Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The Health Services bachelor’s degree provides a mix of health science, management and applied practice. The curriculum typically covers core subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, public health principles and epidemiology, alongside healthcare systems and policy, health informatics and quantitative methods for health professionals.

• Core science and foundations – anatomy & physiology, microbiology for health sciences, nutrition and disease prevention.
• Health systems and management – healthcare organisation and delivery, health policy, finance and budgeting for health services, human resources in healthcare.
• Data and informatics – health statistics, introduction to health informatics, quality improvement and outcomes measurement.
• Professional practice – medical ethics and law, patient safety, communication and intercultural competence in healthcare.
• Applied learning – supervised practicum or internship in a clinical or community setting, project or capstone that integrates classroom learning with workplace experience.
• Electives and specialisms – students often choose electives in community health, long-term care administration, emergency services management, case management or chronic disease management.

The programme is designed so students build from foundational knowledge in the first year to more applied and management-focused work in later years, culminating in a capstone project or practicum placement with a local healthcare provider or public health agency.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements include a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are expected to demonstrate competence in English and usually some background in mathematics and one or more science subjects (biology or chemistry is desirable). Admissions also consider academic references, a personal statement, and any relevant volunteer or work experience in healthcare.

For mature or non-traditional applicants, equivalent qualifications such as prior college coursework, professional certifications, or relevant work experience are normally accepted. International applicants will need to meet the university’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Health Services degree enter a wide range of roles across healthcare organisations, community agencies and public health settings. Common job titles include:

• Health services coordinator or administrator
• Medical office or practice manager
• Patient services or case manager
• Health data or quality improvement analyst
• Community health worker or programme assistant
• Long-term care or clinic administrator

Many graduates progress to graduate study in public health (MPH), health administration (MHA), nursing or related professional programmes, or obtain professional certifications in areas such as healthcare management, coding and compliance, and quality improvement.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Practical, career-focused learning – the programme emphasises hands-on experience through practicum placements and applied projects with regional healthcare organisations.
• Interdisciplinary approach – coursework integrates science, management, policy and informatics to prepare graduates for the operational and leadership needs of modern health systems.
• Small classes and faculty support – students benefit from close interaction with faculty who have professional experience in healthcare and public health.
• Industry connections – the university’s established relationships with hospitals, clinics and community health providers support internships and job placement.
• Pathways for further study – the degree provides a strong foundation for graduate programmes and professional certifications in health-related fields.