Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management (BS)

Mission, Vision, and Values:*

Mission: The UNC Charlotte Health Systems Management Program develops future entry-level health services leaders to advance health equity and well-being in an urbanizing world.

We pursue our mission through education, research, and service that:

  1. Develops the knowledge, skills, and values that contribute to dynamic health services environments.
  2. Models the ethical application of management principles.
  3. Increases the diversity of health services leaders, with a special emphasis on historically underrepresented individuals and groups.

Vision: The UNC Charlotte Health Systems Management Program will be the premier program in developing future entry-level health services leaders who promote healthy communities partnered with responsive population health systems.

Values: Collaboration, community engagement, diversity, health equity, innovation, professionalism, social justice.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management will prepare students as entry-level generalists in the health systems management field through interdisciplinary approaches guided by culturally relevant perspectives. Medical and health systems manager positions entail planning, directing, or coordinating medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, non-profit agencies, or similar organizations. As the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life, for example, the health and human services industry as a whole will see an increase in the demand for medical services including medical and health services managers. Medical and health services managers must be adaptable to changes in healthcare laws, regulations and technology. The average annual salary for entry-level medical and health services managers is $35,530. UNC Charlotte alumni with a B.S. in Health Systems Management earn an average salary of $45,700 according to Lightcast, which sampled 546 alumni who graduated from 1998 through 2023 (Source: Lightcast, 2023). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects that employment in medical and health management occupations will grow 28% from 2022 through 2032 (much faster than average).

The program in Health Systems Management will require students to complete general education requirements, complete 33 credit hours of study within the major, and electives or minor courses to reach a total of 120 credits required for a baccalaureate degree. The carefully sequenced HSMT curriculum is informed by the skills desired in all health system managers outlined by the American College of Healthcare Executives. Students complete courses in the critical health systems management competencies domains of communication and relationship management, leadership, professionalism, knowledge of the health system care environment, and business skills and knowledge.

Students have the option to pursue a Baccalaureate degree in HSMT on the main campus or through the distance education (DE) program. For more details about HSMT-DE please visit the School of Professional Studies website.

UNC Charlotte offers a wide range of minors – although not required for the major – to enrich student readiness for workplace settings that demand effective communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and effective teamwork. Students are encouraged to consider completing a minor and a large number of options exist on campus that would serve to complement the Health Systems Management major including: biology, communication studies, gerontology, international studies, management information systems, political science, and public health. Continued study in the Department of Health Management and Policy is also an option for those interested in graduate degrees in Public Health or Health Administration. The department also offers an early-entry program for exceptional students to the MHA program. For details on these programs, and other related graduate programs in public health, health informatics, public administration, and public policy, see the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.

Requirements for Declaring the Health Systems Management Major

To declare the major, HSMT Students must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or better).

Honors Program

For information about the Public Health and Health Systems Management Honors Program, visit the catalog page Public Health and Health Systems Management, or contact our Honors Program Director.

The Health Systems Management (HSMT) Program is not accepting honors program applicants at this time. Students will be notified when applications will be accepted for the first class of honors students.

contact for additional information

Department of Health Management and Policy
College of Health and Human Services
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
9201 University City Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001

Tel: 704-687-1160
Fax: 704-687-1644
Email: HSMTProgram@charlotte.edu

*These statements of program philosophy were developed via the program’s faculty curricular governance process.  They reflect the expectations and norms of the profession and the program’s specialized accreditation standards. Diversity in this content means the ways in which individuals vary, including, but not limited to, backgrounds, beliefs, viewpoints, abilities, cultures, and traditions that distinguish one individual from another.  In delivering our degree program, we ensure that “students of all backgrounds are welcomed, included, and supported in their pursuit of a degree or certificate…” We are committed to “equality of all persons,” including “equality of opportunity for all students…” See updated UNC system policy 300.8.5.