UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Patrick Spurlock, a 2019 health policy and administration graduate from the College of Health and Human Development, took a unique path during his undergraduate career.

“When I started my undergraduate degree, I was enrolled as a criminology major. My heart was set on pursuing a degree that would lead me to an investigative role with the government after college.”

Upon completing his first semester as a criminology student, Spurlock began researching majors to pursue at Penn State, where he stumbled upon health policy and administration (HPA).

“I always wanted to work in the government, but after taking various courses at Penn State, I wanted to shift my focus specifically to health care fraud to combine both of my interests — health care and criminal justice.”

After taking his first HPA course, he knew he wanted to pursue a degree that would help him land a career path in health care fraud.

Spurlock landed an internship with the federal government while completing his bachelor’s degree and received a full-time job offer following graduation, first serving as an executive assistant and later as a business analyst — his current role today. 

He found that not only the courses, but also the faculty in the department, helped pave the way for his career while at Penn State.

“During my time at Penn State, professors Spokus, Thul, and Daley coached me to become the person I am today. Each of them taught me valuable lessons that helped further my thinking as a student and in my career."

“Every single HPA professor challenged me to think outside the box on how I can make the health care field a better place.”

While students in the major often pursue roles in hospital administration, policy, and consulting, Spurlock used the opportunity to combine his personal interests and educational experiences to tailor his learning to his individual career path.

“The health policy and administration program offers students the opportunity to create a path of their choice. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding programs that teach you all about healthcare, management, and business. Students get to set their path by dividing into courses of their choice,” Spurlock said.

“The courses are challenging, but the professors provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in the workforce and challenge you to think how you can make the health care industry a better place.”

Spurlock will talk to students this fall on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at a lunch and learn event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 108 Wartik, which is open to any interested students.

Students can also talk with him at the HPA Undergraduate Open House from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the Atrium of the Health and Human Development Building on Sept. 7.