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Department Information
Contact Info
Phillip Zane, JD
Undergrad program coordinator, Health Administration Programs
Associate Professor
pzane@gmu.edu
(703) 993-1967
John Cantiello, PhD
Online Pathway Coordinator, Health Administration Programs
Professor
jcantiel@gmu.edu
703-993-1731
Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
Lead health care into the future by preparing for a management role in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, senior housing facilities, and more. The B.S. in Health Administration offers two concentrations and the opportunity to accelerate your studies through the Master of Health Administration (MHA) pathway. This program is designed to grow your strategic, business, analytical, and decision-making skills, equipping you to become an in-demand administrator who can help improve patient care.
Program highlights
Real-World Experience
Part of the program’s curriculum is a required internship, allowing you to gain invaluable career experience in a region that’s home to some of the nation’s top health care employers.
High-Growth Profession
As a Health Administration student, you’ll be joining a field that is projected to grow 29% by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a rate much faster than most other professions.
Flexible Formats
With on-campus and online options, as well as full- and part-time study, the BS in Health Administration program can be tailored to fit your life and schedule.
Concentrations
Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration
You’ll be provided with the operational, marketing, resident care, and hospitality services skills required to become an effective executive and manager in the senior housing industry. The curriculum is the nation's first dedicated exclusively to the executive management of active adult, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities.
Health Systems Management
Acquire the knowledge and real-world experience to serve in entry-level management, administrative and support positions in a variety of health-related organizations and settings. The concentration is certified through the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
Minors
Health Systems Management
Develop a foundation for managerial or administrative work in health care systems, physician practices, advocacy organizations, and consulting. Explore U.S. health care leadership, performance improvement, politics, and policy.
Health and Social Policy
Examine the policymaking process for health care and social services, focusing on current policy environments and practical research applications. Offered jointly by the Department of Health Administration and Policy and the Department of Social Work.
Senior Housing Administration
Prepare for administrative or managerial roles in residential communities for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities. Learn about management best practices, marketing, and the ethical, legal, and gerontological issues of aging populations.
Health Practice Management
Gain the knowledge and skills to support the operations of medical offices and clinics, including scheduling, billing, and insurance reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and financial management. You’ll be prepared for administrative support roles in physician and dental practices, urgent care centers, mental health offices, ambulatory surgery, and physical therapy practices.
Why at Mason?
Outcomes
Graduates gain real-world experience and enter a fast-growing field with strong earning potential.
- 100% of students complete an internship
- 29% projected job growth for health administrators (BLS)
- $110,680 median salary for health administrators (BLS)
Sample Careers (Payscale, 2024):
- Practice Administrator ($85k)
- Operations Manager ($69k)
- Healthcare Consultant ($84k)
Learn from Leaders
Faculty bring expertise in hospital management, senior housing, policy, consulting, and health law — connecting classroom learning to real-world practice. At Mason, you’ll also study in the Washington, D.C. area, where opportunities with health systems, policy organizations, and senior living companies abound.
FAQs
How do I become a Health Administration major?
Meet with a College of Public Health advisor to review the steps for declaring or changing your major.
Which concentration is right for me?
It depends on your interests and career goals. Review requirements and talk with your advisor.
What do graduates go on to do?
Alumni work in hospitals, clinics, consulting firms, senior housing, and more; many pursue graduate study.
Student Spotlight
“After going through [cancer] treatment, I did not really feel comfortable with the clinical side of things. It was soon after that I learned about health administration, which was more behind the scenes, and focused more on the organizing, planning, and managing skills that I excel in. This career option allowed me to still be in the medical field, but contribute in a different way.”
— Nadia Anderson, Health Administration, BS, ‘22
Accreditation Information
The Health Systems Management concentration in the BS in Health Administration is certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), a distinction that recognizes programs for meeting rigorous academic and professional standards.
AUPHA offers awards, scholarships, and honor societies that provide additional opportunities for student recognition, including:
- Bugbee-Falk Book Award
- The Foster G. McGaw Scholarship
- Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society
This certification highlights Mason’s commitment to preparing students with a nationally recognized education in health administration.