New undergraduate major in health sector management and policy launched

Program Designed to Meet Growing Industry Demand

The University of Miami School of Business Administration today announced that it will offer a new undergraduate major in health sector management and policy beginning in fall 2010. The major is designed to prepare students for business careers within the health care industry, as well as to pursue advanced degree programs in health administration, health economics, medical sociology and public health. The launch of the major expands the School's portfolio of health sector programs which also include an undergraduate minor, an MD/MBA program offered jointly with the University's Miller School of Medicine, and a health sector-focused executive MBA program, which the School has offered for more than 30 years.

"The launch of the major in health sector management and policy is another important step in the School's ongoing strategy to build on its core areas of strength and in areas where we see a growing demand from our students and the business community," said Barbara E. Kahn, dean of the University of Miami School of Business Administration. "Part of our mission is to foster excellence in health management education, policy and research and this major, along with our other innovative health sector programs, helps fulfill that."

Students who select the new major will gain a thorough understanding of the specialized language, financing and politics of the health care system. They will thus have an edge in launching careers within organizations such as hospitals and health systems, medical groups, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, care management groups, health care information technology and supply chain management companies, policy organizations, health insurers, and health care industry consulting firms.

"The health care sector makes up more than 16 percent of all economic activity in the U.S. and is expected to grow more than 20 percent over the next eight years," said Steven Ullmann, director of the School's programs in health sector management and policy. "As the population ages and as more and more managers are needed to improve quality and efficiency while controlling costs, health sector employment will continue to grow at a rapid rate. Our students will be well prepared for the opportunities that come with this growth."

Reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of business and the health care industry, the major in health sector management and policy will draw from a variety of disciplines. In addition to six required business courses, students will select electives offered through the University's College of Arts and Sciences and School of Nursing and Health Studies.