Lamar University Online Healthcare MBA & MSN-MBA Dual Degree

The Lamar University (LU) College of Business offers a 100 percent online MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration that can be completed in 12 months. Additionally, in collaboration with the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, LU offers an MSN-MBA dual degree with a concentration in nursing administration that includes two local administrative practicums, and can be completed in 36 months.

LU delivers business courses asynchronously, while MSN courses may be a mix of asynchronous and synchronous course delivery. No campus visits are required. Online learning may include discussion boards, recorded lectures, videos, online chat rooms, case studies, and simulations. In addition, in-state tuition is very affordable.

Core courses for the online healthcare MBA focus on managerial economics, accounting, and decision-making, marketing and strategic management, international business, and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Students also choose three healthcare administration electives that cover healthcare-specific business topics such as healthcare economics, strategy, policy and finance, information systems, and entrepreneurship.

Courses for the dual MSN-MBA combine 24 credits from the MBA program with 37 MSN in nursing administration credits reducing the overall course load to 61 credits. MSN courses cover topics such as research, health policy, business principles for nurse leaders, microeconomics, planning and organization in healthcare delivery, health information systems, and healthcare delivery administration. Two administration practicums are included, plus an evidence-based project. Business courses cover the fundamental and financial and managerial concepts in business administration and management.

Graduates of the Lamar healthcare MBA and MSN-MBA dual degree programs may go on to leadership and administrative positions in hospitals, healthcare clinics, public health organizations, managed care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, research and medical device companies, and other healthcare settings.

Lamar University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers several online and campus-based master’s programs. The online MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the MSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas.

What to Expect from the Lamar University Online Healthcare MBA & MSN-MBA

Admission Requirements: Prospective online MBA in healthcare administration students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0. Applicants without a business bachelor’s degree may need to take two leveling courses. The GMAT is waived for applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Applicants to the dual MSN-MBA program must have earned a BSN degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 undergraduate credits. College statistics is also a prerequisite with a grade of “C” or higher, and applicants must have a current RN license.

Application materials include an online application and application fee, and official transcripts. Those whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency and are required to take an additional leveling course.

Study Plan: The Lamar University online healthcare MBA program can be completed in just 12 months, and the online MSN-MBA program can be completed in 36 months. Start dates for these programs land twice each in the fall and spring and once in the summer. The MSN-MBA degree includes two administrative practicums that are completed with an approved preceptor or faculty member.

Healthcare MBA Curriculum: The Lamar University healthcare MBA comprises 30 credits and includes leveling courses, core courses, and concentration courses. Those without an undergraduate business degree may need to take the following leveling courses: financial accounting and foundations of finance. Students who need to submit proof of English language proficiency must also take business communication.

Core MBA courses include managerial accounting; managerial economics; managerial decision-making; financial management; international business; strategic management; and marketing management. Students in all concentrations also choose either managerial decision-making or enterprise resource planning (ERP) overview.

Healthcare administration electives include three of the following: healthcare entrepreneurship; healthcare economics; healthcare information systems; healthcare strategies; and healthcare policy and finance. Students may also choose one of the following in place of one of the electives listed above: team leadership; employment law; directing and controlling healthcare delivery; personal leadership; human resources management; and planning and organizing healthcare delivery.

Dual MSN-MBA in Nursing Administration Curriculum: The dual MSN-MBA program comprises 61 credits and includes two administrative practicums. MSN courses include business principles for nurse leaders; microeconomics principles; role development for nurse administrators; planning and organizing healthcare delivery; directing and controlling healthcare delivery; health information systems; administrative practicum I-II; theoretical foundations; nursing research; advanced nursing issues and health policy; and evidence-based project I-II.

MBA courses include managerial accounting; financial management; managerial decision-making; marketing management; strategic management; business intelligence; human resource management; and employment law.

Online Experience: Lamar University uses LULearn, the Blackboard learning management system (LMS) branded for Lamar University, to deliver online course content. MBA courses are asynchronous, while MSN courses for the MSN-MBA degree may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously. Interaction can occur through online chat rooms, discussion boards, simulations, and faculty office hours. Courses are well-defined and outline weekly increments so that students can keep pace with the program requirements.

LU offers support services for online students, including live chat with librarians, and access to the campus writing center, Blackboard help, technical support, the digital library, and online health tools. Academic advising, financial aid services, career center services, and Smarthinking online tutoring are also available.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the Lamar University online healthcare MBA and MSN-MBA programs are 100 percent online. The MSN does include two administrative practicums that may be completed with an approved preceptor or faculty member.

Paying for the Lamar University Online MBA & Dual MSN-MBA

The Lamar University online MBA and MSN-MBA program tuition numbers for residents of Texas are listed below, and include a distance learning fee, student service fee, and technology service charge, but not additional fees beyond those. Prospective students should contact the LU College of Business or the Dishman School of Nursing admissions departments for cost clarifications and updates.

Financing options for online MBA and MSN-MBA students may include federal unsubsidized graduate student loans secured by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), employer tuition reimbursement programs, private loans, and outside scholarships and grants.

Lamar University MBA - Healthcare Administration

  • Earn your MBA in healthcare administration in just 12 months
  • Study key business and healthcare administration concepts to prepare for high-level administrative positions in heatlhcare organizations
  • Some leveling courses may be required
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 5 - Two Fall and Spring, One Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 30
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 12 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelors degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? GMAT required if GPA < 2.5
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 30
Average Cost Per Credit $779.49
Estimated Program Tuition * $23,370.00

Lamar University MSN-MBA Dual Degree

  • Complete two masters degrees in just 36 months with the MSN-MBA in nursing administration dual degree
  • Learn about business and nursing administration concepts such as healthcare research, policy, and information systems, business principles for nurse leaders, planning and organization in healthcare delivery, managerial accounting, business intelligence, and strategic management
  • Complete two administrative practicums to gain hands-on experience
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 5 - Two Fall and Spring, One Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 61
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 36 months.
100% Online? Yes, plus local administrative practicums
Program Accreditation AACSB, ACEN
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelors degree in nursing plus active RN license
GRE or GMAT Required? GRE required if GPA < 3.0
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 61
Average Cost Per Credit $779.49
Estimated Program Tuition * $47,519.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.