Why Choose Our MSHCA?

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CSUB MSHCA Advantage

Our alumni serve in a variety of prestigious capacities, both locally and nationally.

They include past and present county administrative officers (CAO’s); chief executive officers (CEO’s) of hospitals, retirement centers, mass transit systems, and special economic development zones; CEO’s of nonprofit organizations; policy specialists for elected officials at the national and local levels; presidents of private industry; presidents of state-wide professional associations; as well as elected public servants at the local and state levels.

Other alumni enjoy professional careers in city management, special districts, social work organizations, criminal justice organizations (law enforcement and prison management), fire and public safety, and in the rapidly growing health care professions.

Mission

The purpose of the Master of Science in Health Care Administration Program (MSHCA) is to prepare evidence-based, reflective practitioners for management and administration in health care organizations and to advance the following principle:

All health care organizations, professional groups, and private and public purchasers should adopt as their explicit purpose to continually reduce the burden of illness, injury, and disability and to improve the health functioning of the people of the United States. (US Guiding Principle for Health Care from President Clinton’s Advisory Council)

Goal

The purpose of the PPA graduate programs is to prepare competent, ethical, and effective public, nonprofit, and health care managers and leaders to advance the public service.

Values

  • Accountability (Ethical and democratic values)
  • Effectiveness (Professional value)
  • Honesty (Ethical value)
  • Lawfulness (Democratic value)
  • Social justice (Human value)

Competencies

Competency 1: Students will develop competency in broad integrative knowledge.

  • Examples of aspects to be assessed might include the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with scientific processes, the history and practice of the discipline, effects of other institutional influences (political, economic, social), and applicable theories. A demonstration of skills in team processes and personal interactions is just as important.

Competency 2: Students will develop competency in the specialized knowledge of health care administration.

  • Examples of aspects to be assessed might include knowledge of health care systems, the effects of political and economic processes, strategical and operational management, health care and organizational theories, and the ability to recognize and resolve ethical dilemmas.

Competency 3: Students will develop competency in critical thinking.

  • Examples of aspects to be assessed are the ability to interpret and apply theory, structure problems, organize and defend an argument, analyze ethical dilemmas, communicate orally, evaluate information, develop focused, coherent, and grammatically correct written communications, and develop action plans and change strategies to promote health for a diverse public.

Competency 4: Students will demonstrate competency in applying their learning.

  • Examples of aspects to be assessed include the ability to develop, conduct and report social science research,