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Health Management, B.S.

Michael Rozier, S.J. Ph.D., stands in front of a chalkboard speaking to a room full of students about the topic of justice.

Student Handbook

Â鶹´«Ã½'s B.S. in health management is offered through the College for Public Health and Social Justice, which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Health management is a major for SLU students interested in business, health care, and community health and wellness.Ìý

Health care delivery is highly complex, and there is a need for trained individuals who can recommend, implement, operate and evaluate changes to the system. Decisions made by health care executives help improve the lives of millions of people every day.Ìý

A degree in health management from Â鶹´«Ã½ educates students about the business side of public health and health care, built upon a foundation in Jesuit-based liberal arts, business and public policy.Ìý

  • Health systems knowledge. SLU's health management degree provides unique insight into the evolving priorities of the health industry, from individualized treatment to integrated preventative care.
  • Health care impact. Health management majors gain knowledge and skills vital to understanding the health care system's role in implementing policies and processes that impact the complex challenges facing the health of communities.
  • Employment outlook. A health management degree empowers students to pursue multiple career options and graduate degree paths, which can open doors to executive-level careers.
  • Pre-medical students. Pre-med students benefit greatly from a health management degree as they understand the organizational systems in which they work.
  • Medallion Program.ÌýDesigned for first-year students in all CPHSJ majors, this program connects first-year students with each other, their major, and the college through social, academic enhancement, professional development events, and faculty mentoring.

Additional degree options include:

  • ´¡²ÔÌýaccelerated program for students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Management in four years and a Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) with one additional year of study. Students apply to this program during their fifth semester of studyÌý
  • A pre-med track for students interested in going to medical school
  • A medical scholars track for students in the Medical Scholars Program
  • Honors courses for students in the Honors Program

Curriculum Overview

SLU's health management major contains 39 credits of major courses that focus on the business elements of health systems, including marketing, finance, human resources, organization and strategic planning. Classes cover topics including health care economics, management of health care organizations, health care financial management, business sectors in health care, population health, biostatistics and epidemiology.ÌýÌý

SLU's health management curriculum prepares students to:

  • Describe the impact of social, cultural, economic, financial and political factors on health care organizations.
  • Understand and explain the application of relevant information technology, including databases, in health care.
  • Identify and articulate the diverse values and needs of relevant stakeholders.
  • Apply the principles and core functions of management and decision theory.

Case studies and group work prepare students to work in teams and as leaders responsible for decision-making in all areas of the health care industry. Through career development activities integrated into coursework, students are exposed to the philosophical approaches, leadership styles, policy processes and decision-making strategies used by successful health care management executives, health policymakers and health policy analysts across the spectrum of the health sector.Ìý

Major prerequisite courses, the University Undergraduate Core Curriculum, and general electives fulfill the remainder of the 120 credits required for graduation. Many students use their elective courses to pursue secondary majors, minors or pre-med requirements.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Many local and national organizations are eager to involve students studying health management in their work. Students are encouraged to participate in internships to enhance their learning experiences at Â鶹´«Ã½. Internships can be completed on a volunteer basis or for general elective academic credit. Health management students have interned at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, SSM Health Â鶹´«Ã½ Hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ronald McDonald House, Express Scripts and more.

Â鶹´«Ã½ has a strong service-learning component. Students can embody the institution’s Jesuit mission by using the knowledge they gain in the classroom to serve others. Service learning also provides valuable field experience and helps health management students connect with the St. Louis community.

Students can volunteer at health care providers and agencies that serve underprivileged communities, assist faculty with research projects and apply to national internships and summer programs in health management. Students can also join student organizations on campus to get to know other health management students and engage in additional service, networking and leadership opportunities.

Careers

Careers for graduates with a degree in health management exist in health-focused organizations, industry and clinical settings. The need for a trained health management workforce will increase to meet the needs of a growing world population and ever-changing health care systems.

A career in health management offers job opportunities that can suit various interests and skills. Graduates of the College for Public Health and Social Justice are employed in settings including:

  • Consulting firms
  • Consumer advocacy organizations
  • Emergency preparedness organizations
  • Federal, state, and local health agencies
  • Hospitals and integrated health care systems
  • Long-term care facilities and health insurance companies
  • Medical service organizations
  • Physician management organizations
  • Private business and industry
  • University and private research centers

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Â鶹´«Ã½ also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Â鶹´«Ã½ undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.Ìý

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Â鶹´«Ã½. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Â鶹´«Ã½
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

°Õ³Ü¾±³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Â鶹´«Ã½ education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Â鶹´«Ã½ makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation Ìý

Â鶹´«Ã½'s College for Public Health and Social Justice is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To see our most recent accreditation documentation, please visit theÌýCollege for Public Health and Social Justice website.

CEPH-Seal
  1. Describe the impact of social, cultural, economic, financial and political factors on health care organizations.
  2. Understand and explain the application of relevant information technology, including databases, in health care.
  3. Understand the importance of and demonstrate the ability to work with and, at times, motivate others to achieve organizational goals.
  4. Apply the principles and core functions of management and decision theory.
  5. Based on audience characteristics develop, organize and express ideas and information clearly.
University Undergraduate Core32-35
Prerequisites for Major Courses
´¡°ä°ä°ÕÌý2200Financial Accounting3
·¡°ä°¿±·Ìý1900Principles of Economics3
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1400Pre-Calculus3
Required Health Management Major Courses
µþ³§°ÕÌý3100Applied Biostatistics I3
·¡±Ê±õÌý4000Intro Epidemiology: Foundations & Practice3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý1300Contemporary Challenges in Health Care3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý2300Population Health Management3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý2500Management of Health Care Organizations3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý3200Health Care Economics & Policy3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý3400Health Care Marketing3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý3500Health Care Human Resources Management3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý4200Health Care Financial Management3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý4500Health Operations Management3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý4600Strategic Management in Health Care3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý2100Introduction to Global Health3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý4100Biological Basis of Public Health3
General Electives37-40
Total Credits120

Continuation Standards

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.00
  • Minimum grade of C in all B.S. in Health Management major courses
  • Minimum grade of C- in all major pre-requisite courses
  • Minimum grade of D in all core courses
  • Minimum grade of D in all remaining general elective courses counting toward the minimum 120 credits required for graduation
  • Students who wish to apply for the accelerated B.S./M.H.A. program must meet additional requirements as outlined in the CPHSJ Undergraduate Public Health Student Handbook.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

General TrackÌý

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2,3
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits15-16
Spring
´¡°ä°ä°ÕÌý2200 Financial Accounting 3
COREÌý1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý1300 Contemporary Challenges in Health Care 3
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1400 Pre-Calculus (Quantitative Reasoning) 3
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
COREÌý1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
COREÌý1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý2300 Population Health Management 3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý2100 Introduction to Global Health ‡ 3
·¡°ä°¿±·Ìý1900 Principles of Economics 3
General Elective: Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society 3
ÌýCredits18
Spring
COREÌý2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
COREÌý3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý2500 Management of Health Care Organizations 3
General Elective 3
General Elective: Eloquentia Perfecta - Writing Intensive 3
General Elective: Identities in Context Attribute 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
COREÌý2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
COREÌý3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
±Ê±«µþ±áÌý4100 Biological Basis of Public Health (Natural & Applied Sciences) 3
General Elective: Global Interdependence Attribute 3
General Elective: Reflection in Action Attribute 3
ÌýCredits14-15
Spring
µþ³§°ÕÌý3100 Applied Biostatistics I 3
COREÌý4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý3400 Health Care Marketing 3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý3500 Health Care Human Resources Management 3
·¡±Ê±õÌý4000 Intro Epidemiology: Foundations & Practice 3
ÌýCredits14-15
Year Four
Fall
COREÌý3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý3200 Health Care Economics & Policy 3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý4500 Health Operations Management 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
ÌýCredits16
Spring
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý4200 Health Care Financial Management 3
±á²Ñ±ÊÌý4600 Strategic Management in Health Care 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
General Elective 1-3
ÌýCredits13-15
ÌýTotal Credits120-125
‡

Fulfills the cultural diversity course requirement.

Program Notes

Minimum of 120 credits, including requirements listed above and cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 to graduate and remain in good standing with the program.

Apply for Admission

For additional questions about undergraduate admission, please contact:
Katie Linnenbrink
Administrative assistant
Tegeler Hall 300 West
314-977-3934
katie.linnenbrink@slu.edu

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.Ìý