nation's most prominent teaching hospitals, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. There are 73 hospitals in Western Pennsylvania plus a substantial number of long-term care facilities and home health agencies.

Career Options
A wide range of career options is available to students completing the B.S. in Health Services Administration degree program. Graduates may find jobs in the administration of hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics, long-term care or managed care facilities, rehabilitation services, pharmaceutical sales or government.