Interdisciplinary Studies
Healthcare Management
Healthcare Management is the study of the healthcare industry in all sectors. It emphasizes an understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including the organization and delivery of preventive health and healthcare services. Students will develop a deep understanding of theories, tools, and research methods needed to investigate and address complex and evolving challenges.
An Interdisciplinary Foundation
Emerging from Allegheny’s unique multidisciplinary approach to liberal arts that focuses on major-minor combinations, the program combines learning in biology, business, economics, global health studies, philosophy, and psychology. The Bachelor of Science degree draws on the managerial strengths of the business and economics department and introduces students to medical terminology, public health research, the social determinants of health, and the policies and procedures governing the administration of healthcare services.
An Emerging Field
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
There are many kinds of healthcare organizations both locally and globally, ranging from multinational for-profit companies such as Fortune 500 pharmaceutical corporations to regional nonprofit ventures such as rural community hospitals. At each of these institutions, there are numerous full-time employment positions for individuals with an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Management.
Professor Tom Nonnenmacher '90, Department Chair
Business and Economics
“ This major is a natural blend of the managerial strengths of our business and economics program combined with the strong pre-health and global health programs we offer. ”
Your Four-Year Journey
Begin your study of Healthcare Management with an Introduction to the US Healthcare System course combined with other introductory courses in the fields of economics, global health, and medical terminology.
You will explore the ethical debates and complexities of providing healthcare services and balancing a budget. Coursework during the second year includes more economics courses, including Healthcare Economics and Managerial Accounting, as well as a course in medical or business ethics.
The third year is particularly exciting because students can engage in applied coursework and have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs, internships, and research with faculty. Another vital part of the third year is beginning to orient yourself toward the research-intensive capstones, the Junior Seminar, and the upcoming Senior Comp.
Now is your chance to integrate your practical experiences with your specific areas of interest. It's time for the defining feature of the major, the Senior Comp. Identify and complete an independent project aimed at answering a unique question about the practice of healthcare management through your semester-long independent research project.
Analysis and perspective
Students in this major will have a foundation in the standard areas of business, healthcare economics, and data analytics, but they will also be exposed to:
- broader debates about the structure of healthcare provision
- public health debates
- ethical issues in healthcare
- the biological or psychological issues and terminology common in healthcare settings.
Garrett Devenney, Class of 2016, Alumnus
Chief of Staff at Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
“ This represents a fantastic opportunity for students to get exposure to the critical issues facing our complex health care system, as well as gain an understanding of the public policy levers that ultimately impact health outcomes. ”