Penn State Health Policy and Administration

10/13/2026

During the 2026 Centre County United Way Day of Caring, students, faculty and staff came together to support Centre Helps.

Our volunteers provided landscaping and cleaning services while learning about Centre Helps’ mission, history and services for the local community.

We are grateful to Centre Helps for the opportunity to contribute to its important work and for the positive impact this experience had on our volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day of service possible!

10/08/2026

New major alert 📣

We've launched a new B.S. in Public Health to address growing demand for trained professionals in public health-related fields, driven by community and global health challenges, aging populations, and increased recognition of the importance of preventive approaches in healthcare.

The new undergraduate degree program will empower students to improve the health of populations and communities — especially in rural settings — through disease prevention, promoting healthy behaviors, creating safe environments, and addressing factors that influence health at local, national and global levels.

Learn more: https://www.psu.edu/news/health-and-human-development/story/new-public-health-major-focuses-nurturing-healthy-populations?utm_account=Penn+State+Health+Policy+and+Administration&utm_campaign=Undergraduate+Recruitment&utm_content=1791475745&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

10/06/2026

We are proud to celebrate MHA alumnus Eugene A. Woods, who will serve as the Opening Session Keynote Speaker at the 41st Annual NAHSE Educational Conference and 31st Everett V. Fox Student Case Competition.

Woods is CEO of Advocate Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit integrated health systems. Throughout his career, he has championed innovation, workforce development, health equity, and community-centered care.

Join us in celebrating an alum who is representing the field on a national stage and inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders!

10/02/2026

Meet Katia 👋, a current junior majoring in Health Policy and Administration with a minor in Public Policy. Katia recently became the professional development director for the HPA Peer Mentoring Board, which has allowed her to take on a leadership role and make deeper connections with other students in the major. She is also a member of the HPA Club and the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) Club, for which she serves as the guest speaker liaison.

Katia said that these opportunities have shown her the importance of actively seeking out spaces that may initially feel outside of her comfort zone.

"I wish I had known earlier how important it is to take initiative and actively seek out opportunities. Some of the most valuable experiences I have had come from reaching out to professors, attending events and seminars, and getting involved beyond the classroom. I have found it very important to chase opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to me."

Katia said her classroom experiences have also played an important part in preparing her to take on leadership roles.

"My HPA courses have given me a strong foundation in understanding the healthcare system and the many factors that influence it, ultimately helping me engage more meaningfully in healthcare-related conversation. My classes have also strengthened many of my interpersonal skills, including critical thinking and collaboration, that I have been able to apply across my different experiences at Penn State."

08/26/2026

62% in the U.S. say they have no or limited statistical knowledge, but 90% say they would use statistics more if they understood them better, according to a new study from our researchers ⤵️

Many people in the U.S. believe that their statistical knowledge is limited, but they would rely on statistics for decision-making more if they understood statistics better, according to a new study led by a Penn State researcher.

07/28/2026

Meet Loren, a current second-year majoring in Health Policy and Administration with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies 👋

Loren is a Bunton-Waller Fellow and an active member of the Educational Equity Scholars Living Learning Community, which supports students from diverse backgrounds in transitioning to college and building a strong academic and social foundation. She is also a member of the HPA Peer Mentoring program and credits the experience with helping her navigate her first semesters at Penn State, as well as becoming familiar with the major and the campus.

“Being a part of these two communities provided the chance to transform my first-year college experience. I was able to step outside of my comfort zone and navigate the college lifestyle.”

“These opportunities have also helped me develop the art of patience. Very often in college, you are not working on your own timing but on the schedule of others, and it has been important to keep in mind that I should continue to be flexible and understanding.”

Loren encourages other students, especially those in their first year, to ask for help.

“If you’re struggling, there are people here who can support and help you — you don’t have to do it alone. “

06/04/2026

Our Penn State Master of Health Administration program was ranked #19 in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings for health care management programs nationwide!

This ranking reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are shaping the future of health care leadership. We're proud to see our program recognized among the best in the nation!

05/20/2026

Meet Anya, a current student majoring in health policy and administration with a minor in information sciences and technology.

Anya co-founded Minority Women in Health Fields (MWIHF), a student organization dedicated to supporting minority women pursuing a career in health-related fields through volunteer opportunities, networking events, guest speakers, skill-building workshops, and more.

"Penn State is a large University, and it can sometimes be difficult to find your community," Anya said. "We wanted to create a space for minority women to have that sense of community, and grant them exciting opportunities along the way. MWIHF includes all health-related majors at Penn State. By taking this 'one-health' approach, we can share this space and community with students in majors across the University."

When asked what advice she would offer to other students who want to establish a new student organization, Anya said, “Just go for it!”

“I think the most important thing is to make sure you know why you want to start, and what your goals for the organization are,” Anya said. “You have the chance to create a legacy at Penn State with an organization that will continue to grow after you leave. Penn State has so many resources available to its students, and I would encourage others to tap into them and get involved.”

Penn State College of Health and Human Development

05/10/2026

Hannah Bucher will serve as one of the College of Health and Human Development’s student marshals for spring 2026 commencement. She was active in undergraduate research and was a Schreyer Honors Scholar involved in Schreyer for Women. Congrats, Hannah!

Read more: https://bit.ly/3OmE6JHhttps://bit.ly/3OmE6JH

05/07/2026

Hannah Bucher, HPA '26, has been named a finalist for the Robert F. Guentter Jr. Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award! These awards are given annually to three finalists with outstanding Penn State undergraduate theses grounded in quality research.

Finalists will give presentations on Thursday, May 7, at 3 p.m. in Pattee Library and Paterno Library's Foster Auditorium. The ceremony is open to the public. Remote attendees may register in advance to join via Zoom.

Congratulations, Hannah!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4tZfDts

Penn State College of Health and Human Development