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Online MHA – Informatics
In our Master of Health Administration – Informatics track, you’ll learn how to be a leader in health information technology and data management.
Apply Now100% Online
Complete all your classes online with our flexible curriculum
8 Months
Finish this track in as little as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus program pace
30 Credits
Complete 30 credits to earn your MHA – Informatics degree
MHA – Informatics Highlights
Online courses in healthcare systems, database design, data management, and more
Extensive resources, including advisors, no-cost tutoring, career services, and more
Three program paces so you can choose the schedule that works for you
Access to LinkedIn Learning allowing you to earn certificates for your profile
Why Choose the MHA – Informatics Track?
Help manage and secure important clinical data across healthcare facilities.
Our Master of Health Administration – Informatics track provides a comprehensive education with specialized courses on database design, healthcare systems, project management, and more. Enjoy the flexibility that comes with 100% online study and choose from three program paces so you can earn your degree on a schedule that works for you.
Overview: MHA – Informatics Track
Program Details
Accelerated Plus Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
8 Months
2 Trimesters
Accelerated Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
12 Months
3 Trimesters
Working Professional Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
20 Months
5 Trimesters
Curriculum
Health Administration Curriculum
To achieve the graduation requirement of 30 credits, all students must complete 30 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 21 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 Health Administration (MHA)
- MHA – Informatics Track**
- MHA – Organizational Leadership Track
- MHA – Public Health Track
- MHA – Project Management Track
**Informatics Track will be available Spring 2, 2023.
Core Courses:
Core Courses to be completed by all students (21 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| 500 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care Management | 3 |
| 505 | Information Systems for Health Care Programs | 3 |
| 520 | Financial Management for Health Care Managers | 3 |
| 545 | Hospital Administration and Management | 3 |
| 550 | Leadership Models for Health Care Managers | 3 |
| 555 | Project Management | 3 |
| 565 | Capstone Course: Cases in Health Care Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
Core courses to be completed if no track chosen (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| 525 | Marketing Management for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| 540 | Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations | 3 |
| 560 | Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Health Care Industry | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Track Courses:
Informatics Track
Track courses to be completed in the Informatics Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| 510 | Database Systems, Design and Informatics | 3 |
| 512 | Project Management in Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| 515 | Implementation, Management, and Evaluation of Healthcare Systems | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Organizational Leadership Track
Track courses to be completed in the Organizational Leadership Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| 525 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| 535 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 |
| 545 | Fundamentals of Operations Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Public Health Track
Track courses to be completed in the Public Health Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| 515 | Cultural Diversity & Health Disparities in Public Health | 3 |
| 536 | Environmental and Occupational Health | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Project Management Track
Track courses to be completed in the Project Management Track (9 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| 535 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 |
| 545 | Fundamentals of Operations Management | 3 |
| 557 | Project Management II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 | |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does The MHA – Informatics 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 MHA – Public Health track 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 MHA – Public Health track costs at West Coast University.
We offer several MHA – Public Health track financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.
For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Master of Health Administration - Informatics 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 |
** Informatics Track will be available Spring 2, 2023
Prior to Spring I 2024
Accelerated Plus*
| Degree Type | Master of Science | |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | |
| Program Length(full time) | 2 trimesters | |
| Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 | $637.50 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $19,125 |
| STRF2 | $60 | $50 |
| Technology Fee3 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $23,550 | $20,175 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $23,610 | $20,225 |
Accelerated*
| Degree Type | Master of Science | |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | |
| Program Length (full time) | 3 trimesters | |
| Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
| Tuition Cost (per credit) | $750 | $637.50 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $19,125 |
| STRF2 | $60 | $52.50 |
| Technology Fee3 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $24,050 | $20,675 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $24,110 | $20,727.50 |
Working Professional*
| Degree Type | Master of Science | |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | |
| Program Length (full time) | 5 trimesters | |
| Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
| Tuition Cost (per credit) | $750 | $637.50 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 | $19,125 |
| STRF2 | $62.50 | $55 |
| Technology Fee3 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $25,050 | $21,675 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $25,112.50 | $21,730 |
Effective Spring I 2024
Accelerated Plus*
| Degree Type | Master of Science |
| Total Program Credits | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 2 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 |
| STRF2 | $60 |
| Technology Fee3 | $1,000 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $23,550 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $23,610 |
Accelerated*
| Degree Type | Master of Science |
| Total Program Credits | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 3 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 |
| STRF2 | $60 |
| Technology Fee3 | $1,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $24,050 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $24,110 |
Working Professional*
| Degree Type | Master of Science |
| Total Program Credits | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $750 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $22,500 |
| STRF2 | $62.50 |
| Technology Fee3 | $2,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 | $50 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $25,050 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $25,112.50 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, 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 Health Administration must:
- Complete an online application for admissions.
- Participate in an interview with an 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 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 dean/director.
- 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 these requirements following 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 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 Health 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 Health 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 additional requirements, including information for students submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts, please visit our catalog.
Academic Calendar
New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.
Career Services
Hands-On Support for Your Career
At WCU, support you through every step of your job search! Our Career Services team can provide you with:
- Workshops that teach you about resume writing, interview etiquette, and more
- Assistance locating relevant job leads so you can learn about opportunities in your area
- Interview coaching to help you make a positive first impression
- Personalized guidance to help you plan the path to your future career1
WCU alumni have access to these services indefinitely, so you get support for the rest of your career!
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information technologists and medical registrars can work in various types of roles and settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Physician offices
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Administrative and support services2
LinkedIn Learning
Complimentary LinkedIn Learning for MHA Students
As an MHA student at WCU, you will have no-cost access to a valuable educational tool: LinkedIn Learning.
Browse their comprehensive library of educational content and select relevant modules to complete as part of your WCU course work. You’ll receive a certificate of completion, which will serve as an eye-catching addition to your profile. We provide our students with these LinkedIn Learning resources to help them bolster their skill sets so they are better prepared to pursue their goals.
Featured Faculty
Ron J. Macias, EdD, MHA, BS/HCM, CHEP
Assistant Professor, Health Administration & Business Administration
Dr. Ron J. Macias is an Assistant Professor and lead faculty member for West Coast University’s Health Administration and Business Administration programs. He has been teaching at WCU since 2011 and has over 25 years of experience working in senior management positions in Fortune 100 health service organizations, as well as 23 years of experience in corporate information services.
A seasoned veteran in health and business administration, Dr. Macias has served as a senior manager at Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealth Group, PacifiCare Health Systems, Prescription Solutions (now OptumRx), First American Corporation, and Ingram Micro. He has also managed corporate departments in healthcare research, IT security, IT service management, service quality metrics, project management, instructional technology methodology, corporate communication, and personnel development and training.
Dr. Macias is a Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) under Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), and he is also ITIL Foundations Certified. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Project Management Institute (PMI), and Project Management Institute – Orange County Chapter.
FAQs
What is healthcare informatics?
The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) defines informatics as “the science of how to use data, information and knowledge to improve human health and the delivery of health care services.” 3 Healthcare informatics administrators (who may also be called health information technologists and medical registrars, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) play an important role in setting up and managing health information systems, as well as in ensuring that patient and clinical data are being properly and safely collected, stored, analyzed, and made available to providers for the effective delivery of care.4
Who should pursue a master’s in informatics?
Our MHA – Informatics track is designed for aspiring health administrators and nurses who have a passion for analysis, procedural problem solving, and information systems. If you’re interested in helping organizations design, set up, and manage effective databases and healthcare systems for improved patient care, then you may be a good fit for our MHA informatics degree program.
How long does it take to complete the MHA – Informatics track?
If your personal schedule allows, you can complete your MHA – Informatics degree in less than a year! We offer this track at three paces: as little as 8 months at the Accelerated Plus pace, 12 months at the Accelerated pace, or 20 months at the Working Professional pace. You can choose the timeline that best aligns with your circumstances and goals.
Will I be able to transfer my previous coursework into the program? What about past work experience?
Our team at WCU will evaluate your previous coursework for transfer credit. You may also be able to use previous work experience, professional trainings, licenses, and/or certifications toward credit in your program, if they are deemed eligible. Your admissions advisor can help you explore your options.
Can I still earn my degree if I’m a working student?
Yes. We created our online programs so that working students can have greater flexibility in achieving their goals. With a fully online curriculum and no need to sign in at specific times for class, you can build your study schedule around your work schedule each week.
As an online student, you will have access to a wealth of resources that are designed to aid in your success. These include our online library, our 24/7 tech support team, complimentary virtual tutoring, and the ability to message your dean and instructors directly through the Remind app. You’ll also be assigned a Student Success advisor who can help guide you throughout your educational journey.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who meet the eligibility requirements.
Students who are enrolled in online programs at WCU may be able to take advantage of scholarships and grants such as the Alumni Pathway Grant (covering up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Performance Scholarship (covering up to 15% of tuition), and the WCU Health Services Grant (covering up to 10% of tuition).
For an overview of all types of financial aid that you may want to consider, visit our Tuition & Financial aid page.
West Coast University is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accreditation 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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
3 American Medical Informatics Association, “What is Informatics?” Accessed Dec. 6, 2022
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars, “What They Do,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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