Minors in Health Administration

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Contact Info


John Cantiello, PhD
Online Pathway Coordinator, Health Administration Programs
Professor
jcantiel@gmu.edu
703-993-1731

Phillip Zane, JD
Undergrad program coordinator, Health Administration Programs
Associate Professor
pzane@gmu.edu
(703) 993-1967

Students from all majors—especially those in business, management, marketing, information systems, psychology, social work, biology, or public health—can enhance their degree and expand their career options by pursuing one of our Health Administration minors.

Both minors provide foundational knowledge in leadership, management, and the business of health care, preparing students for roles in high-growth sectors such as hospitals, senior living communities, consulting firms, nonprofits, and health services organizations. 

Why Consider a Health Administration Minor?

Expand Your Career Options

Build versatile management and business skills that apply across many health-related organizations.

Complement Your Major

Add in-demand healthcare operations knowledge to your business, social science, or related major.

Prepare for Future Opportunities

Create a strong foundation for internships, full-time roles, and future graduate study.

Health Systems Management Minor

Overview 

The Health Systems Management Minor introduces students to the structure and operations of the U.S. health care system. Students gain skills for administrative and managerial roles in hospitals, physician practices, advocacy organizations, community health settings, and consulting firms. 
(See full requirements in the University Catalog.) 

Who Should Consider This Minor? 

This minor is a strong fit for students who: 

  • Want to understand how healthcare organizations are managed 

  • Are majoring in business, management, marketing, IT, or social sciences 

  • Are interested in consulting, analytics, health policy, or operations leadership 

Curriculum (15 credits) 

Required Courses (12 credits): 

  • HAP 301 – Health Care Delivery in the United States 

  • HAP 416 – Leadership and Management of Health Systems I 

  • HAP 430 – Process Improvement in Healthcare Organizations 

  • HAP 442 – Introduction to Health Care Politics and Policy 

Elective (3 credits): 
HAP 310 – Healthcare Ethics; 

HAP 312 – Healthcare Law; 

HAP 392 – Human Resources Management in Healthcare; 

HAP 395 – Healthcare Finance; 

HAP 410 – Introduction to Health/Medical Practice Management; 

HAP 417 – Leadership and Management of Health Systems II; 

MKTG 303 – Principles of Marketing; 

MGMT 451 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship.  

Policies 

  • At least 9 credits must be unique to the minor. 

  • A minimum 2.00 GPA is required in courses applied to the minor. 

  • Not intended for students in the BS Health Administration, Health Systems Management concentration. 

  • Students should review university-wide policies in AP.5.3.4 Minors. 

See full requirements in the University Catalog. 
 

Senior Housing Administration Minor

Overview 

The Senior Housing Administration Minor prepares students for administrative and managerial roles in senior living organizations, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities. Students explore management practices, ethics, and the health and social needs of aging populations. 

Who Should Consider This Minor? 

This minor is ideal for students who: 

  • Are majoring in business, marketing, management, psychology, social work, or public health 

  • Are interested in aging services, long-term care, or senior living management 

  • Want to combine people-centered work with operational and leadership skills 

Curriculum (15 credits) 

Required Courses (12 credits): 

  • HAP 301 – Health Care Delivery in the United States 

  • HAP 310 – Healthcare Ethics 

  • HAP 403 – Assisted Living/Senior Housing Management and Philosophy 

  • HAP 408 – Societal and Health-Related Needs of the Aging Population 

Elective (3 credits): 
HAP 312 – Healthcare Law; HAP 392 – Human Resources Management in Healthcare; HAP 395 – Healthcare Finance; HAP 396 – Strategic Health Management and Planning; PH 432 – Healthy Aging; SOCW 435 – Introduction to Gerontology.  

Policies 

  • At least 12 credits must be unique to the minor. 

  • A minimum 2.00 GPA is required in courses applied to the minor. 

  • Available only to students outside the Health Administration major. 

  • Students should review university-wide policies in AP.5.3.4 Minors. 

See full requirements in the University Catalog. 

Why Add a Health Administration Minor?

Adding a minor in Health Systems Management or Senior Housing Administration allows you to:

  • Strengthen your major with applied management and operational knowledge
  • Stand out for roles in hospitals, senior living, consulting, and nonprofits
  • Prepare for graduate study, including the Master of Health Administration
  • Explore high-demand careers in a rapidly growing industry

How to Declare a Minor

If you are interested in adding one of these minors:

  1. Review the requirements in the University Catalog.
  2. Meet with your academic advisor to ensure the minor fits your academic plan.
  3. Declare the minor in Patriot Web (Student Records → Declare/Change Major/Minor).
  4. Review university-wide minor policies in AP.5.3.4 Minors.
  5. Connect with the College of Public Health Office of Student Academic Affairs for course planning:
    publichealth.gmu.edu/students/academic-advising