Major & Requirements

It is an exciting time for the health care industry: cracking the genetic code and its aftermath, new developments in the field, the drive to improve quality, the increasing consolidation among providers and the development of new information technologies are among the many changes and opportunities facing our industry. Those working in the field or contemplating a career in health care can be assured of a wide-ranging, stimulating and challenging profession that is important to society.

Over the past five decades, our program has expanded from exclusively training hospital managers to preparing students who are entering positions along a broad spectrum of the health care field. Currently, our graduates also obtain jobs in such areas as consulting, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical group management, informatics, venture capital and other financial services, insurance and managed care. To help our students take full advantage of the many choices available, the Health Industry Management (HIM) Program offers courses taught by an expert, multi-disciplinary faculty within the Kellogg School. Through its research and consulting, our faculty is at the cutting edge, helping to redefine the field. Our mentor program also enables the Kellogg School's HIM students to interact with some of the key national leaders in health care. Such training has enabled graduates to obtain positions with firms and organizations that are helping shape the future of health care both in this country and abroad.

The Kellogg School's philosophy is unique in its emphasis on teamwork and group interaction. Students often remark that the Kellogg School is a place where one makes not only future business contacts, but also lifelong friends.

One of HIMT's many strengths is its interdepartmental cooperation. For example, professors and students interested in international healthcare work with HIMT faculty on educational programs and research. One focus of activity is the University's Center for International and Comparative Studies (CICS). Another is Kellogg's Global Health Initiative (GHI), part of the Ford Motor Company's Center for Global Citizenship. The GHI creates meaningful partnerships between industry, non-profit donors and academia to develop products that address health issues facing underserved communities. In August 2006, GHI's first set of partners secured a four-year, $4.9 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to research and develop two affordable diagnostic devices for the HIV virus plaguing developing countries. The HIMT program offers the courses International healthcare Systems (INTL 442), Health Economics (MGMT 444) and a variety of others to help prepare students for the challenges they face in dealing with problems of global health.

Each student's course sequencing must be approved in writing by the Program Director. Students are encouraged to meet with the Program Director early in their curriculum planning and contact the HIM Program office at 847-491-5540.