Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Administration

Program Overview

Promote community health and drive quality improvement initiatives within diverse healthcare environments. 

Program Format

On-Campus 

Degree Options

  • Four-Year BS Program 

Time to Complete

Full Time: 4 Years 

Why Major in Health Systems Administration (HSA) at AIC?

The Health Systems Administration program at American International College prepares you for a career behind the scenes of healthcare, where leadership, strategy, and decision-making shape patient and community health. As healthcare systems grow more complex, there is increasing demand for professionals who understand both administration and public health.

Designed in collaboration with healthcare employers and public health professionals, the program blends healthcare management, policy, and population health. You will learn how healthcare organizations operate, how policies affect care delivery, and how leaders improve quality, efficiency, and access.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, you will develop the skills to support healthcare teams, address health disparities, and contribute to stronger, more effective healthcare systems in a wide range of settings.

What to Expect

  • Core knowledge of health systems: Develop a strong understanding of how healthcare organizations operate across public and private sectors, including policy, structure, and service delivery.
  • A pathway to a growing field: Graduates are positioned for entry-level administrative and supervisory roles in hospitals, integrated health systems, nonprofit organizations, insurance providers, long-term care facilities, and public health agencies.
  • Experienced, supportive faculty: Learn from dedicated professionals committed to preparing students for leadership in today’s complex and evolving healthcare environment.
  • Collaborative learning environment: As part of the School of Health Sciences, students engage in interdisciplinary learning on campus and through community partnerships. 

“As healthcare systems become more complex and the focus on health equity and outcomes intensifies, there is an urgent need for leaders who understand both operational management and public health. Our Health Systems Administration program prepares students to meet that need.”

Frederick Hooven, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Public Health

Program Details

The Health Systems Administration undergraduate program at AIC prepares you for administrative roles within healthcare systems, public health agencies, and related fields.  

Program learning outcomes for this degree are based on Massachusetts State Standards and the respective SPA (Specialty Professional Area) content. At the conclusion of the program, the candidate will be able to: 

  • Analyze the social, environmental, and economic determinants of health that affect populations.
  • Explain the structure and function of healthcare delivery systems in both public and private sectors.
  • Evaluate healthcare policies and regulations and their impact on health systems and communities.
  • Apply ethical evidence-based management, decision-making and quality improvement techniques to improve health outcomes and healthcare services.
  • Identify strategies for community health engagement to reduce health care disparities
  • Demonstrate the necessary skills to work with teams and projects in healthcare and public health organizations.

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science: 

Major Requirements: 

  • HSA2200: American Healthcare System 
  • HSA2620: Healthcare Marketing 
  • HSA3440: Managing Healthcare Information 
  • HSA4830: Capstone in Health Systems 
  • HSA4899: Health Systems Administration Internship 
  • PCH1030: Introduction to Public Health (US context) 
  • PCH2030: Global Health 
  • PCH2040: Epidemiology 
  • PCH3200: Disparities in Public Health 
  • PCH3630: Community Health Promotion 
  • PCH4100: Research Methods in Health Care 
  • PCH4430: Seminar in Public Health

*HSA2610, HSA3100, PSY2302/MAT1430/MAT2004, COM2630, MKT1450, MGT1400, MGT2400 are recommended

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions. 

  • HSA2200 American Healthcare System 
  • HSA2620 Healthcare Marketing 
  • HSA3440 Managing Healthcare Information 
  • PCH1030 Introduction to Public Health 
  • PCH2040 Epidemiology

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions. 

Individuals interested in studying Health Science at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Health Promotion, Research, and Management Hive—will apply for admission as a first-yeartransfer, or international student. 

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year. 

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit. 

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college to our bachelor’s in Health Science program, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship. If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201. 

Encouraging holistic involvement, AIC’s campus culture allows everyone to find their place to build connections and fuel their passions: 

  • Internship opportunities: Gain practical experience through internships with healthcare and public health partners across the region, preparing you for seamless entry into the workforce.
  • Student groups: Pursue a hobby or embrace your identity while managing a club’s resources, funds, and goals. Browse all student organizations. 
  • Leadership development: Through groups, athletics, service, and outreach, Yellow Jackets explore the art of taking charge and how objectives are achieved through motivation, engagement, and vision. Learn more about leadership development. 

Have a Question?

Contact our Program Director email admissions@aic.edu for general college admission requirements. 

Frederick Hooven, PhD
Director & Associate Professor of Public Health

Location: 127 Courniotes Hall
Phone: 413.205.3095
Email: frederick.hooven@aic.edu

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Systems Administration?

Job Titles

AIC HSA majors may pursue careers such as: 

  • Hospital/Clinic/Nursing Home Administrator
  • Medical Director
  • Healthcare Project Manager
  • Health Information Manager

Salary Expectations

Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 62,100 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $117,960 in May 2024.

Where Our Graduates Work 

AIC students find their Bachelor’s degree in Health Systems Administration giving them an edge for careers in:

  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Non-profit Health Organizations 
  • Long-term Care Facilities
  • Public Health Agencies
  • Insurance Companies
  • Group Medical Practices

Related Programs

Whatever type of healthcare role you want to pursue, AIC’s programs offer real-world experience to set you on your path: 

Public Health, BS 

Health Sciences: Generalist Track, BS 

Nutrition, BS

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At AIC, your passions will lead you on the path to professional success: