Organizational Leadership Careers in Healthcare and Business
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Business
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Healthcare
Online MBA – Health Administration & Leadership
Advance your education and gain the knowledge and skills needed for an administrative or leadership role within the healthcare industry.
Apply Now8 Weeks
8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
12 Months
Finish this track in as few as 12 months at the Accelerated program pace
36 Credits
Complete 36 credits to earn your MBA – Health Administration & Leadership degree
MBA – Health Administration & Leadership Highlights
Business administration coursework with specialized classes on healthcare management
100% online flexible learning designed for working professionals
Access to LinkedIn Learning so you can explore relevant topics and earn certificates
Student support services, including no-cost tutoring, advisors, career services, and more
Why Choose the MBA – Health Administration & Leadership Track?
Our MBA – Health Administration & Leadership track is designed to prepare future administrators to facilitate a high standard of care for patients, as well as a positive and efficient work environment for healthcare workers.
Our students learn both business acumen and leadership skills that can be applied across the entire healthcare ecosystem, from hospitals to clinics to insurance companies to nonprofits. Gain the expertise needed to tackle complex organizational challenges and employ forward-thinking strategies with confidence.
Overview: MBA – Health Administration & Leadership Track
Program Details
Accelerated Pace
Distance Education/Online
36 Credits
12 Months
3 Trimesters
Working Professional Pace
Distance Education/Online
36 Credits
24 Months
6 Trimesters
Curriculum
To achieve the graduation requirement of 36 credits, all students must complete 36 credits of core and track courses. Core courses provide students with the specific discipline experience required for the degree. All students will complete at least 27 core course credits as detailed below. The remaining 9 credits are based on the program track the student is enrolled in. The currently available programs are:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MBA – Health Administration & Leadership Track
- MBA – Public Health Track
- MBA – Project Management Track
| Core courses to be completed if no track chosen (9 credits) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Core courses to be completed if no track chosen (9 credits) | ||
| BUS 520 | Principles of Economics | 3 |
| BUS 530 | Business Statistics and Analytics | 3 |
| BUS 540 | Business Information Support Systems | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Track Courses:
Health Administration & Leadership Track
| Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits) | ||
| HA 540 | Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations | 3 |
| HA 545 | Hospital Administration and Management | 3 |
| HA 550 | Leadership Models for Health Care Managers | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Public Health Track
| Track courses to be completed in the Public Health Track (9 credits) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Track courses to be completed in the Public Health Track (9 credits) | ||
| PH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| PH 536 | Environmental and Occupational Health | 3 |
| PH 546 | Leadership Principles and Policies in Public Health | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Project Management Track
| Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Track courses to be completed in the Health Administration & Leadership Track (9 credits) | ||
| BUS 540 | Business Information Support Systems | 3 |
| HA 555 | Project Management | 3 |
| HA 557 | Project Management II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Core Courses:
| Core Courses to be completed by all students (27 credits) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses to be completed by all students (27 credits) | ||
| BUS 500 | Business and Administrative Communications | 3 |
| BUS 505 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| BUS 510 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| BUS 515 | Finance Application and Theory | 3 |
| BUS 525 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BUS 535 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 |
| BUS 545 | Fundamentals of Operations Management | 3 |
| BUS 550 | Marketing Analysis and Trends | 3 |
| BUS 555 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 27 | |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the MBA – Health Administration & Leadership Track Cost?
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MBA – Health Administration & Leadership online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MBA – Health Administration & Leadership track costs at West Coast University.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Master of Business Administration - Health Administration and Leadership Track
| 8 Month Academic Year | ||
| with parents | off campus | |
| Food & Housing | $2,384 | $7,936 |
| Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 |
| Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 |
| Total | $9,424 | $14,976 |
Prior to Spring I 2024
Accelerated*
| Degree Type | Master of Science | |
| Total Program Credits | 36 | |
| Program Length (full time) | 3 trimesters | |
| Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
| Core Courses (per credit x 36 credits) | $775 | $659 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $27,900 | $23,724 |
| STRF2 | $72.50 | $62.50 |
| Technology Fee3 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $29,450 | $25,274 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | 29,522.50 | $25,336.50 |
Working Professional*
| Degree Type | Master of Science | |
| Total Program Credits | 36 | |
| Program Length (full time) | 6 trimesters | |
| Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
| Core Courses (per credit x 36 credits) | $775 | $659 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $27,900 | $23,724 |
| STRF2 | $77.50 | $67.50 |
| Technology Fee3 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $30,950 | $26,774 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $31,027.50 | $26,841.50 |
Effective Spring I 2024
Accelerated*
| Degree Type | Master of Science |
| Total Program Credits | 36 |
| Program Length(full time) | 3 trimesters |
| Core Courses(per credit x 36 credits) | $775 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $27,900 |
| STRF2 | $72.50 |
| Technology Fee3 | $1,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $29,450 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | 29,522.50 |
Working Professional*
| Degree Type | Master of Science |
| Total Program Credits | 36 |
| Program Length(full time) | 6 trimesters |
| Core Courses(per credit x 36 credits) | $775 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $27,900 |
| STRF2 | $77.50 |
| Technology Fee3 | $3,000 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $30,950 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $31,027.50 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.
1 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees. The military rate will no longer be offered after Fall II 2023.
2 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
- You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
- You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
4 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Master of Business Administration Program must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Complete an online application for admissions.
- Participate in an interview with a University Admissions Advisor.
- Complete an enrollment agreement, consisting of program policies, costs, completion requirements, and other student obligations.
- Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher.
- Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.00-2.69 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
- The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
- The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with the Program Director/Dean.
- The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.
- A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program. Students failing to meet this requirement by the end of the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.
- Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the requirements for full admission to their program.
- Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.00-2.69 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
- Provide official undergraduate transcripts of a baccalaureate degree prior to the end of the add/drop period of the first term.
- Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts will be required to have their coursework evaluated by a transcript evaluation service to determine the equivalency to a U.S. degree/course. If the transcript evaluation is unclear as to the equivalency to a U.S. degree/course, the Program Dean will evaluate transcripts to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been completed for admission.
- Applicants submitting advanced degrees will be reviewed by the Program Dean to determine if a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate coursework has been completed for admission.
- Master of Business Administration Transfer Credit Evaluation: Only graduate level courses in which a grade of B- or better was received, taken in a program similar to the Master of Business Administration will be evaluated for transfer credit. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours will be considered for transfer, and must reflect the same content and course credit as the course for which transfer credit is requested.
For more information on admission requirements, including information about transferring from another institution, please visit our catalog.
Academic Calendar
New academic terms usually start every eight weeks. Review our Academic Calendar for term start and completion dates.
Career Services
Aiding You in Your Professional Journey
The WCU Career Services team is here to support you as you prepare for and embark on your professional journey. We offer a wide range of services, including professional development workshops, connections with industry recruiters, help finding job leads, mock interviews, and more.1
As a WCU graduate, you will be able to access these services indefinitely. We’re here to support you through graduation and beyond!
Placement Opportunities
With competencies in both management and healthcare, our MBA – Health Administration & Leadership graduates are positioned to take on a variety of roles in leadership within the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers work in a range of settings, including:
- Hospitals (state, local, and private)
- Offices of physicians
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government facilities
- Outpatient care centers2
The WCU Career Services team can help you find and apply for positions that are well-suited for your education and skill set.
LinkedIn Learning
Your Complimentary Access to LinkedIn Learning
To help equip you with the right professional knowledge, we provide all MBA students with complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning. You will be able to choose topics to learn about from a vast library of educational content and complete one learning module for every core MBA course you take.
Once you have finished a module, you will receive a certificate of completion to add to your LinkedIn Profile, which can help you stand out when you’re searching for a job. Your LinkedIn Learning training will complement what you are learning in your online healthcare MBA program and help you diversify your skill set.
Featured Faculty
Justin Ako, DC, BSBA, CHEP
Dean, Health Administration (MHA/BSHA, MBA/BSBA Programs)
Dr. Justin Ako is the Dean of Health Administration at West Coast University. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i and received his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a double major in marketing and strategic management. Dr. Ako then went on to receive his doctorate from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and most recently completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education program at Harvard University.
Dr. Ako has been in private practice for more than 25 years and has been a dean of multiple programs at higher education institutions. He has served as Dean of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Bachelor of Health Services Administration (BHSA) programs at West Coast University for the past 10 years. He also serves as the interim dean for WCU’s MBA and BSBA programs.
Dr. Ako has sat on community boards such as the board for Northridge Hospital/Dignity Health, and he works collaboratively with NGOs such as the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent while serving his local community.
WCU’s Online Business Programs Feature LinkedIn Learning
FAQs
How does the MBA – Health Administration and Leadership track prepare me for today’s healthcare administrator landscape?
As an MBA student, you can expect in-depth learning in the intersection of business and healthcare. The specialized track curriculum addresses topics such as strategic planning in healthcare organizations, hospital administration and management, and leadership models in healthcare. The purpose of this track is to help prepare you for progressive leadership and managerial employment opportunities within the healthcare sector so you can make a positive impact on patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
How long does it take to complete the MBA – Health Administration & Leadership track?
You can earn your degree in a little as 12 months at the Accelerated pace. Or, if you prefer to take fewer courses per term, you can choose the Working Professional pace and earn your degree in 24 months
Can I transfer past coursework into the program?
WCU can evaluate your previous coursework to see if it is eligible for credit. You may be able to transfer credit for courses that you completed at another academic institution, as long as the course meets the standards of the academic program for which it is being considered. You are required to have a grade of B- (80%) or better for a graduate course, and this must be shown on your official transcripts. Each program maintains its own transfer credit requirements.
You may also be eligible to earn credit for previous work experience or for professional certifications, trainings, or licenses. To assess your situation, it’s best to consult with your admissions advisor.
What’s the difference between WCU’s MBA – Health Administration & Leadership degree and its Master of Health Administration degree?
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program has a curriculum that is fully dedicated to education about administration within the healthcare sector. In contrast, in the Health Administration & Leadership track of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the student gets a more general business administration education (covering best business and management practices across all industries) and takes a certain number of courses focused on health administration.
The MBA – Health Administration & Leadership track may be ideal for students who are interested in working in the healthcare field but who want a more comprehensive business education background, as well as those who want to broaden their options for future work environments.
Can I get financial aid?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for any student who qualifies. We have a variety of grants and scholarships available to WCU online students, including the Alumni Pathway Grant (as much as 20% of tuition covered), the WCU Performance Scholarship (as much as 15% of tuition covered), and the WCU Health Services Grant (as much as 10% covered). You can explore more financial aid options on our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
West Coast University is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402 Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748- 9001/ https://www.wscuc.org/
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1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, “Work Environment,” Updated Oct. 25, 2022
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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