Program Overview
The Master of Health Services Administration at the University of Kansas equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to manage health care organizations and navigate the complex health care landscape. With a focus on leadership, management, and policy, the MHSA degree is designed to prepare you for a fulfilling career in health care administration. Graduates of this program are highly sought after in health care organizations, including hospitals, public health agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
KU’s MHSA program is offered on the KUMC campus, with classes held in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Whether you are looking to advance your career in health care or transition into this dynamic field, KU provides the education and hands-on experience you need to succeed.
The Master of Health Services Administration, consistently ranked among the top health administration programs at U.S. public universities by U.S. News & World Report, offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares you for leadership roles in health care. Through this program, you will gain a deep understanding of health care systems, financial management, health care law, ethics, and health policy. Additionally, the program provides valuable hands-on experience through internships, field placements, and collaborative projects with health care organizations. These opportunities ensure that you graduate with real-world experience that will set you apart in the health care industry.
This degree is designed for individuals interested in taking on leadership positions within health care organizations. You will learn to manage resources effectively, make data-driven decisions, and lead teams in complex health care environments. By the time you complete your MHSA degree, you will be well-equipped to address the challenges facing health care today and into the future.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in health care policy, leadership, health care law, ethics, and finance will provide you with the expertise needed to lead in health care settings.
- Practical Experience: Gain real-world experience through internships, field placements, and collaborative projects with health care organizations.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from faculty who have extensive experience in the health care industry and will provide guidance throughout your studies.
- Dual Degree Options: Students interested in combining the MHSA with another professional degree may be eligible for one of four dual or joint degree programs: MD/MHSA, JD/MHSA, DPT/MHSA, or BSHIM/MHSA.
- Professional Network: Build relationships with professionals in the health care field, which can enhance your career opportunities.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Health Services Administration, MHSAKU School of Medicine
The Master’s in Health Services Administration is part of the School of Medicine, a hub for outstanding educational programs and world-class research.Master’s in Health Services Administration Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the MHSA degree program will be able to:
- Lead health care organizations by making informed, ethical, and strategic decisions.
- Navigate complex health care systems and understand the financial and policy impacts on health care delivery.
- Manage health care teams and resources effectively while maintaining high standards of care.
- Communicate effectively with health care professionals, policymakers, and the public.
- Use data-driven approaches to improve health care outcomes and enhance organizational efficiency.
What Careers Are Possible With a Master’s in Health Services Administration?
Graduates of the Master of Health Services Administration program are well-prepared for leadership positions in a variety of health care settings. Possible career paths include:
- Hospital Administrator
- Healthcare Consultant
- Health Policy Analyst
- Long-Term Care Administrator
- Public Health Manager
According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with a master’s in health services administration will increase 11% over the next 10 years, with current median compensation of $80,000/year nationally.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of the MHSA degree at KU is competitive, with various financial aid options available. Grants, fellowships, and graduate assistantships can help offset tuition costs. Additionally, students may qualify for federal financial aid, including loans and grants.
For more details about tuition rates, fees, and financial aid opportunities, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the MHSA degree program at KU, you must meet the following requirements:
- A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Applicants who are not native speakers of English, whether domestic or international, must demonstrate they meet the Minimum English Proficiency Requirement.
- Background check.
- An official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score not more than five years old, submitted directly from ETS to KUMC (ETS institutional code 6895). An alternative graduate-level examination score may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of goals and purpose; a brief essay outlining your reasons for pursuing graduate education in health administration and your career objectives.
- Completion of a prerequisite 3-credit hour course in statistics
- Personal interview
For more details on the application process, please visit the Department of Population Health.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
KU offers numerous opportunities for research and learning in the field of health services administration. Students can participate in faculty-led research projects or pursue independent research in areas such as health policy, health care systems, and organizational management. These experiences allow you to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in health care administration.
Students in the MHSA degree program at KU enjoy a vibrant and supportive community. Students in the MHSA degree program at KU enjoy a vibrant and supportive community on the KUMC campus. KU’s strong health care alumni network offers students a chance to connect with industry professionals and expand their career opportunities.
Master’s in Health Services Administration Sample Courses
Below are some of the key courses offered in the Master of Health Services Administration program:
- The Health Care System
- Research for Health Care Leaders
- Health Care Economics
- Financial Concepts in Healthcare Management
- Health Care Management
- Governance and Health Law
- Health Policy
- Organizational Behavior in Healthcare
For a full list of courses and to explore the full curriculum, visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Health Services Administration Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The MHSA program admits students for the fall semester only. For current application deadlines, visit the Department of Population Health.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
The MHSA is a 56 credit-hour program. Full-time students typically complete the degree in two years; part-time students generally complete it in four to five years.