COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Southeast Missouri State University is a 30-hour major (built on a broader business foundation) designed to prepare students for leadership, management, and operational roles in healthcare organizations such as hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and public health systems.The program begins with a strong Business Administration Core that develops foundational knowledge in accounting, management, marketing, finance, business law, and information systems. These courses help students understand how organizations function financially and operationally. Support courses in economics, communication, statistics, and computer applications further strengthen analytical, quantitative, and professional communication skills essential for healthcare management.The Healthcare Administration major focuses specifically on the structure and management of healthcare systems. Students study healthcare economics, healthcare law and regulatory compliance, healthcare quality and performance improvement, and healthcare informatics. These courses provide an understanding of how healthcare organizations operate, how policies affect patient care, and how data and technology are used to improve healthcare delivery.Students also learn about healthcare budgeting, reimbursement systems, medical practice management, and healthcare strategy and marketing. These areas prepare students to handle financial planning, operational decision-making, and organizational leadership within healthcare settings. key component of the program is applied, real-world learning. Students complete a required healthcare internship, gaining direct experience in healthcare organizations. This allows them to observe and participate in administrative processes such as budgeting, staffing, compliance, and patient service operations. Additional electives in human resources, project management, insurance, and organizational behavior help students tailor the degree to their career interests.Students also build statistical and data analysis skills through coursework in probability, statistics, or psychological research methods, which are important for evidence-based decision-making in healthcare environments.Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in hospital administration, healthcare finance, insurance operations, healthcare consulting, human resources, and healthcare marketing. Overall, the degree equips students with both business and healthcare-specific expertise needed to manage and improve modern healthcare systems.