Strayer University Online MS in Health Services Administration

The School of Graduate Business at Strayer University offers a 100 percent online master of science in health services administration (MSHSA) program with two concentrations: public health management and clinical care management. The MSHSA prepares students for successful careers in the business side of healthcare.

The clinical care management concentration focuses on clinical operations management in clinical care organizations. Desired outcomes include the proper understanding and use of information systems, the development of strategic planning skills, the application of legal and ethical thinking skills to clinical care management, and the development of communication and leadership skills including conflict resolution and change management.

The public health management concentration focuses on the administration and management of public health organizations and their unique challenges. These may include business, political, socio-economic aspects specific to the public health sector. Skill-building centers on legal and ethical thinking and decision-making skills, strategies for addressing epidemics and pandemics, epidemiology theory and application, knowledge and application of public health policies and practices, and overall health care management and communication skills.

As part of the health services administration program students complete a capstone project in a clinical or public health setting to demonstrate learned skills and expand administrative skills such as decision-making, strategic management, and other business skills. Graduates may be eligible to pursue professional healthcare certification, however, students should verify that the program meets their state’s educational requirements before beginning the program.

Strayer University delivers courses asynchronously for maximum flexibility, however, the week’s work is due by Sunday at midnight. The University seeks to create a vibrant student community through an engaging online experience, live discussions and discussion boards, 1:1 mentoring, student networks, and faculty support. Students have access to a variety of services to ensure success in an online program including targeted support, online tutoring, and technical support.

MSHSA students may complete the program in as little as one year taking three courses per quarter. Other paths may take 18 to 36 months. In addition, applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field may need to take additional prerequisite courses before beginning the program. Graduates of the MSHSA programs may go on to careers in various health care organizations specifically related to either the clinical care or public health management concentration.

Strayer University is accredited through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and offers several online and campus-based master’s programs. The MSHSA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The main campus is located in Washington, D.C. and there are over 75 campuses throughout the United States.

What to Expect from the Strayer University Online MS in Health Services Administration

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MS in health services administration program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.50 out of 4.0. Applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field may need to take additional prerequisite courses. No GMAT or GRE or work experience is required. The application process includes submission of an application, enrollment agreement, official transcripts, and proof of a valid government-issued I.D. International students may have additional requirements, and those whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency.

Study Plan: The Strayer University online MSHSA consists of 12 courses, which last 11 weeks each. Students may begin their program each quarter in the fall, winter, spring, or summer. Full-time students who complete three courses per quarter can complete the program in just one year. Taking two courses at a time will take six quarters or about 1.5 years. Part-time students who complete one course per quarter can complete the program in three years.

To culminate the program, students complete a capstone project to demonstrate learned skills and expand administrative skills for future HSA roles. The capstone is completed in a public or clinical setting. No campus visits are required.

Curriculum: The Strayer University MSHSA consists of 54 quarter credits. Core courses include health economics; management in healthcare; healthcare policy, law, and ethics; health services strategic marketing; health information systems; health financial management; health services human resource management; health services administration capstone; and quantitative methods for health services.

Clinical Care Management Concentration: Courses include healthcare operations management; physician’s practice management; and long-term care management.

Public Health Management Concentration: Courses include managerial epidemiology; environmental health management; and public health management.

Online Experience: Strayer University delivers courses through Blackboard. Courses are asynchronous for maximum flexibility, however, the week’s work is due by Sunday at midnight. Some courses have electronic textbooks and materials while others may require physical textbooks. Courses may include online discussion boards and group projects.

Strayer University seeks to create a vibrant student community through an engaging online experience, live discussions and discussion boards, 1:1 mentoring, student networks, and faculty support. Students have access to an admissions officer, financial aid help, a student services coach, online tutoring, in-person tutoring when available, faculty hours, a career center, an online library, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: The Strayer University online MSHSA programs are 100 percent online. Students are always welcome to visit any of over 75 Strayer campuses. (Note that campuses are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Note that not all online programs through Strayer University have been approved in Kentucky. In addition, although the programs are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Strayer University is not allowing new enrollments from MA at this time, with few exceptions. Finally, there are certain restrictions as to which form of the program students must apply to given their enrollment status through a Maryland ground-based campus or through online global. Students should inquire with the admissions department of the Strayer College of Business for enrollment eligibility information.

Paying for the Strayer University Online MS in Health Services Administration

Online MSHSA students pay $1680 per course for a total tuition of $20,160 plus fees. Applicants should contact the Strayer University College of Business for current tuition and cost information.

Strayer’s online MSHSA students have access to graduate student loans in accordance with the FAFSA. Students can find out more from the Strayer University Admissions Office. Additionally, students may inquire with their employer regarding a tuition reimbursement program, as well as seek funding from outside resources.

Strayer University MS in Health Services Administration - Public Health Management

  • Courses last 11 weeks each and follow a quarter system with four start dates per year
  • Study the nuances of managing public health care organizations
  • No GRE or GMAT needed to apply
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 4 Quarters - Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GRE Required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit $373.33
Estimated Program Tuition * $20,142.00

Strayer University MS in Health Services Administration - Clinical Care Management

  • Focus specifically on clinical care organizations with courses covering long-term healthcare, healthcare operations, and physician's practice
  • Ranks near the top of our MHAOnline "most affordable online MHA" list
  • Courses are 100% online and asynchronous allowing for maximum flexibility
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 4 Quarters - Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GRE Required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit $373.33
Estimated Program Tuition * $20,142.00

* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the currently published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out of state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees.

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.