Shape Your Future in Health Care Leadership
Students seeking to broaden their professional network and strengthen leadership skills are encouraged to join Rising Healthcare Leaders at Mason (RHLM). Members engage in service, educational programming, and peer collaboration to support academic and professional growth.
Quick Links
About the Program
Admissions and Enrollment
Other Academic Programs
Career and Student Success
Department Information
Contact Info
John Cantiello, PhD
Online Pathway Coordinator, Health Administration Programs
Professor
jcantiel@gmu.edu
703-993-1731
Phillip Zane, JD
Undergrad program coordinator, Health Administration Programs
Associate Professor
pzane@gmu.edu
(703) 993-1967
Accreditation Information
The Bachelor of Science in Health Administration prepares students for administrative and leadership roles across health care organizations. The Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration concentration focuses specifically on independent living, assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities.
Students develop competencies in health care delivery, finance, law, ethics, human resources, strategic management, and the unique social and health-related needs of aging populations. The concentration integrates classroom learning with professional skill development and a supervised internship experience.
What Is Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration?
Assisted living and senior housing communities provide residential and supportive services for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, and continuing care retirement settings. Administrators in these environments oversee operations, regulatory compliance, staffing, financial management, resident services, and quality improvement initiatives.
This concentration prepares students to serve in entry-level administrative and support positions within senior housing organizations and long-term care environments.
Detailed curriculum information is available in the university catalog.
Industry-Focused Training
Prepares students with practical skills for a rapidly expanding senior housing sector.
Real-World Internship
Provides hands-on experience in senior housing communities and related organizations.
Career & Networking Access
Connects students with industry leaders and pathways to community and corporate roles.
Curriculum Section
Major Requirements – Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration
Students complete required coursework in:
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GCH 300 – Introduction to Public Health
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HAP 301 – Health Care Delivery in the United States
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HAP 309 – Healthcare Accounting
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HAP 310 – Healthcare Ethics
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HAP 312 – Healthcare Law
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HI 360 – Introduction to Health Information Systems
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HAP 392 – Human Resources Management in Healthcare
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HAP 395 – Healthcare Finance
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HAP 396 – Strategic Health Management and Planning
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HAP 403 – Assisted Living/Senior Housing Management and Philosophy
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HAP 408 – Societal and Health Related Needs of the Aging Population
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HAP 416 – Leadership and Management of Health Systems I
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HAP 417 – Leadership and Management of Health Systems II
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HAP 425 – Health Economics and Policy
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HAP 465 – Integration of Professional Skills and Issues (Mason Core; Writing Intensive and Synthesis)
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HAP 489 – Pre-Internship Seminar
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HAP 498 – Health Administration Internship
Students also complete:
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Two approved aging-focused electives
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College of Public Health electives
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General electives
Accelerated MHA Pathway
Highly qualified students may apply to the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s pathway to earn both the BS in Health Administration (including the Assisted Living/Senior Housing concentration) and the Master of Health Administration in Health Systems Management.
Admission standards, GPA requirements, and course substitution policies are outlined in the University Catalog.
For general inquiries, please contact hap@gmu.com.
For accelerated program inquiries, contact hapibam@gmu.com.
Why senior housing?
Additional resources cards
Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for administrative and management-track roles in:
- Assisted living communities
- Independent living communities
- Continuing care retirement communities
- Long-term care organizations
- Senior housing operations
The concentration emphasizes leadership development, regulatory awareness, operational strategy, and resident-centered service delivery within aging services environments.
Advising
Students should consult Academic Advising in the College of Public Health and work closely with their advisor to ensure all degree requirements are satisfied prior to graduation.
Quick Facts
Is this concentration available online?
The Health Systems Management concentration is offered in both online and on-campus formats. (Delivery format availability for this concentration should follow current catalog designation.)
When should students complete the internship?
HAP 489 and HAP 498 must be completed during the final 15 academic credits.
Are background checks required?
A criminal background check is generally required prior to beginning the internship.