Health Policy and Administration Graduate Programs | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

Graduate programs in Health Policy and Administration

Penn State’s graduate programs in Health Policy and Administration (HPA) provide a solid foundation for students who want to profoundly shape health policy, make vital future changes to global health-related organizations, and successfully navigate our increasingly complex health care environment — including managing the facilities, services, programs, staff, and budgets that providers rely on.

HPA offers two flexible graduate programs

Master of Health Administration

Doctorate in Health Policy and Administration

The esteemed faculty members in both programs train graduates to meet the fast-growing demand for health care administrators that play crucial roles in today’s hospitals, health systems, and related organizations, as well as policymakers and health service researchers in government, private industry, and academia. Synergies among our diverse degree programs provide the foundation for our ever-growing curriculum, outreach programs, and a body of cutting-edge research that often receives recognition on a national stage.

Research Spotlight

New research finds blood test for sepsis could save lives and money

According to new research led by Chris Hollenbeak, department head of health policy and administration, a new blood test for sepsis may save lives and money if used widely in emergency departments. Health economists like Hollenbeak evaluate innovations to give healthcare providers information about what new innovations will cost and the benefits they will provide. Their findings showed a slightly higher survival rate and lower cost when compared to another available sepsis indicator test.