University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme builds core knowledge in health sciences, healthcare systems and professional practice. You will study topics such as healthcare delivery and policy, health promotion, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, epidemiology, healthcare ethics and law, and health information management. Coursework typically mixes lectures, case studies and applied projects.

Common modules and subjects include:

• Introduction to Health Services: overview of healthcare systems, roles and service delivery models.
• Anatomy and Physiology: foundational biological systems relevant to patient care and health assessment.
• Medical Terminology and Clinical Documentation: language and recordkeeping standards used across care settings.
• Health Policy and Law: regulatory frameworks, compliance and ethical decision-making in healthcare.
• Health Information Systems: basics of electronic health records, data privacy and coding systems.
• Management in Healthcare: principles of organisational behaviour, budgeting and quality improvement.
• Community and Public Health: population health, prevention strategies and health promotion planning.
• Practicum/Field Experience: supervised placement or capstone project with a local healthcare provider or community organisation.

The degree can be taken full-time, with options to transfer credit from prior college-level study. Practical placements and service-learning experiences connect academic study to real-world healthcare settings.

Entry requirements

Admissions typically require a high-school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are expected to demonstrate readiness for college-level study through transcripts showing a solid academic record. Recommended secondary subjects include biology, chemistry and mathematics, but programmes welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds.

Typical entry considerations include:

• High-school completion or recognised equivalent.
• A competitive GPA in secondary education; specific thresholds vary by applicant pool and campus.
• Submission of official transcripts; standardised test scores may be optional or considered according to university policy.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency is required.
• Some courses or placements may require background checks, immunisation records or healthcare screenings prior to practicum.

Prospective students with college credits, allied health certificates or relevant work experience may be eligible for transfer admission or advanced standing.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Health Services are prepared for roles that support the management and delivery of healthcare rather than clinical licensure-dependent practice. Common entry-level and mid-level roles include:

• Healthcare or practice manager
• Clinical operations coordinator
• Health information specialist or coding technician
• Case manager or care coordinator
• Community health worker or programme coordinator
• Quality improvement assistant or patient safety officer

The degree is also a solid foundation for graduate study such as a Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH), or other specialised healthcare graduate programmes, which can expand access to leadership and specialised clinical-adjacent roles.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a regional setting where students can gain practical experience through partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and public health organisations. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practicum experiences that prepare them for the operational realities of healthcare workplaces.

Small class sizes and faculty who bring clinical, administrative and research experience into the classroom support personalised instruction and mentoring. Additionally, the university’s connections across the region help students access internships, field placements and employment opportunities in a variety of healthcare and community settings.