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Department of Public Health College of Health & Human Services

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Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration

Program Description

We train future healthcare leaders to make health systems work well. The BS in Health Services Administration (HSA) program combine hands-on learning and dedicated faculty support to help students grow professionally while developing the global perspective necessary for success in today's healthcare environment.

Why Sacramento State?

We prepare students to make meaningful contributions in regional health systems, public health networks, and health services through university and community-based programs that blend the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of learning.

Gain essential skills to thrive in diverse healthcare settings. Our alumni are sought after in the job market, working in leading organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and UC Davis Health, as well as clinics, health departments, and public health agencies across the state.

You'll be guided by faculty who are committed to your success. HSA faculty mentor students, helping you navigate your academic journey, explore career options, and prepare for graduate programs, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

"Our program is designed to work closely with each student to empower and support future leaders in healthcare." - Dr. Susan Perez, PhD, MPH

Program Requirements

Students must be a Health Services Administration Major or Public Health Major to enroll. All other courses do not have a major prerequisite/restriction.

  • Total Units required for BS degree: 120
  • Total Units required for Major: 54-55

The advising sheet is to be used in partnership with your advisors - seek assistance each semester to stay on track and graduate!

Notes:

  • All courses applied to the major must be completed with a minimum of "C" grade.
  • Writing Placement of Junior (WPJ) is a prerequisite to enroll in a Writing Intensive Course.

Note: Students graduating with a BS in Health Services Administration will not be subject to the University's Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University's Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.

Required Lower Division Courses (12 units)   Units  Course Prerequisites?
ACCY 1 Accounting Fundamentals 3 See Catalog
ECON 1A Intro. to Macroeconomic Analysis OR ECON 1B Intro. to Microeconomic Analysis 3/3 No
PUBH 50 Healthy Lifestyles 3 No
STAT 1 Introduction to Statistics 3 See Catalog
Required Upper Division Courses (30 units)  Units  Course Prerequisites?
PUBH 118 Introduction to Public Health 3 No
PUBH 124 Ethical Consideration in Public Health 3 Junior Standing; a WPJ Portfolio score or ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W
PUBH 147 Health Data Analysis 3 STAT 1 or STAT 10B
PUBH 148 Epidemiology 3 See Catalog
PUBH 151 Intro. to Healthcare System 3 No
PUBH 152 Healthcare System and Operations 3 No
PUBH 153 Admin. of Healthcare Organizations 3 No
PUBH 154 Healthcare Org. Behavior 3 No
PUBH 155 Intro. to Healthcare Process Improve. 3 PUBH 151
MGMT 102 Business Communications 3 See Catalog
Interpersonal Skill Building Electives - Take four of the following (minimum of 12 units)  Units  Course Prerequisites?
COMS 116 Intercultural Communications 3 No
HROB 101 The Mgmt of Contemporary Organizations 3 No
HROB 151 Management of Human Resources 3 No
HROB 159 Special Topics in Org. Behavior 3 No
PHIL 104 Bioethics 3 No
PUBH 190 Public Health Study Abroad 3 No
PUBH 195 Fieldwork - Health or Safety 3-4 Permission of Faculty Advisor

Careers

Health Services Administration professionals work in a large variety of government, quasi-governmental, non-profit, and for-profit settings. Examples include state and local health departments, schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, research laboratories, health-related associations, social service agencies, and more. Below is a sample of the common Areas of Expertise and related job titles that program graduates could pursue:

  • Health Administration: Health Commissioner, Medical Director, Hospital Administrator
  • Health Communication: Journalist, Communications Director, Social Marketer, Medical Writer
  • Health Disparities: Minority Health Director, Health Education Coordinator, Worksite Wellness Director
  • Maternal & Child Health: Health Administrator, Home Visit Nurse, Community Health Worker, Nutritionist
  • Nonprofit Management: Grant Writer, Development Director, Program Officer, Volunteer Coordinator
  • Public Health Policy & Law: Policy Analyst, Health Economist, Public Health Attorney, Consumer Advocate

Note: some options listed may require training additional training, coupled with a degree in Public Health.

For detailed labor market insights for each program, visit the Sacramento State Catalog.

  1. Visit the Public Health catalog page.
  2. Select any program listed under Degree Programs.
  3. Review the Career Data section.

Where/How to Obtain Advising

Faculty Advisor - Mentoring/Professional Development

Students who are declared in the Health Services Administration major are assigned a specific faculty advisor. Students can find their faculty advisor on their Student Center and are encouraged to see their advisor for academic advising, career exploration, specific mentoring, and professional resources. Students should see their advisor during their office hours. The current list of faculty office hours is available on the department's main page under Student Resources.

Note: Faculty are unavailable during summer and winter session.

HHS Student Success Center - GE/Academic/Declare

The Health & Human Services Student Success Center serves an array of students from first-time freshman to graduating seniors. Please visit the center for in-person or virtual drop-in hours. If you have any questions, please email the Center at chhs_success_center@csus.edu.

Undeclared/Expressed Interest Advising

The Academic Advising Center offers one-on-one advising to help current Sacramento State students explore major/minor opportunities. The Center engages students in a developmental process that helps clarify and implement individual educational plans consistent with their skills, interests, and values.

Professional Associations & Student Clubs

Sac State Student Clubs

Healthcare Administration Club (HCA)

Health Services Administration Professional Associations

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP)

California Association of Healthcare Leaders (CAHL)

Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)

Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)

National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)

National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)

Department Contact Information

Email

publichealth@csus.edu

Phone

(916) 278-6441

Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Except Holidays (Campus Closed)

Department Location

Solano Hall 3002

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

Mailing Address

Department of Public Health

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street MS 6073

Sacramento, CA 95819

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

How do I declare/change my major or minor to Public Health, Health Services Administration, or Hospitality & Tourism Management?

Please visit the HHS Student Success Center and meet with an advisor to request a Declaration/Change of Major/Minor form. Visit their website for the most up-to-date advising schedule.

How do I make an appointment with my faculty advisor?

Students who have been assigned a faculty or program advisor are encouraged to meet with their advisor during designated office hours. For current faculty office hours, please visit our department webpage and refer to the Faculty Office Hours (PDF).

Prospective or undeclared students should consult with an advisor at the HHS Student Success Center for further guidance and support.

How can I change my faculty advisor?

Please see Joanna Sampanis, College Advisor & Retention Specialist, at the HHS Student Success Center for further assistance.

What should I do if the course I want to register for is full?

We strongly recommend that you submit a Course Add/Drop/Withdraw Petition form for the specific course and section you wish to enroll in once the new semester begins. Please note that any add permits submitted prior to the first week of the semester will be processed by the department initially. Submission of a petition does not guarantee enrollment in the course.

Which courses completed at a community college are eligible for transfer to Sacramento State?

For additional information and assistance regarding transfer credits, please visit the Transfer Credit webpage. If additional assistance is needed, please see an adcvisor at the HHS Student Success Center.

Can I pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree in the program?

Students can pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree in any of our undergraduate programs in the department. Sac State students would need to complete only at least 24 new Upper Division units. Students from other schools would need to complete 30 units at Sac State.

To apply, please visit Apply to Sacramento State. Be sure to select the Undergraduate Application and indicate that you are applying for a Second Bachelor's Degree by checking the appropriate box.

I’m an incoming freshman student and would like to change my major—what steps should I take?

Please visit the Hornet Launch Program webpage and submit the "Freshman Change of Major Form" and follow the steps. For further assistance, please contact the HL team at hornetlaunch@csus.edu.

I am an incoming transfer student and am interested in changing my major. What steps should I follow to initiate this process?

Please contact the New Student Orientation office at orient.reservations@csus.edu or (916) 278-7841 to reschedule your orientation session. Transfer students interested in changing their major should consult with an academic advisor to complete the Change of Major e-form. Additional support will be available during Orientation to assist with your transition to the new major.

How do I submit official transcripts to Sacramento State?

Transcripts may be sent electronically directly from the college/university you attended. Inquire at the college/university to check if the service is available. Official electronic transcripts can be sent from college/university to incomingtranscripts@csus.edu

  • Current Sacramento State students: You are required to submit official transcripts from ALL colleges you have attended AFTER enrolling at Sacramento State. Transcripts must show ALL college coursework completed and courses currently in progress. Sacramento State Transcripts are not required.
  • New Transfers: Visit the Admissions & Outreach website for transcript deadlines & other important dates.
  • Returning Sac State students: Only send transcripts from colleges attended since leaving Sac State.