University of San Diego

What you'll study

The programme combines core management subjects with healthcare‑specific modules to give you the knowledge required to run hospitals, clinics and other care organisations. Study is mix of classroom learning, case studies and a supervised practicum or capstone project focused on a real organisational challenge.

• Core management and leadership: organisational behaviour, strategic planning, human resources and leadership development for healthcare settings.
• Healthcare finance and operations: budgeting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, supply chain and operations management.
• Healthcare law, ethics and policy: regulatory compliance, privacy and security (including HIPAA‑related topics), bioethics and public policy impacts on service delivery.
• Quality improvement and patient safety: clinical quality measurement, process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma principles adapted for health care), and risk management.
• Health information and technology: fundamentals of health informatics, electronic health records, data analytics for decision making and population health management.
• Practicum / capstone project: an applied experience, internship or project with a local health provider or system that integrates learning across disciplines and demonstrates readiness for administrative roles.

Typical delivery mixes seminars, project work and collaborative group assignments; electives allow specialisation in areas such as ambulatory care management, long‑term care administration or health IT implementation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Relevant professional experience in healthcare, public health or a related sector is valued and may strengthen an application.

• Academic transcripts: official transcripts from undergraduate study.
• Professional experience: one or more years of healthcare or administrative experience is often recommended; senior applicants with substantial experience may be considered.
• Supporting documents: curriculum vitae, personal statement outlining career goals and fit with the programme, and professional references.
• Other requirements: some applicants may be asked to attend an interview; English language proficiency evidence is required for non‑native speakers.

Standardised test requirements vary by applicant profile; applicants should consult the programme office for current guidance on tests such as the GRE or GMAT and any waivers.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of administrative and managerial roles across the healthcare sector. Career paths commonly include:

• Hospital or health system administrator
• Clinical department manager or practice manager
• Health services manager for community health organisations or outpatient centres
• Revenue cycle or finance manager
• Quality improvement and patient safety coordinator
• Compliance officer and risk manager
• Health information manager or project lead for IT implementations
• Consultant in healthcare operations, strategy or policy

Alumni typically work in hospitals, physician practices, long‑term care facilities, managed care organisations, public health agencies and health‑focused non‑profits. The programme emphasises transferable leadership, analytical and project management skills valued across these settings.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers this programme within a campus community known for small cohort sizes, personalised faculty mentorship and an emphasis on ethical leadership consistent with its Jesuit traditions. Located in a region with a large and diverse healthcare ecosystem, students benefit from proximity to hospitals, clinics, biotech firms and public health agencies for practicum placements and networking.

• Clinical and organisational partnerships: strong links with local health systems and community providers facilitate applied learning opportunities.
• Interprofessional collaboration: opportunities to work with students and faculty from related disciplines such as nursing, public health and business.
• Experienced faculty: instructors with practitioner backgrounds in healthcare management, law, finance and informatics.
• Career support: on‑campus career services, alumni networks and employer connections in the San Diego health sector to support internships and job searches.

Overall, the programme is designed to prepare pragmatic, ethically minded administrators ready to lead teams and improve the delivery of care in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.