Healthcare Administration (BS) | Samford University

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Samford University. Develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead healthcare organizations, manage operations and improve patient care in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Bachelor of Science

Healthcare Administration

Develop a strong foundation in business, leadership and interpersonal skills that nurture a patient-centered focus.

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Is This Program for Me?

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration is designed for individuals who want to lead, organize and improve health care systems without working in a clinical role. This program may be a good fit if you are interested in the business side of health care and want to make an impact on patient experiences, operations and outcomes.

You may be a good fit if you:

Are interested in health care, but prefer administrative or leadership roles rather than direct patient care
Enjoy problem-solving, organization and improving processes
Have strong communication and leadership skills or want to develop them
Are interested in areas such as hospital management, health services administration, policy or health care operations
Want a versatile degree that prepares you for roles in hospitals, clinics, insurance organizations or public health settings

What Will I Learn?

You'll gain the knowledge and skills to lead in today's complex health care environment.

Students Will

Apply business and financial principles to improve health care delivery
Lead with ethics, professionalism and servant leadership
Communicate effectively and collaborate across health care teams
Understand health care systems, policy and operations
Solve problems and improve outcomes for diverse patient populations

Built on nationally recognized health care leadership competencies, the curriculum focuses on communication, leadership, professionalism, business knowledge and health care systems-giving you a strong, well-rounded foundation with opportunities to specialize at the undergraduate level.

Plan of Study

“I chose this major to explore what health care looks like through the lens of my faith, and Samford has done a great job preparing me to navigate complex systems and ask hard questions. Through internships with Andrews Sports Medicine and the Alzheimer’s Association, I’ve seen how I can step in and make a real impact.”

— Jonah Wetsel ‘25

What Makes Us Different?

Interprofessional Learning

Gain real-world experience in the team-based approach that defines today’s health care environment. This collaborative model helps you understand the team based approach to care and how different disciplines who will one day be your colleagues work together to deliver better patient outcomes.

Commitment to Service

Service is woven throughout the program, with hands-on projects each semester and student-led initiatives that make an impact in the community—reinforcing a service-minded approach to leadership.

Accelerated Pathway to a Master of Healthcare Administration

One of the unique advantages of the program is the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) in as little as five years through an accelerated pathway.

Distinctively Christian Foundation

Guided by Samford’s Christian mission, you’ll be challenged to lead with integrity, compassion and ethical purpose, considering the needs of the whole person—mind, body and spirit.

Professional Connections from Day One

As a student, you’ll receive membership in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)—connecting you to a global network of health care leaders and giving you early access to professional development, certifications and networking opportunities.

Professional Connections Through ACHE

As a participant in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Higher Education Network, Samford connects students to professional networking, leadership development and resources that help build a foundation for future advancement.

Career Preparation

From your first semester to graduation, you’ll gain the experience, connections and confidence to launch your career in health care leadership.

Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for entry-level management including:

Hospitals and health systems
Consulting firms and insurance organizations
Government agencies (local, state & federal)
Long-term care and nonprofit organizations
Pharmaceutical companies and medical practices
Medical sales and healthcare entrepreneurship

Professional Development

Build your resume and network through opportunities.

Membership in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Conference attendance and case competitions
Student organization leadership and service projects

Hands-On Experience

You’ll complete two internships (240 hours) as part of your degree—applying what you learn in the classroom in real health care settings.

Proven Outcomes

Graduates have launched careers with organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Emory Healthcare, Grandview Medical Center and Stryker, among others. Many also continue their education through MHA programs, MBA programs or medical school.

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission Statement

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration program is to train service-minded leaders who have a broad perspective by providing a foundation in healthcare executive competencies through an interprofessional curriculum for entry-level management positions.

Vision Statement

We aspire to prepare influential and visionary healthcare professionals who make a positive impact on their communities.

Core Values

Christian-Based Education: We are committed to integrating our Christian faith and beliefs in our delivery of healthcare administration education.
Excellence: We pursue excellence within the department through opportunities for achievement in scholarship, service and research.
Practice-Ready: We are committed to preparing students who are ready to practice upon graduation.
Respect for Diversity: We are committed to respecting the differences in others by learning to appreciate the different cultures of the populations that we serve.
Integrity: We are committed to operating in an environment that values honesty, fairness and the highest ethical standards to sustain a community of trust.
Empowerment: We encourage personal accountability for success through shared governance in academic pursuits.

The Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration is a degree offered by the School of Public Health's Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics. Read its mission statement here.

Application Information

Freshman applications for next fall are open.

Freshman Early Action applications close November 1st.

The freshman first scholarship deadline is December 1st.

Transfer applications for the spring semester close Dec. 15.

Freshman FAFSA priority and scholarship deadlines are Feb. 15.

Decision day is coming! Freshman applications for fall enrollment close May 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment close July 1st.

Freshman applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open August 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open September 1st.