Bachelor of Science in Health Management

The Bachelor of Science in health management (BSHM) offers four programs of study: aging studies, health administration, health science, and public health. The degree offers a pathway into entry- and mid-level management careers in a hospital or medical clinic, long-term care community or public health organization and serves as a foundation for success in graduate education in health administration, public health or aging studies. 

The program is designed to be completed with a mix of in-person and online courses, providing students the flexibility to accommodate their learning style and preferences.

Also available 100% online:

Completing the Bachelor of Science in Health Management depends on your schedule, transfer credits and the amount of credit for prior learning that is approved.  The time to complete this degree varies for each student.

Students enrolled in the hybrid BSHM program pay standard tuition and fees based on their residency status and geographic area. Wichita State University offers different rates for students in specific regions, which may impact the overall cost. The total cost will also vary depending on how many semesters it takes to graduate and the number of credit hours required to complete the program.

Through the BSHM program, students can further reduce costs by applying prior educational credits and relevant work experience toward their degree.

Learn more about tuition and fees

Credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities will transfer to WSU, including community colleges and technical schools. Credits will also be evaluated by the program to see how many credits will count towards your major and how many will count as elective credits. Please note that if you have attended more than one higher education institution, you will need to submit an official transcript for each one. 

Try the Transfer Gateway tool to help estimate how many credits will transfer over to Wichita State.

Learn: Where to send incoming transcripts

Students admitted to WSU with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 or higher may self-select the Bachelor of Science in health management. The program offers flexible admission, admitting during fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Students will choose one of the following concentrations for further study in the major. 

Course Rotation Information

Expand your marketability, enhance your expertise, and boost your career aspects by adding a minor in a health management, health science, public health, or aging studies. 

PHS Minor Programs

As a working professional with an associates degree or some college, earning an undergraduate certificate can enhance your skills and increase your marketability while contributing credits toward your bachelor’s degree when you're ready to advance your education.

Undergraduate Certificate Programs

• Certified by the Association of University Programs of Healthcare Administration (AUPHA). Certification involves a comprehensive review of the curriculum, faculty, and educational outcomes, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in healthcare management education.
• Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Take advantage of mentorship opportunities and discounted access to courses for the Medical Practice Executive Certification (CMPE). 
• Acquire leadership skills. Build personal and professional leadership, analytic and administrative skills that allow you to serve in a leadership capacity necessary for entry-level managerial positions in the health care sector.
• Gain hands-on experience. Gain firsthand experience through local community initiatives while completing a practicum in a local healthcare organization.
• Establish a network in professional field.  Establish relationships within a spectrum of local health care services such as acute care medicine, public and community health, and long-term care.
• American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE). The health management program is a member of the ACHE Higher Education Network.
• Dual/Accelerated Bachelor's to Masters options. Earn your master's degree in less time by taking advantage of a dual/accelerated bachelor's to master's degree in the areas of health administration or aging studies.
• Caring professors. Compassionate, experienced and student-focused faculty. 
• Applied Learning Portfolio. Professional development activities are required to provide applied experiences beyond the classroom. Provides a structure to build experiential reflections and educational outcomes, both of which will provide you an edge as you prepare your resume. Evidence of completed activities along with written entry for each activity is required. 
• Departmental Honors. In-depth exploration of the research area of your choice, one-on-one faculty mentorship and collaboration in scholarly activities.
• HEALTH Student Association . Involvement with HEALTH provides the opportunity to make a difference in your community and provides leadership opportunities. 

The BSHM has 2+2 articulation agreements with the following two-year institutions. These agreements allow students to begin their studies at a community or technical college to transfer seamlessly into the BSHM program, offering an affordable and flexible path to earning a bachelor's degree.

• Butler CC Physician Coding, AAS
• Butler CC Medical Office Specialist, AAS
• Garden City CC Business Administration, AS
• Hutch CC Health Information Management, AAS
• Hutch CC Pre-Dental Hygiene, AA
• Hutch CC Cybersecurity, AS
• Hutch CC Business Administration, AA
• Neosho County CC Business Administration, AS

Transfer students with 75 or fewer credits may qualify for up to $6,000 in merit scholarships.

Learn more trasnfer merit scholarships 

Students are required to complete a 160-hour practicum (PHS 495). The practicum typically takes place in the final semester of the health management program. Students should enroll in PHS 494 Health Management Practicum Preparation two (2) semesters prior to enrollment in PHS 495 Practicum. 

Please note: Certain practicum locations may require a background check, which necessitates providing a Social Security number.

 

Career options for health management professionals are abundant and diverse, encompassing roles such as:

• hospital management
• senior living community administration
• quality improvement
• infectious disease control
• community health education

A degree in health management equips students with the skills needed for employment in clinical care, public health organizations, and aging programs/services.

Gain a broad view of the health care delivery system and health care management practices to prepare you for entry-level management in a wide range of health services settings including: hospitals and group medical practices, senior living communities, medical sales, insurance companies, health departments, mental health organizations or public agencies.

Graduates from the BSHM program can hold various job titles, such as:

• Directors
• Program Coordinators
• Program Managers
• Health Educators
• Health Promotion Managers
• Public Health Educators
• Grant Writers
• Policy Analysts
• Program Administrators
• Program Evaluators

While job titles may vary, the required skill set is similar, including business and management knowledge in healthcare, quantitative and analytic skills, quality of care, long-term care management, public health management, leadership, change management, and special populations. Local employers seek employees skilled in coalition building, critical thinking, problem-solving, community assessment, computer technology, and interpersonal communication. The BSHM program faculty are dedicated to preparing outstanding graduates for the complex and dynamic healthcare system.

Graduate coursework in health administration can replace undergraduate courses in the Bachelor of Science in Health Management program to accelerate your progress in our program. Shorten your graduate studies by one semester and save time and money by applying 9 hours of dual credit to your undergraduate and graduate degree.