Health Administration, M.S.

Saint Louis University's online health administration, M.S. degree provides a convenient route to a graduate degree for working professionals looking to advance their careers in health care management. This unique degree allows people to transition into the health care field from other industries at all stages of their careers.

Health care is a rapidly growing industry needing highly competent managers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. SLU's M.S. program in health administration is ideal for students who want the flexibility to complete their degree quickly and completely online but may also benefit from gaining additional health care experience or professional development support. Students who complete this degree are prepared to assume management roles in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, nursing and residential facilities, home health care delivery organizations, pharmaceutical companies, managed care organizations, government agencies and related entities.

Program Highlights

Key features of SLU's 41-credit hour health administration, M.S. program include: 

• All courses are offered completely online in a flexible, asynchronous format, which allows students to study at their own pace and work around busy schedules
• Instructor-designed opportunities for real-time interactions in each course
• Ability to pursue certificate programs in performance excellence, health data analytics, public health and other high-demand areas 
• Flexible start dates in spring, summer or fall semesters
• Short time to degree completion: Students can earn the Health Administration, M.S. degree in about 16 months.

Curriculum Overview

The Department of Health Management and Policy in the College for Public Health and Social Justice offers SLU's M.S. in health administration. In addition to the university-level accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, the college is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

A total of 41 credit hours (12 core and two elective courses) are required to earn this online degree. Students may enroll in an additional 1- to 2-credit hour optional field experience or pursue a certificate program offered through the college, in addition to completing the required hours. The program provides a flexible format that enables students to complete degree requirements entirely online, in a semi-structured, asynchronous format.

Within this structure, students enroll in one course at a time, offered in an accelerated format over four weeks, with a one-week transition between courses. Students work through the weekly modules at their own pace, which is convenient for those who are busy with family and work obligations. In addition to the required coursework, students will also have the option to attend professional development sessions, interact with their instructors and classmates via video conference software, and participate in a field experience with health care or public health organizations near where they live or work.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

A formal internship or fellowship experience is not required for the Health Administration, M.S. degree. However, students may enroll in an optional field experience for 1 to 2 credit hours (depending on the hours spent in the field experience). For students without previous experience working in the health system, the internship or fellowship will enable them to gain the practical field experience needed to launch their careers in health care management successfully.

Students who choose the field experience may do so in various settings and will usually complete this at the end of their M.S. coursework. Students will work with the HMP professional development coordinator and their faculty advisor to identify an appropriate location for the field experience.

Careers

Graduates of SLU's M.S. in health administration program will be prepared for management positions in:

• Hospitals and health systems
• Physician’s offices and clinics
• Community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)
• Community-based organizations
• Managed care and other health insurance payer organizations
• Nursing and residential care facilities
• Home health care agencies
• Public health departments
• Government agencies

Admissions Requirements

• Completed application (SOPHAS or HAMPCAS)
• Undergraduate degree (applicants with 3.0 GPA or better see more success)
• Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
• Professional goal statement (about 500 words)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation (can be waived for professionals with 5+ years of experience)
• The GRE is not required

Requirements for International students

Along with the general admission requirements above, the following must be provided by prospective international students:

• Demonstration of English Language Proficiency Some examples of demonstrated English language proficiency include minimum score requirements for the following standardized tests:
  • Paper-based TOEFL: 550
  • Internet-based TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE: 54
  • Duolingo: 110
• Academic records, in English translation, for post-secondary studies outside the United States. These must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The College for Public Health and Social Justice offers several ways to help finance graduate education.  Opportunities include a limited number of merit-based scholarships and graduate research assistantships.  Awards are made to applicants with the highest combinations of GPAs and test scores who complete their applications by the priority deadlines.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Learning outcomes for the M.S. in health administration degree are supported by the principles of competency-based education (CBE). Courses and the corresponding learning objectives are organized to address competencies necessary for success in health care management across the broad health sector.

These learning objectives, organized by five general domains, are outlined below:

1. Leadership: Lead people and teams to prioritize goals and policies that balance the mission, vision, and values of the organization with the needs and values of the communities it serves.

2. Critical thinking and analysis: Apply appropriate models and methods to analyze data, environments, and issues from a systems perspective.

3. Management: Demonstrate the ability to organize resources and manage accountability in health care and public health environments.

4. Culture and community engagement: Apply systems-thinking and community-engaged approaches in partnering with organizations and communities to improve population health outcomes.

5. Communication: Create, organize, and convey ideas and information tailored to the needs of the target audience.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply Via SOPHAS

Apply Via HAMPCAS

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of graduate recruitment and admissions 
314-977-8144 
bernard.backer@slu.edu