Health Administration and Human Resources

Health Administration

Faculty

Daniel J. West, Ph.D., Chair
Robert J. Spinelli, D.B.A., Program Director
Peter C. Olden, Ph.D.
Terri Freeman Smith, Ph.D.
Steven J. Szydlowski, D.H.A.
William G. Wallick, Ph.D.
Rita DiLeo, MPH

Overview

The Health Administration major integrates courses from the field of health and business administration, and is designed to develop in students the values, knowledge and skills needed for management positions in a variety of fields. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, emphasizes knowledge of global health care issues, and includes a minor in business administration. Students are given a broad base of knowledge for securing entry-level positions with public and private agencies, organizations such as hospitals, insurance and managed care companies, pharmaceutical firms, community health and rehabilitation facilities. The curriculum also provides a theoretical foundation for future graduate-level education in various disciplines such as public health, health administration, health policy and planning, gerontology, law school and business administration. The major emphasizes applications to real-world experience by requiring a three credit, 120 hour internship, with a second three-credit elective internship, as well as 10 hours of community service each semester. Opportunities exist for students to identify with and actively participate in the Health Administration profession through an active student association affiliated with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The program also offers a five-year, combined B.S./M.H.A. for qualified students.

Requirements for graduation include a minimum 2.5 GPA in all major courses, as well as a minimum grade of C or better in all cognate courses. A service-learning component is integrated into health administration courses. College of Graduate and Continuing Education students will meet the service-learning requirement by completing major courses that have a service-learning component. The Health Administration program is a full undergraduate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) in Washington, D.C.

Human Resources Studies

Faculty

Daniel J. West, Ph.D., Chair
William G. Wallick, Ph.D., Program Director
Peter C. Olden, Ph.D.
Terri Freeman Smith, Ph.D.
Robert J. Spinelli, D.B.A.
Steven J. Szydlowski, D.H.A.

Overview

The Human Resources Studies major integrates knowledge from the human resources field, social and behavioral sciences, business, and the liberal arts. Human Resource professionals work within all industries and are concerned with recruiting, developing, and retaining a productive workplace. The changing nature of work, as influenced by social, economic, technological, and educational forces is explored both nationally and globally. The study of human resource theories and their practical applications in the workplace is an essential part of the program. The faculty is committed to providing the highest quality learning environment to prepare students academically and practically for employment in the human resources field. In addition, students in the HRS major are expected to actively develop their own knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies to prepare themselves for a career in human resources. To that end, students are encouraged to demonstrate academic excellence in all coursework, make meaningful service commitments to their communities, and develop an attitude toward life-long learning. Opportunities for students to identify with and actively participate in the HR profession, such as membership in the student Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, are hallmarks of the program.