Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Health Care Management
What You Can Do With a Master’s in Healthcare Management Degree
Healthcare management is a dynamic and evolving field that brings together key responsibilities in patient care, family involvement and staff management. You can enhance your foundational knowledge and sharpen your skills in this area with a Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Health Care Management degree. At GCU, this master’s (MPA) in healthcare management degree emphasis program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The topics candidates will examine are immediately applicable to the workplace. Candidates will explore a range of business and operational models suited to modern healthcare organizations. They will learn how to analyze and responsibly address ethical dilemmas that affect patients and staff members.
Earn an Online MPA in Healthcare Management to Fit Your Schedule
At GCU, online degree programs are structured to maximize work-life balance, while providing a relevant and in-depth learning experience. You can fit the master’s in healthcare management program around your schedule by focusing on one course at a time. Evening courses are also available for working professionals at GCU’s campus. The MPA in healthcare management requires a total of 38 credits for completion. Most online classes are eight weeks long.
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Throughout this program, you will refine your outlook on what it takes to become an effective and ethical administrator in public sector healthcare environments. You will examine contemporary healthcare models through lenses of economy, quality, access and disparity.
This MPA in healthcare management program emphasizes the identification, analysis and resolution of ethical dilemmas. It also explores the principles of legal compliance, workplace safety and quality patient care. Candidates develop their ability to balance the financial and operational requirements of healthcare facilities with the responsibility to provide high-quality services to the public.
Why You Should Pursue a Master’s in Healthcare Management
Candidates begin the Master of Public Administration in Health Care Management program by strengthening the general skills necessary to succeed as a liberal arts graduate student. You will then work through a progression of courses designed to build foundational knowledge and core competencies. Some of the courses included with this degree program include:
- Public and Nonprofit Administration
- Health Care Policies and Economics
- Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation in Health Care
- Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
- Influence, Power and Politics in Public Administration
Throughout this program you will take a close look at the development, implementation and assessment of public healthcare programs. You’ll also explore the factors that influence market performance and outcome. Gain a deeper understanding of the public sector’s revenue and expenditure structure, including budget structure, expenditure policy and revenue policy. Study modern concepts in talent management, workforce diversity, employee development and performance matrices.
Advance Your Healthcare Management Career With an MPA Degree Emphasis
An MPA degree can prepare you for a leadership career in the nonprofit, government or private sectors. Earning your MPA in healthcare management at GCU can demonstrate your commitment to ethical practices and effective leadership. Some of the careers that may be related to this degree include:
- Director of public health programs
- Social and community service manager
- Healthcare executive
- Regional medical director
- Regulatory affairs manager/legislator
Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
MPA in Healthcare Management Degree FAQs
A degree in healthcare management is worth it if you want to pursue an influential career that allows you the opportunity to make positive strides in the healthcare industry. A master’s in healthcare management will prepare you in the areas of leadership, finance and public policy so you can seek positions that are both challenging and rewarding.
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) in healthcare management provides a broad understanding of management, leadership, finance and public policy, specifically as they relate to the healthcare field. A Master of Health Administration (MHA) offers specialized classes taught by healthcare-expert faculty that allow students to dive right into the unique culture and challenges of the healthcare industry. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) places are larger emphasis on business-related courses, including accounting, economics, finance, human resources and marketing.
In order to apply for the MPA in healthcare management degree at GCU, you must have an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited, approved institution and meet the minimum GPA requirement. GMAT and/or GRE test scores may be requested as supplemental evidence of your eligibility. For more information about our admissions requirements, please speak with your admissions counselor.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course focuses on how government and public organizations serve their stakeholders, the manner in which their services are carried out, how resources are managed, and how regulatory powers are complied with and/or managed. The best practices in public governance, issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability are examined.
Course Description
This course examines the day-to-day duties of public administrators. Relationship building, political awareness, and collaborative strategies are highlighted throughout the course. How to best employ skills for the effective running of an organization is incorporated.
Course Description
The effective strategic management of human capital is the differentiator of every successful organization. This course examines talent management, workforce diversity, succession planning, employee development and motivation, and performance matrix. This course addresses human resource competencies identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Using the strong strategic human resource acumen provided by this course, students will be well-prepared for positions as senior human resources specialists or as general managers.
Course Description
This course examines power and political structures employed within public administration. The ethical use of power and how to effectively influence others in public administration is practiced.
Course Description
This course examines leadership practices and qualities necessary to lead an organization. A focus is given to the science of organizational behavior and how it contributes to effective leaders and managers.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the revenue and expenditure structure of the public sector, including revenue policy, expenditure policy, and budget structure and administration.
Course Description
This course focuses on the recognition, analysis, and resolution of ethical dilemmas in health occupations. Students examine legal liabilities involved in health care administration, including workplace safety and a health care facility’s obligation to provide protection from injury for patients, their families, and staff.
Course Description
This course focuses on health care economics and policy. The core principles of health economics are studied, and students begin to explore practical financial-analysis skills that have immediate application within the health care industry. Students also study managerial decision-making processes based on cost, service, and other economic variables as well as how those decisions influence outcomes. Students will investigate health care policy and reform to understand the impact it makes on everyday practices of health care organizations.
Course Description
This course exposes students to the role strategic planning and program evaluation play in developing, implementing, and assessing public health care programs. The use of a strategic planning and program evaluation framework for program proposals is covered.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.