Mount St. Mary's University

What you'll study

Core study areas focus on the systems and skills required to run healthcare organizations.

• Healthcare organization and leadership: governance, strategic planning, change management and team leadership in clinical environments.
• Health finance and reimbursement: budgeting, financial analysis, revenue cycle principles and payer systems.
• Operations and quality improvement: process improvement methods, patient safety, performance measurement and data-informed decision-making.
• Health policy and regulation: regulatory framework, compliance, population health considerations and the policy context shaping service delivery.
• Research methods and applied projects: quantitative and qualitative methods with an applied capstone or practicum addressing a real organizational problem.

Entry requirements

Typical admissions expectations include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and evidence of professional potential. Programmes commonly consider prior work experience in healthcare or related fields, letters of recommendation, a personal statement that outlines career goals, and transcripts. Some applicants may be asked for standardized test scores or an interview depending on the programme’s admissions policies.

Career prospects

Graduates move into supervisory and mid-level management positions across hospitals, physician practices, long-term care, managed care organizations and health-focused non-profits. Common roles include operations manager, clinical manager, practice administrator, quality improvement coordinator and health services analyst. The programme equips graduates to pursue progressive leadership responsibilities and to work on cross-functional initiatives such as cost management, service redesign and regulatory compliance.

Scholarships & funding angle

Funding options typically include merit-based scholarships, need-based awards, employer tuition assistance and external fellowships. Prospective students should contact the university’s financial aid office to explore graduate-specific scholarships, assistantships, and opportunities for employer sponsorship; planning ahead increases the chance of securing partial support for graduate study.