University of Kansas

What you'll study

The programme combines core management disciplines with healthcare‑specific subjects to build competencies in administration, policy, and clinical support services. Typical modules include:

• Healthcare Systems and Policy — organisation of health services, regulatory environment, and policy analysis.
• Healthcare Finance and Accounting — budgeting, reimbursement mechanisms, cost analysis and financial decision‑making for providers.
• Organisational Behaviour and Leadership — leadership theory, team management, change management and human resources in health settings.
• Healthcare Operations and Quality Improvement — process improvement, patient flow, safety, Lean and Six Sigma approaches tailored to clinical environments.
• Health Informatics and Data Analytics — electronic health records, data governance, analytics for performance measurement and decision support.
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care — compliance, risk management, confidentiality, and ethical decision making.
• Population Health and Epidemiology — basic epidemiologic methods, determinants of health and programme planning to support population‑level interventions.
• Practicum/Capstone Project — applied placement or project with a health provider, payer or community organisation to solve a real operational or strategic problem.

Course delivery typically mixes classroom seminars, case studies, group projects and an applied practicum. Students may be able to choose electives or a concentration area depending on availability, such as long‑term care management, ambulatory care administration or health information management.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. Typical admissions criteria include a competitive undergraduate academic record, a current CV or resume, a personal statement outlining career goals and relevant experience, and letters of recommendation. Relevant work or volunteer experience in a healthcare setting is an advantage but not always mandatory. The programme may consider standardised test scores if submitted, though some applicants may be exempt depending on prior qualifications or professional experience. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for managerial and administrative roles across the healthcare sector. Common career paths include:

• Hospital or health system administrator
• Clinical service manager or director of operations
• Practice manager for physician groups or outpatient clinics
• Health services project manager or quality improvement lead
• Healthcare consultant for strategy, finance or operations
• Roles in payer organisations, long‑term care administration, public health agencies and health IT firms

The combination of management training and an applied practicum helps graduates move into supervisory and mid‑level leadership positions; many continue to senior executive roles with additional experience.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers access to a comprehensive academic health centre and close partnerships with regional hospitals, clinics and public health organisations, which support applied learning and practicum placements. Students benefit from interdisciplinary teaching across health professions, experienced faculty with clinical and administrative backgrounds, and links to research initiatives in health services and policy. Career support services, alumni networks and regional employer relationships help with professional placement and networking. The programme emphasises practical skills and local engagement while providing a foundation for leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings.