Students work under the direction of a faculty thesis advisor to plan and carry out independent research resulting in an oral presentation and a major research paper. Research projects should include the development of a research thesis/question, a literature review, analysis, and synthesis of relevant data/sources, discussion and interpretation and presentation of results. Senior Thesis can be used to substitute for Internship in HLS. Permission by HLS program coordinator required, open only to HLS seniors. Prereq: HLS 510 and HLS 515 and HLS 650 and HLS 760.

This course provides students with a framework for working through increasingly complex legal and ethical issues that affect Health and Human Services professionals. This framework and broadened perspective will help practitioners recognize and respond to dilemmas in the field. Through an overview of regulatory action and the legislative and judicial processes, students will become familiar with how lawmakers confront changes brought on by pervasive issues such as patient rights, technological advances, and managed care. Following an initial overview of ethical theory, students will analyze precedent setting cases related to such topics as research and individual rights vs. the public good. Based on their own work or current issues in the field, students will apply these concepts to actual situations.

This project-based capstone integrative seminar focuses on the concepts and techniques of successful health care management practices. It analyzes the process of developing and executing strategies designed to optimize a health care organization and its management. Students apply their knowledge of health care systems, policy, financing, and information systems to a course project. The project integrates essential knowledge from the degree program at both the practical and the theoretical levels while fulfilling the student's own field of professional interest. Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed. NOTE: Students who were admitted to the college before Fall 2019 and have remained active in their original catalog year are not required to take IDIS 601.

This course provides a critical introduction to the financial structure and challenges of health care finance. The student will learn the impact of current changes in health care and the need for clinical and financial integration. Content includes information specific to revenue cycles, billing compliance, charity care, bad debt and payers (private and government). The student will understand the unique budgeting processes and financial reporting requirements of health care organizations. The course discusses the interprofessional roles in the day to day financial operations. High level communication skills in finance to engage in dialogue with stakeholders will be required.