Undergraduate Handbook
HPA Undergraduate Program Learning Objectives
To prepare its graduates to perform competently in the health care industry, the Health Policy and Administration faculty have designed a competency framework to measure student performance in seven domains:
- The Health Care Industry
- Policy Analysis
- Managerial Analysis
- Emotional Intelligence
- Critical Thinking
- Diversity Adeptness
- Written and Oral Communication
For more on HPA Program Learning Objectives, visit the program objectives page.
Map of HPA Program Learning Objectives and Curriculum
The following are semester-by-semester academic plan recommendations for:
HPA programs at University Park and World Campus
HPA programs at Commonwealth Campuses
Internship
All students in HPA will complete an internship in a health-care-related setting, providing valuable and necessary experience and contacts in the industry.
Students are encouraged to visit the internship portal to find all necessary information including the student work plan, internship evaluation, internship manual, preceptor resources, and student resources.
Honors Study in HPA
Honors study in HPA is designed for outstanding students who are committed to the pursuit of unique intellectual challenges and who wish to maximize their strengths and personal development.
Academic Advising
Pre-major students, change of major students, students transferring into Penn State from another school, and any other students not yet in the HPA major can get information about HPA from your HPA’s department adviser. If you'd like to schedule an appointment with your adviser, use the Starfish advising tool.
You should schedule an appointment to discuss any of the following with your adviser.
Transfer credits
Course scheduling and registration
Academic warning, suspension, dismissal, and re-enrollment
Petitions of academic policies
Information on minors
Graduation requirements
Review of HPA Academic Requirements
Drop/Add of courses and routine late drops
Signature for routine forms
Change of Major or Change of Campus
Study Abroad
Deadline information
General education requirements
Writing intense course requirements
Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading
Information on university resources
Course substitutions
International and United States course requirements
Supporting Courses and Related Areas requirements
C-required courses
Independent learning courses
Opportunities within the major
Integrated Undergraduate/ Graduate Programs
The Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Degree Program allows qualified students to complete their Bachelor of Science while working on a Master of Health Administration at the same time. Students can earn both degrees in five (5) years by combining Bachelor and Master level classes in their fourth and fifth years of study.
International Study Opportunities
Penn State is dedicated to educating its students to become the next generation of global citizens and leaders. International study and field experiences provide Penn State students opportunities to explore how different cultures, economies, and governments address social issues like the provision of health care. There are many ways for Health Policy and Administration students to go abroad and incorporate an international experience into their academic careers.
Student Activities
HPA students have a range of opportunities to get involved in student organizations through the department, the College of Health and Human Development, and university wide.
For more information regarding activities and clubs please visit:
Student Affairs Club Directory
HPA Student Clubs & Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
HPA FAQ's - answers questions specifically for HPA
