Hands-On Experience
Complete a valuable internship alongside your online course work.
Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
Gain Expertise to Understand and Improve the Health Care Industry
Study issues involved in providing access to quality health care at a reasonable cost.
Obtain hands-on field experience through an internship.
Stand out in the job market with transferable skills.
Investigate ways to respond to evolving regulations, dynamic technology, costs, and an increase in patients.
Customize Your Online Course List
Customize Your Online Course List
Our health policy and administration curriculum blends courses from several topic areas that can help you develop the expertise you will need to contribute to improvements in the health care system:
- health sciences
- business administration
- liberal arts
The Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration (HPA) is a 120-credit program that offers a solid foundation in the management, business, and policy aspects of health care.
Prescribed Courses (39 credits)
- 3credits
Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.
- GS
This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
- 3credits
Examination of the social, political, historic, and scientific factors in the development and organization of health services.
- 3credits
This course examines the broad topic of data and health care decisions, particularly how to be an astute consumer of data about health, the health care system, and health policy.
- 3credits
This course covers basic concepts and issues related to health insurance and payment for health care providers.
- Prerequisite
ECON 102, HPA 101
- 3credits
An introduction to financial and economic information to make decisions in health care organizations.
- Prerequisite
HPA 210
- 3credits
Analysis of major issues in health services delivery in hospitals, medical practice, public health, mental health, and health professional education.
- Prerequisite
ECON 102, HPA 101, PLSC 001
- 3credits
Health care from an individual, family, and community standpoint illustrated with specific diseases and health problems.
- Prerequisite
(BBH 101 or BISC 004 or BIOL 141) and HPA 101
- 3credits
This course covers fundamental theories, concepts, issues, and strategies related to a population health approach to health and health services.
- Prerequisite
HPA 101
- 3credits
Introduction to and analysis of managerial roles and practices in health service organizations.
- Prerequisite
HPA 101, HPA 211
- 3credits
Development of personal understanding and professional skills to prepare students for future employment or study in health policy and administration.
- Prerequisite
HPA 101
- 3credits
Professional field experience providing opportunities to apply skills and knowledge in health care setting.
- Prerequisite
HPA 301, HPA 310, HPA 332, HPA 390W
- Full-Time Equivalent Course
Full-time equivalent (FTE) classes have been approved to be offered as full time regardless of the number of credits the class is worth.
- 3credits
Introduction to principles and methods of strategic planning and marketing.
- Prerequisite
HPA 395
- 3credits
This course examines the American democracy by looking at the dynamic interaction between the founding ideals of the United States government, the institutions established by the Constitution, and the ongoing contest for power within and through those institutions.
- GS
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
Additional Courses (7 credits)
- 3credits
Fundamentals of computational thinking, including reasoning about problems at multiple levels of abstraction, and analyzing code for its behavior, efficiency, and correctness.
- GQ
This course can be used to satisfy the Quantification (GQ) requirement.
- or:4credits
Design, use, and programming of spreadsheets and data bases with applications from a range of disciplines.
- Note
not currently offered online through World Campus.
- or:3credits
Provides an overview of the role of information systems in business process design; the current technologies used for obtaining, storing, securing, and communicating information in support of operations and decision-making within a business organization; as well as the concepts and principles for developing and using popular spreadsheet and database tools.
- 4credits
Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.
- Prerequisite
Placement into MATH 021 or higher.
- GQ
This course can be used to satisfy the Quantification (GQ) requirement.
Additional HPA Courses (select 9 credits)
- 3credits
This course provides an opportunity to students to learn about the challenges of leadership in health care.
- Prerequisite
HPA 301, HPA 311, HPA 332
- 3credits
This course examines the broad concept of diversity and its impact on health care, particularly on rendering services to patients from diverse groups and about the challenges health care professionals face serving diverse populations. Diversity includes many factors, such as age, ethnicity, race, religion, physical and mental disability, class, gender, and sexual orientation. To eradicate health disparities and improve health outcomes, students will explore effective and culturally appropriate strategies and interventions to deliver health care to diverse health care consumers.
- Prerequisite
HPA 311
- 3credits
Theory of epidemiology and significant case studies. Potential application to health care.
- Prerequisite
BBH 101 or BIOL 110 or HPA 310; STAT 200 or STAT 250
- 3credits
Management and policy issues for institutional, community, and home settings for chronic care services.
- Prerequisite
HPA 332
- 3credits
Foundations of human resource management applied to health care organizations, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
- Prerequisite
HPA 332
- 3credits
This course covers the basic principles and techniques of quality management in health care, including the definition, measurement, and uses of data for improving the quality of health and health services.
- Prerequisite
HPA 332
Supporting Courses and Related Areas (30 credits)
At least 9 credits must be at the 400 level.
Select from University-wide offerings in consultation with adviser. View the full department list
Please note that not all supporting courses on the department's list are available to online learners. Students can choose electives in consultation with their adviser.
General Education (45 credits)
12 credits are included in the requirements for the major.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Foundations: 15 credits
All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements.- Writing/Speaking: 9 credits
- Quantification: 6 credits
3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic.
- Knowledge Domains: 15 credits
Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Integrative Studies: 6 credits
- Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits
- Exploration: 9 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits
May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.
These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements.
Electives (select 1–3 credits)
Students can choose electives in consultation with their adviser.
Please note: Among the above degree requirements, you must incorporate at least 3 credits in U.S. cultures, 3 credits in international (IL) cultures, and 3 credits in Writing Across the Curriculum courses. The above course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
The breadth of the course work in this bachelor’s degree program and the support of Penn State career services can prepare you for almost any type of health care work environment.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:
- Health Care Analyst
- Health Care Consultant
- Health Information Manager
- Hospital Unit Coordinator
- Medical Practice Manager
- Mental Health Program Manager
- Patient Services Director
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Additional Career Paths
As an HPA graduate, you can join the vast network of HPA alumni who work in a wide range of health services organizations from major teaching hospitals to rural solo-practices. Jobs can be found in small, not-for-profit, service-oriented agencies or in major corporations.
In addition to career paths in health care administration or management, there is an array of other career paths in which your skills and knowledge can be put to great use:
Medical — hospitals, physician practices, nursing facilities, home health agencies, and public health
Policymaking — government, public service, lobbying, advising and consulting, and global health
Business — health care consulting, medical device manufacturing, insurance, health care marketing, and human resources
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $638 per credit | $685 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,755 per semester | $8,371 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Gain Invaluable Hands-On Experience
Gain Invaluable Hands-On Experience
An administrative internship, which will provide practical, hands-on experience and problem-solving skills needed to tackle some of the most challenging issues in the health care industry and can be completed in your community, is required for this degree.
The administrative internship, typically completed near the end of the program, is a 320-hour full-time or part-time work experience, which can be fulfilled over one or two consecutive semesters. Both in-person and virtual administrative internships qualify, provided they are within a health care organization or governmental agency.
Internship Course Work
The internship, HPA 395, is a full-time equivalent course, meaning students qualify for financial aid while enrolled. The Department of Health Policy and Administration views the workload for this course as if you were completing 12 credit hours. Because of this, we recommend students take no more than two additional courses with their internship.
| Course Number and Name | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HPA 395: Field Experience in HPA | During this course, you will gain administrative training and experience through an internship for a minimum of 320 hours with a health service organization, either over one semester or two consecutive semesters. As part of the field experience, you will complete:
| 3 credits (320 hours) |
Benefits to Completing an HPA Internship
One of the strengths of Penn State's Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration is the emphasis on professional development. Designed to enhance your overall learning, this internship will provide you with an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you are acquiring in your online course work within a health care setting. The internship experience can uniquely prepare you by introducing you to other professionals in the field and to the work environment in a way that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.
While other students could graduate with similar educational experiences, an internship will help you stand out in the job market with transferable skills that employers are seeking.
Internship Objectives
The flexible internship experience serves as a critical component of your overall academic process by focusing on various personalized objectives, including:
gaining practical experience in administration/management, research, or policy
interacting with other health professionals and receiving guidance in the establishment of your professional identity
applying the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom setting
experiencing real-life situations and learning firsthand how those issues impact the organization
developing awareness of special career interests, abilities, and areas of potential improvement in order to select relevant course work and training during your final year of academic study
establishing a professional network in which you can grow as you further pursue your career goals
Examples of Appropriate Internship Experiences
You will work closely with your internship coordinator and your preceptor to plan the path most appropriate for you. Your individual internship experience will be based on your own needs and goals. Some possible internship experiences to consider include:
attending key leadership meetings
shadowing your preceptor throughout the course of a day
being assigned to various projects within an organization
presenting a defined internship project to senior management
performing a wide variety of other tasks assigned by your preceptor
For additional details about our internship, please view our Student Internship Website.
Fostering Excellence and Driving Innovation in Health Management and Policy Education
The HPA department is a full member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
AUPHA is a global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals, and organizations dedicated to the improvement of health and health care delivery through excellence in health care management and policy education.
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years
- Take 6 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years
- Take 4–5 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Five or More Years
- Take 2–3 courses each semester
Timelines may vary for students transferring credits from another school or based on course availability.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
Professional Licensure / Certification
Disclosures
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 for more information.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by March 15 to start May 19
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Summer Deadline
Apply by March 15 to start May 19Fall Deadline
Apply by June 30 to start August 25Spring Deadline
Apply by October 31, 2025, to start January 12, 2026
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Steps to Apply
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.
You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR) when applying. Official high school transcripts for first-year applicants will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Transfer international students will need to submit their high school transcript before their application can be reviewed.
Official college or university transcripts and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
Accessing MyPennState
The MyPennState Portal provides access to our online admissions services. Before accessing MyPennState, you must have a Penn State account that will be used to access all Penn State systems. After creating an account, you will receive a unique Penn State User ID. You will need to enter your User ID followed by @psu.edu when signing in to MyPennState and other Penn State sites. For example, you should be entering something like '[email protected]' in the Sign In field.
The application consists of six sections:
- Application Setup
- Program of Study
- Citizenship and Residency
- Academics and Experience
- Miscellaneous
- Review and Submit
Application Setup
Be sure to select "Online" for the "How would you like to complete your degree" question if you plan to attend Penn State World Campus.
The rest of this section will ask some basic questions about your education experience and military affiliation.
Program of Study
You will choose the degree type and then the starting semester.
Your starting campus will be selected as Penn State World Campus by default as long as you picked "Online" in your Application Setup. Click Continue.
On the Choose a Program page, select your intended major from the list.
Review your selection on the summary screen and click Continue to move on to the Citizenship and Residency section.
Citizenship and Residency
Complete the series of questions about your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status, and family history.
Academics and Experience
You will need to enter academic experience information about your high school and any attempted courses at a college or university after high school.
The Education Gap Statement offers a place to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. Some examples that would explain a gap in your education include work, family, attending another college or university, etc.
Miscellaneous
In the Miscellaneous section, you will provide any program-specific requirements (e.g., a personal statement), information about activities, and financial aid information.
Review and Submit
Review your information, digitally sign your application, and provide payment for the application fee ($65 domestic or $75 international).
High School Transcripts and Academic Record
After your application is completed, you will also need to self-report your high school course work before the application deadline. You will be directed to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is helpful to have a high school transcript available when completing this section. In the third section, you'll select your program of study and campus.
Official high school transcripts or GED transcript, along with records from high school, are required, regardless of the length of time that has passed.
Include any college/university transcripts (required), military transcripts, and Proof of English Language proficiency (if applicable). SAT/ACT scores are not required if you are identified as an adult learner or transfer student.
All official documents should be sent to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802You can also have your transcripts sent electronically through Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Acceptance
After receiving your application, application fee, and all required materials, your application will be evaluated for admission. You can check your application status online. This will provide the most up‐to‐date information about the status of your application and is updated once daily, before 8:00 a.m. (ET). Once a decision has been made regarding your application, it will be available to you through the MyPennState portal.
For information on when you can expect an admissions decision, visit the Dates and Deadlines page of the Undergraduate Admissions website. Make sure you click the "+" sign to see these dates for World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).
5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
The Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Health and Human Development. You can learn from faculty in Penn State's highly respected Department of Health Policy and Administration, who have more than 30 years of experience in teaching undergraduates about health care.
Faculty
Christina Daley
- DegreePh.D., Nonprofit Administration and Leadership Studies, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- DegreeMaster of Library Science, Clarion University
- DegreeMaster of Management in Healthcare Administration, Penn State
Dr. Christina Daley is an associate teaching professor. Her research interests include aging, long-term supports and services, long-term care administration, strategic planning, and marketing.
Maria L. Dawson
- DegreeM.H.A., Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Health Planning and Administration, Penn State
Maria L. Dawson is an assistant teaching professor. Her teaching interests include health care management, health care ethics, health care quality, and electronic medical records.
Jennifer L. Deutsch
- DegreeM.S., Health Care Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University
- DegreeB.S., Health Policy and Administration, Penn State
Jennifer L. Deutsch serves as program director and assistant teaching professor of the World Campus Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration. Her teaching interests include United States health policy, current health care policy issues, consumer choices in health care, and health services organization and delivery.
Francis J. King
DegreeMaster of Public Management, Carnegie Mellon UniversityFrancis J. King teaches undergraduate courses in health administration, including acute care and post-acute care. His interests also include the reality of the intersection of health policy with health care systems and operations, and he is developing a course in nursing home administration.
Mark Sciegaj
- DegreePh.D., Social Policy, Brandeis University
- DegreeM.P.H., Health Management, Emory University
Dr. Mark Sciegaj is a professor of health policy and administration. His research focuses on the area of health services research and aging, with extensive experience in policy implementation and evaluation studies. His recent publications include "Three Emerging Themes from Implementing Self-Directed Long-Term Service and Support Programs Under Managed Care"; "Theories that Guide Consumer-Directed/Person-Centered Initiatives in Policy and Practice"; and "An Inventory of Publicly Funded Participant-Directed Long-Term Services and Supports Programs in the United States."
Diane Spokus
- DegreePh.D., Workforce Education Training and Development, Penn State
- DegreeM.Ed., Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
- DegreeMinor, Gerontology, Penn State
- DegreeMCHES, Health Educator
Dr. Diane Spokus is teaching professor and associate director of HPA Undergraduate Professional Development and Outreach. She teaches courses in health policy, human resource management in health care, and health services organization. She has also served as faculty adviser and health educator, as well as a hospital board chair for the PA Rural Health Board of Directors. She was an internship coordinator for nine years. Dr. Spokus holds a Personal Care Home Certificate, and her research interests include aging, health care workforce shortages, job satisfaction and design, retention, recruitment, and quality of work-life.
Amy Thul
- DegreeD.Ed., Adult Education, Penn State
- DegreeM.Ed., Counselor Education, Bloomsburg University
- DegreeB.A., Writing, Susquehanna University
Dr. Amy Thul is an associate teaching professor and associate director of professional development of health policy and administration, teaching in both the residential and online instruction programs. She develops and maintains the internship website, supports students with their career trajectory, and develops relationships with employers and organizations.
Jocelyn M. Vanderbrink
- DegreeMHA, Health Policy and Administration, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Health Policy and Administration, Penn State
Jocelyn M. Vanderbrink is an assistant teaching professor. Her teaching interests include consumer choices in health care and health care payment. She has senior leadership experience in both acute and rehabilitation hospitals, where she was responsible for marketing, strategic planning, new business development, and case management. After a decade of working in the field, she returned to Penn State to teach.
Edith Wafula
- DegreePh.D., Sociology, Howard University
- DegreeMPH, Penn State
- DegreeB.A., University of the District of Columbia
Dr. Edith Wafula is an assistant teaching professor of health policy and administration. She teaches population health courses and serves as a grant reviewer with government agencies, including the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Office of Minority Health (OMH).
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