ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Department of Public Health Sciences & Administration

Lead with Purpose. Serve with Impact.

The Department of Public Health Sciences and Administration (PHSA) equips students to address today’s most pressing health issues through interdisciplinary coursework, applied learning, and hands-on experience. Our programs provide multiple pathways for students interested in improving population health, managing healthcare systems, and using data and technology to drive better outcomes.

Majors and Minor:

  • Public Health (BS)
  • Public Health (BA)
  • Health Services Administration and Management (HSAM)
  • Health Informatics (Minor)

Students benefit from strong community partnerships, internships, and research opportunities—graduating prepared to lead and make a meaningful impact in the health field.

About the Department

Discover your path in public health, healthcare management, and health informatics—explore what the Department of Public Health Sciences and Administration has to offer.
  • Academic Programs

    Our academic programs prepare students to make a meaningful impact on individual and community health through diverse, interdisciplinary pathways. Whether you're interested in preventing disease, managing healthcare systems, or using data and technology to improve health outcomes, the Department of Public Health Sciences and Administration offers programs to match your goals. Choose from one of the following:

    • B.S. in Public Health – Gain a strong science-based foundation for careers in pre-health professions and clinical practice, public health research, epidemiology, biostatistics, or graduate study in health sciences.

    • B.A. in Public Health – Focus on the social, cultural, and global factors that shape health through concentrations in Global Health or Maternal and Child Health. Ideal for students interested in policy, communication, and interdisciplinary studies.

    • B.S. in Health Services Administration and Management – Prepare to plan, manage, and improve healthcare systems through a blend of business, leadership, and health-focused coursework.

    • Health Informatics Minor – Learn to manage health data and technology systems, including electronic medical records and coding, for careers at the intersection of healthcare and information science.

    Learn More
  • Experiential Learning

    At the Department of Public Health Sciences and Administration, students gain valuable real-world experience that extends beyond the classroom. These hands-on learning opportunities are designed to deepen understanding, develop practical skills, and prepare students for impactful careers in health.

    Key opportunities include:

    • Internships with local, regional, and national organizations in public health, healthcare management, and health informatics

    • Independent study projects tailored to students’ individual interests and career goals

    • Faculty-led research initiatives offering mentorship and hands-on investigation into pressing health issues

    • Study abroad programs that explore global health systems and cross-cultural health challenges

    Through these experiences—and additional options like service-learning projects, capstone work, and networking events—students expand their professional networks and apply their knowledge in dynamic, real-world settings.

    Learn More
  • Opportunities Beyond Graduation

    Graduates of the Department of Public Health Sciences and Administration are equipped to pursue diverse careers that improve health and healthcare systems at the local, national, and global levels. Whether majoring in Public Health (B.A. or B.S.), Health Services Administration and Management (B.S.), or minoring in Health Informatics, students gain the knowledge and practical skills to succeed in a wide range of roles. Our programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce as well as for graduate and professional studies.

    Potential careers without a graduate or professional degree:

    • Public Health Educator
    • Health Program Coordinator
    • Community Health Specialist
    • Health Data Analyst
    • Medical and Health Services Manager (entry-level roles)
    • Health Communications Specialist
    • Policy or Research Assistant
    • Electronic Health Records Specialist

    In addition to direct career entry, our programs offer clear pathways to graduate study. Students are well-prepared for advanced degrees in fields such as public health, health administration, health informatics, epidemiology, law, and other health-related disciplines. We also offer two 3+2 accelerated pathways in partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC): one leading from the B.S. in Public Health to the Master of Public Health (MPH), and one from the B.S. in Health Services Administration and Management to the Master of Health Administration (MHA)—allowing qualified students to save on tuition costs and earn both degrees in just five years.

    Potential careers that require a graduate or professional degree:

    • Epidemiologist (MPH)
    • Health Policy Analyst (MPH, MPA, or JD)
    • Public Health Nurse (RN, BSN, MSN, DNP)
    • Hospital or Health System Administrator (MHA)
    • Global Health Specialist (MPH or MS)
    • Public Health Veterinarian (DVM, MPH)
    • Health Informatics Consultant (MSHI or MPH)
    • Academic or Research Professional (MPH, MS, PhD)
    • Public Health Lawyer (JD)
    • Biostatistician (MPH or MS)
    • Clinical or Community Program Director (MPH, MHA)
    • Other Public Health Clinical Roles (MD, PA, DMD, PharmD, OTD, etc.)

    With strong academic foundations, real-world experience, and access to accelerated graduate pathways, our students graduate ready to lead and innovate in today’s ever-changing health landscape.

    Graduate School Pathways
  • Scholarship Opportunties

    Students in the Department of Public Health Sciences and Administration have access to a variety of scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and service. These opportunities help support your educational goals and celebrate outstanding achievement within the program. Be sure to explore eligibility criteria and deadlines each academic year.

    Learn More
  • Health Professions Advising

    Through the School of Health Sciences and the Department of Public Health Sciences & Administration, students have access to a dedicated pre-health professions advisor who provides individualized support for those pursuing careers in healthcare. From selecting courses to navigating application timelines, the advisor helps students build competitive applications for graduate and professional programs.

    Advising support is available for students pursuing careers in:

    • Medicine (M.D. or D.O.)
    • Physician Assistant (PA)
    • Rehabilitation Therapy (Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy)
    • Dental Medicine
    • Health Administration
    • Nursing
    • Pharmacy
    • Public Health
    • Dietetics

    Students receive personalized guidance on prerequisites, entrance exams, clinical experience, and more—ensuring they are well-prepared for their chosen path in the health professions.

    Learn More
  • Public Health Sciences & Administration Faculty

    Get to know the faculty guiding your journey in public health sciences and administration. With expertise in policy, healthcare systems, epidemiology, and community health, our team is dedicated to empowering students to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact on the health of populations—both locally and globally.

    Meet Our PHSA Faculty