Careers in Health Policy and Administration | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

Because the program is so versatile, graduates from Health Policy and Administration can choose from a wide range of career opportunities. You may work in a business environment, become an elected official, or work directly in health care.

Business

Whether you are interested in working for a large Fortune 500 company or want to start your own business, a degree in Health Policy and Administration may be the right choice for you. With opportunities to study economics, management, and statistics, you can get a firm foundation in business. Some graduates go on to work in areas such as marketing, insurance, medical device manufacturing, health care consulting, and human resources.

Graduates can work in many provider organizations, such as hospitals and multi-hospital health systems, physician practices, and continuing care retirement communities. Work can also be found in health care supply organizations, such as pharmaceutical and medical device companies, medical and health supply companies, and service support companies.

Medical

The Health Policy and Administration program is designed to give you a well-rounded view of health care. If you would like to work in a hospital or with health care providers, the Health Policy and Administration program might be for you. There are many areas in health care that you could work in, including hospitals, physician practices, nursing facilities, home health agencies, and public health.

Policymaking

If you would like to help to shape the future of health care, a degree in Health Policy and Administration may be the choice for you. With courses in the social sciences and communications and opportunities to study research methods, you could become a valuable member of the government or one of the many supporting roles in the policymaking procedure. Some graduates find work in areas such as public service, lobbying, advising and consulting, and global health.