Master of Arts in Health Care Administration

This course provides a foundation in the principles of management, leadership, organizational theory, and organizational behavior as applied to the unique context of the complex healthcare setting. Key concepts include conflict management, effective communication, ethical dilemma, decision-making, diversity, health equity, innovation, organizational learning, team, and transformational change. This course focuses on management practices in healthcare organizations by using case scenarios to illustrate the issues faced in day-to-day management.

This course focuses upon the legal and ethical issues arising in the health care environment. Case study analysis is used to illustrate the ethical and legal implications commonly addressed in health care. 

This course focuses on forces that impact health care policymaking, emphasizing policy implications through the analyses and evaluation of organizational decision making and strategic planning. The health care leader's role in the evaluation, development, reform, and implementation of health policies based on current evidence-based and regulatory practices is evaluated. Health care human resources, program recruitment, compensation, performance evaluation, and labor relations policies are analyzed. The application of policy compliance with accreditation, regulatory and legal requirements, professional standards, economical and ethical considerations, and clinical staff and board communication is also assessed.

This course provides a study on managing people in the health care workplace, focusing on the important policies and processes associated with recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating personnel in order to achieve strategic organizational goals. Prerequisite: MHA 622.

This course provides an overview of information management, health care information systems, and the strategic applications of information systems in health care organizations. The course will cover the following major areas: the evolution and role of health care information systems in the United States, health care information technology management and strategic planning, the system development life cycle, information technology value and investment, data governance, challenges in managing health care information systems, and regulatory compliance and standards. Topics such as the use of analytics and emerging technologies to support informed decision making and maximize diverse patients’ experiences will be also explored.

This course is a combination of practical applications and examples of business intelligence technology to transform and analyze data for decision-making and examine health care outcomes for patients. Students will analyze how strategic planning is essential for sustainability and how business intelligence tools assist leaders in making decisions that will positively impact their bottom line. Additionally, through the use of case study examples, students will learn how health care organizations use health care data and technological tools to create business intelligence plans.

This course provides the foundation for integrating health care finance and managerial accounting. Opportunities for analyzing current and emerging health care financing trends are provided. Practical cost-benefit strategies used in planning, controlling and preparing internal and external reports are emphasized. 

This course focuses upon the analysis of health care operations and planning decisions derived from the theoretical concepts of demand, cost production, profit and competition. External and internal forces challenging health care services are analyzed. Organizational effectiveness and efficiency within the complex health care environment are emphasized. 

This course examines a systemic approach to health care outcomes and risk management practices. Assurance of quality health services and organizational risk control is discussed using industry benchmark and accreditation standards and processes. 

This course provides a concrete foundation of managed care in the commercial market and government programs. Key topics include legal and administrative structures of managed care organizations, provider network management, provider payment arrangements, utilization management, disease management, quality, cost-containment, and accountability. Factors such as stakeholder dynamics, market forces, contractual adjustments, legal and ethical implications, and government policies are explored.

This course focuses on the strategic planning and marketing process in healthcare organizations and how resource allocations are applied to accomplish the goals of a business plan. In addition, the development of a comprehensive marketing plan and how the marketing plan supports both the strategic plan and business plan within the healthcare delivery system. Lastly, this course examines how contemporary trends regarding demographics, culture, political and regulatory issues affect both the strategic and marketing plan.

This course offers an opportunity for the integration of knowledge and skills developed within the program. The focus is on strategic and organizational issues unique to the health care environment. Students will complete a comprehensive, practical Capstone project for a health care-related organization.