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Contact Info
Daniel B. Freedman PhD, MSW, LCSW
Associate Professor & BSW Program Director
Department of Social Work
703-993-4246
dfreedm@gmu.edu
Phillip Zane (HAPI)
Associate Professor & Coordinator BSHA Program
Department of Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics
703-993-1967
pzane@gmu.edu
The minor in health and social policy is the department's only undergraduate program in health policy. This minor introduces students to the context and process for public policymaking in health care and social services. Students will examine the current environment for health and social policy, learn the basic elements of the public policymaking process, and apply this knowledge in a practical research endeavor.
The minor is offered jointly through the Department of Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics and the Department of Social Work. The minor is not intended for students majoring in health administration, policy, and Informatics.
What Is the Health and Social Policy Minor?
The health and social policy minor is an interdisciplinary program that examines the intersection of public policy, health care, and social services. Students develop an understanding of how policy is formed and implemented, and how it shapes the delivery of health and social services across communities.
Curriculum
Five required courses plus one elective. View the full curriculum in the University Catalog.
Joint Program
Offered jointly by the Department of Health Administration, Policy, and Informatics and the Department of Social Work.
Declaring a Minor
Complete the minor declaration form on the Registrar's website and schedule an advising appointment.
Courses & Curriculum
Students complete five required courses and one elective for a total of 18 credit hours. Of the 18 credits, at least eight must be applied only to the minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student's major, concentration, undergraduate certificate, or another minor.
Required Courses
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
| HAP 301 | Health Care Delivery in the United States | 3 |
| HAP 312 SOCW 400 |
Healthcare Law or Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services |
3 |
| HAP 442 | Introduction to Health Care Politics and Policy | 3 |
| GCH/SOCW 445 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
| HAP 445 SOCW 471 |
Introduction to Health Services Research or or Research in Social Work (Mason Core) |
3 |
| Total Required Credits 15 | ||
Electives
|
Code |
Title |
Credits |
| HAP 290 | Lifestyle Management | 3 |
| HAP 310 | Healthcare Ethics | 3 |
| HAP 395 | Healthcare Finance | 3 |
| SOCW 410 | Substance Use, Misuse, and Disorder: Programs and Policies | 3 |
| SOCW 415 | Child and Family Welfare | 3 |
| SOCW 435 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| GCH 405 | Global Health Interventions: History and Systems ¹ | 3 |
| Total Required Credits 3 | ||
¹ GCH 405 requires a prerequisite: GCH 205 — Global Health (Mason Core)
Opportunities
The minor provides students majoring in other disciplines, such as government, psychology, and sociology, a comprehensive introduction to health and social policy.
Knowledge gained upon completion of the minor may be applied to further post-graduate studies in health or social policy, or prepare students to pursue entry-level positions with government agencies and advocacy organizations in the field.
Admissions & Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor. Students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Students should be familiar with university-wide requirements for minors described in AP.5.3.4 Minors.
To declare a minor in health and social policy, complete the minor declaration form on the Registrar's website and make an appointment with the program advisor.