The Department of Health Administration and Policy
The Department of Health Administration and Policy at George Mason University prepares students to lead, improve, and transform healthcare systems through education in health administration, health informatics, health policy, quality improvement, and health services research.
Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to address complex healthcare challenges, improve patient and population health outcomes, and drive innovation across healthcare organizations, government agencies, and public health systems.
Located in the Washington, D.C. region, the department provides access to one of the nation's most influential healthcare and policy environments. Through nationally recognized programs, applied learning experiences, industry partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain practical experience and professional connections that prepare them for leadership roles across the healthcare sector.
Whether your interests lie in healthcare management, health technology, data analytics, policy development, healthcare quality, or research, George Mason offers pathways that prepare graduates to shape the future of healthcare and public health.
Students studying health administration, health policy, and health informatics play an integral role in making health visible.
How to Apply to Health Administration and Policy Programs
The Department of Health Administration and Policy offers multiple undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral pathways for students interested in healthcare leadership, health informatics, health policy, healthcare quality, and health services research. Admission requirements vary by program, but applicants typically submit academic transcripts, application materials, and program-specific supporting documents. Most graduate programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a competitive undergraduate GPA, while some programs may have additional prerequisites or professional experience recommendations.
Whether you are pursuing a bachelor's degree in Health Administration, a Master of Health Administration (MHA), a Master of Science in Health Informatics, doctoral study in Health Services Research, or one of our many other programs, the department provides detailed guidance on admissions requirements, application deadlines, prerequisite coursework, and program-specific expectations. Prospective students are encouraged to review admissions information early to identify the pathway that best aligns with their educational background and career goals.
Explore Areas of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation
The Department of Health Administration and Policy brings together expertise in healthcare management, health informatics, health policy, and health services research to address the challenges facing modern healthcare systems. Through interdisciplinary education, applied learning, and research, students and faculty work to improve healthcare quality, strengthen health systems, inform policy decisions, and leverage data and technology to improve health outcomes.
Whether your interests lie in leading healthcare organizations, shaping public policy, advancing healthcare technology, or conducting research that informs healthcare delivery, these focus areas provide pathways to careers that make a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare and public health.
Explore the areas below to learn more about our programs, research, and expertise.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Health Administration and Policy Programs
What degrees are offered in health administration and health policy?
George Mason University's Department of Health Administration and Policy offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs focused on healthcare leadership, health administration, health informatics, health policy, healthcare quality, and health services research. Students can pursue academic pathways that prepare them for careers in healthcare management, healthcare technology, policy analysis, research, and organizational leadership.
The department's programs are designed for students interested in improving healthcare delivery, influencing health policy, leveraging healthcare data and technology, and leading healthcare organizations in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
Explore programs and areas of study:
- Health Administration: https://hap.gmu.edu/health-administration
- Health Informatics: https://hap.gmu.edu/health-informatics
- Health Policy: https://hap.gmu.edu/health-policy
- Health Services Research: https://hap.gmu.edu/research
What careers do HAP graduates pursue?
Graduates of George Mason's Health Administration and Policy programs work across the healthcare industry, government agencies, consulting firms, health technology organizations, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Depending on their degree and area of specialization, graduates help lead healthcare organizations, improve healthcare quality, analyze healthcare data, inform policy decisions, and advance healthcare innovation.
Common career paths include:
- Healthcare Administrator
- Health Services Manager
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Healthcare Consultant
- Quality Improvement Manager
- Health Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Research Scientist
- Healthcare Executive
Graduates are particularly well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the Washington, D.C. region, home to major healthcare organizations, federal agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations.
Learn more about career-focused pathways:
- Health Administration: https://hap.gmu.edu/health-administration
- Health Informatics: https://hap.gmu.edu/health-informatics
- Health Policy: https://hap.gmu.edu/health-policy
Does the HAP department offer internships or practicum experiences?
Yes. Many Health Administration and Policy programs incorporate applied learning opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience while building professional networks. Depending on the program, students may participate in internships, practica, capstone projects, research experiences, and collaborations with healthcare organizations, government agencies, and industry partners.
The department's location near Washington, D.C. provides students with access to healthcare systems, federal agencies, consulting firms, health technology organizations, and policy institutions where they can apply classroom learning to real-world healthcare challenges. These experiences help students develop professional skills and prepare for leadership roles across the healthcare sector.
Learn more about experiential learning opportunities: