University of Missouri-Kansas City

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational science with health systems knowledge, applied research methods and practical experience. You will study human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basics of human disease, and principles of public health. Core modules typically cover health care delivery and policy, health care ethics and law, epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion and disease prevention, and health care management.

Students follow a curriculum that blends classroom learning with experiential components. Common course topics include:

• Anatomy & Physiology — structure and function of the human body relevant to health care roles.
• Foundations of Public Health — population health concepts, determinants of health and health disparities.
• Epidemiology & Biostatistics — methods for measuring and interpreting health data.
• Health Systems & Policy — organisation of care, financing and regulatory issues.
• Health Informatics — basics of health information systems and data management.
• Research Methods — study design, critical appraisal and introductory quantitative/qualitative methods.
• Community Health & Health Promotion — designing, implementing and evaluating interventions in community settings.
• Ethics & Professional Practice — legal and ethical responsibilities in health services.

The degree normally includes elective options so you can tailor studies toward administration, public health, informatics or clinical support roles, and it culminates in a practicum or capstone project that places you in a health-care, community or research setting to apply classroom learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions expectations include satisfactory academic performance in core subjects such as biology and mathematics; many applicants have coursework in chemistry or health sciences. Transfer applicants from community colleges are considered and prior college-level credits may be evaluated for equivalency.

Applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement outlining their interest in health services and relevant volunteer or work experience. International students must meet the university's English language proficiency standards. There may be additional requirements for specific pathways or programme concentrations, so prospective students should consult UMKC admissions for advice about prerequisite courses and course placement.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor in Health Services enter a range of roles across health care and public health sectors. Common entry-level positions include health services coordinator, case manager, health educator, community health worker, clinical research coordinator and administrative roles in hospitals or clinics. The programme also prepares students for specialist roles in health informatics, quality improvement and population health.

The degree is a strong foundation for further professional or graduate training. Many graduates go on to pursue postgraduate degrees such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA), nursing, physician assistant programmes or graduate study in health informatics, social work and related fields. Career progression often includes supervisory and management positions within health-care organisations, policy-making roles in public agencies, or research careers.

Why study at University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC offers the Health Services programme within an urban research university that emphasises experiential learning and community engagement. The university has established partnerships with local hospitals, public health departments and community organisations in the Kansas City metropolitan area, providing practicum and internship opportunities that connect students to real-world practice.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across allied health, social work, nursing and business disciplines, and from faculty with applied experience in health administration, public health and clinical research. UMKC's location in a diverse urban centre gives students exposure to a broad spectrum of population health challenges and health-care delivery settings, supporting career-ready skills and professional networking.