Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA)
Degree Program
According to the California Occupational Guide, "employment for Health Services Administrators is expected to grow at a rate faster than the rate for all other occupations in California." With such an outlook for the health care industry, the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at CSULB have joined their efforts to bring this exciting program to you. Whether you are seeking an opportunity for professional growth or changing a career within the health care sector, this program will equip you with the knowledge and skills of a successful manager or executive in any health care organization. The curriculum, which combines online and face-to-face weekend instruction, was designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the changing needs of the health care industry.
Developed by an expert team of faculty and industry professionals, the CAHME accredited MSHCA-Accelerated Program is designed to prepare you for administrative positions in hospitals, managed care, mental health settings, long-term care, multi-institutional system central offices, governmental health agencies, and other health-related organizations.
Graduates of MSHCA will achieve competencies in the areas of communications and relationship management, leadership, professionalism, knowledge of the healthcare environment, and business skills. These core competencies are based on the model prescribed by the American College of Health Care Executives’ Competency Assessment Tool and Healthcare Leadership Alliance’s Competency Directory. Specific subject areas include an analysis of the U.S. health care system, managerial skills essential to the health care profession, financial management, and strategic business in the health industry, ethics, and public policy analysis.
MSHCA follows a generalist approach in the design of its program, conforming to academic accreditation criteria while admitting students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The program offers foundation courses early on, and more advanced health care courses later in the program.
No GRE/GMAT Required for Fall 2024 Graduate Applicants
Please Note
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
Professional executives and managers with experience in the health care industry who want to move up in the organization
New executives or leaders in the health care industry who need to learn about current issues and practices in health care administration
Physicians who are interested in administrative leadership positions
Nurses and other clinicians who are interested in moving to administrative positions
Professionals looking to make a career change to the health care industry
Professionals interested in enhancing their current career through acquisition of an advanced degree
Combination of online and face-to-face weekend sessions
Master's degree earned in two years
Industry-relevant curriculum
Courses taught by CSULB academic faculty and health care industry experts
Networking with other professionals in a team learning environment
Low-interest student loans are available for qualified students
How the health care industry functions from a policy and economic standpoint
Practical methods for successful leadership in today's complex health care environment
The impact of a well-designed strategic plan and a well-integrated marketing plan
The importance of a solid finance system to achieve success in any health care facility
Integrating the disciplines of Human Resources, Performance Improvement, Quantitative Methods, and Information Technology to support and enhance the management of health care organizations
Ethical concepts impacting behavior and decision-making
Legal theory and concepts facing health care providers
Program Outline
The MSHCA-Accelerated Program requires 45 credit units consisting of 15 core courses.
FIRST YEAR
First Quarter: Fall
HCA 502 The Health Care System (online)
HCA 505 Organizations and Systems of Health Care (in-person)
Second Quarter: Winter
HCA 510 Human Resources Management in Health Care (online)
HCA 515 Advanced Financial Mgmt. In Health Care (in-person)
Third Quarter: Spring
HCA 503 Health Care Economics (online)
HCA 524 Advanced Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care (in-person)
Fourth Quarter: Summer
HCA 537 Managed Care (online)
HCA 527 Research Methods in HCM (in-person)
SECOND YEAR
First Quarter: Fall
HCA 517 Advanced Healthcare Information Systems Management (online)
HCA 530 Strategic Planning and Marketing in Health Care (in-person)
Second Quarter: Winter
HCA 536 Hospital Management (online)
HCA 535 Quantitative Methods in Health Care Administration (in-person)
Third Quarter: Spring
HCA 528 Managing Population Health (online)
HCA 698 Project (in-person)
Fourth Quarter: Summer
HCA 550 Continuous Quality Improvement in Health Services (in-person)
Information Sessions
Potential students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to attend a free information session. The information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online Information Sessions are listed below when they are available. Choose a date and click the link to register for that Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.
If no sessions are listed below, then none are currently available. Please check this page at a later date to view updated sessions.
All applicants to the accelerated MSHCA-AP graduate program are required to meet the following minimum requirements for admissions consideration:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate study. (Accomplished candidates with slightly less than a 3.0 GPA also will be considered for admission.)
At least nine units of financial accounting, microeconomics, and statistics, all of which must be completed before the first semester of graduate study (but may be in progress during the application process) and must be taken within the last ten years. Note: a passing grade in the CLEP exam will fulfill our accounting and microeconomics prerequisites.
A minimum of three years of working experience in the health care industry OR recent (within the last two years) GRE or GMAT score.*
Attention, International Applicants: Due to VISA regulations, international students are not eligible to apply to the accelerated version of this degree program, only to the traditional version of the program. Please email CIE-Apply@csulb.edu if you have any further questions.
We strongly recommend that applicants with little or no work experience in the health care industry apply for admission into the MSHCA traditional program. The structure of our accelerated program tends to be ideal for those currently working in the health care industry.
*Note: The Department of Health Care Administration will not require the GRE/GMAT. If you are an international student OR have less than three years of experience, consider applying to the traditional program. If you have three or more years of experience, and are not an international student, consider applying to the accelerated program.
No GRE/GMAT Required for Graduate Applicants
How to Apply
The accelerated MSHCA program accepts applications from October 1 through June 1 each year. Since CSULB offers two programs, MSHCA Traditional Program and MSHCA Accelerated Program, please make sure to mark whether you are applying to the Traditional Program or Accelerated Program.
For more information regarding the requisites for each program, please visit the Admission Requirements webpage.
Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA) Application Process
Applications are processed using the online Cal State Apply system. Cal State Apply is California State University's online resource to help you quickly and easily apply for graduate admission. Please make sure that you meet application deadlines and have your previous academic information ready. For example, you will be asked to submit information about the colleges you have attended (including community college). You will need the name of the college(s), dates attended, units completed, major, honors, and GPA.
In addition, you will be asked to include a statement of intent, your resume, and three (3) letters of recommendation. Everything needs to be included for your application to be reviewed and considered complete. Your letters of recommendation should be from your employer, past employer, or someone who knows your academic abilities. Your recommender will receive a link by email with instructions for the letter.
You do not have to complete the entire application during one session. You can save your application and revisit your application to add or change information when convenient.
Note: CSULB uses email as the official means of communication, so applicants are required to maintain a current email address on file with the university and check their email regularly. You may update your email address or check the status of your admission application by visiting the Applicant Self-Service webpage.
When you are ready to apply, please follow the following steps:
When you are ready to apply, visit Cal State Apply - Graduate Application to submit the university admission application and pay the $70 non-refundable application fee online by the application deadline for the program (June 1, 2025).
NOTE: Final admission to the degree program is determined by the Department of Health Care and the Program Director of MSHCA. Application to the University does not guarantee acceptance into the MSHCA program. An interview with the Program Director may be required.
Submit one set of official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Only one set of official transcripts is required, and they must be submitted to Enrollment Services. Official transcripts may be submitted electronically directly from a U.S. college or university to ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu.
Official transcripts may also be sent in a sealed envelope to the address below:
Enrollment Services/Admissions California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90840
Note: Please do not send transcripts to the department. Transcripts are reviewed by admissions and records, not the Department of Health Care Administration.
The CSULB Admissions Office will review your application and transcripts to verify your eligibility based on the minimum University admission requirements. If you meet these minimum requirements, your application will be forwarded to your academic program for review. You will be sent a letter from CSULB indicating whether or not your application for admission to the University was approved.
You will receive further notification of your admission status after the department has made their decision. If admitted, the Department of Health Care Administration will send you a letter that will include information about the upcoming schedule of courses, and the day and time for an orientation session for newly admitted students. This orientation will typically be held on a Saturday in September, prior to the beginning of the program.
Register for classes and begin your master's program.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for the accelerated MSHCA program. However, you may apply to the Traditional MSHCA Program.
For further information, please contact the traditional MSHCA program director or coordinator with the information below:
Yes. We have people with various backgrounds in the accelerated program. If you are working in the health care industry, you are encouraged to apply for the accelerated program.
If you are an international student OR have less than three years of experience, consider applying to the traditional program. If you have three or more years of experience, applicants should consider applying to the accelerated program.
No. The accelerated program is a hybrid program: half-online, and half in-person classes on campus.
No, that is fine. We have students of all ages and backgrounds in our program.
Yes. However, they can be in progress when applying.
We recommend taking the prerequisites at a junior college. Please check www.assist.org to determine the equivalent course.
If you took the course over 10 years ago, you will need to retake it. Applicants may want to take the CLEP exam for accounting or microeconomics, instead of repeating those courses.
Your letters of recommendation should be from your current employer, past employer, or someone who knows your academic abilities well.
The program starts in the fall and takes two years to complete. The accelerated program has a structured format, and students only attend full-time. This program is designed for the working professional. Classes are offered online and on Saturday.
The university will not accept a GPA under 2.5 for any graduate program. If your GPA is between 2.5 and 3.0, you may still apply. We take all the application materials into consideration when making our decisions.
The Department of Health Care Administration will not require the GRE/GMAT.
The Department of Health Care Administration will not require the GRE/GMAT.
Your personal statement should tell us who you are, why you want to enroll in this program, and why you want to study at our university. This statement should be one to two pages long, with 1.5 line spacing.
The MSHCA-Accelerated Program requires 45 credit hours consisting of 15 core courses. Please refer to the Program Outline page for more details.
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
Instructors
Mr. Abumuhor has worked in the health care industry for over 20 years. A licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist by profession, with a specialty in Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine, he has published widely and is a member of many leading medical associations. He has both bachelor and master degrees from CSULB, as well as a Master’s in Clinical Science from CSU, Dominguez Hills.
Ihab Abumuhor, Associate Director, Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Dr. Billimoria has been a CSULB faculty member for 21 years. He has held director positions at L.A. Care, Pfizer Health Solutions, and Maxicare Health Plan; and has conducted research studies and drug trials for health systems and pharmaceutical firms. He received his medical degree from the University of Bombay and holds a Master’s in Public Health from UCLA.
Rus Billimoria, Vice President of Compliance and Quality, Network Medical Management
A senior executive with over 20 years of experience on the payer and provider side of healthcare delivery, Desai has extensive knowledge including development and implementation of network management strategies, operations, population health management, analytics, finance, and product development. He leads a successful healthcare consulting practice, where he works with clients internationally.
Rick Desai, President/CEO, Artifex Strategies
Dr. Erlyana worked as a physician before joining CSULB as a tenure-track faculty member. Her research interests include access to care for underserved populations; social determinants of health care utilization; disparities in health; managed care; and comparative health. She received her MD at the University of Atmajaya, Indonesia, and earned her PhD in Public Administration from USC.
Erlyana Erlyana, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Care Administration, California State University, Long Beach
Dr. Freshman’s interests include managerial mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and collaboration across disciplines; as well as how thoughts and emotions influence behavior and productivity. She earned her BS in Psychology from UCLA, MA in Applied Psychology from the University of Santa Monica, and both an MS and PhD in Organizational Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology.
Brenda Freshman, Professor & Internship Coordinator
Nathan Gerard joined the MSHCA faculty in Fall 2015. His scholarly work explores the changing relationship between individuals and organizations, with a specific focus on topics of motivation, meaning, creativity, care, and alienation at work. Dr. Gerard has a PhD in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, a Master’s in Philosophy from Kings College London, and a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University.
Nathan Gerard, Associate Professor, Graduate Program Director
Dr. Gotz is responsible for the revenue cycle for the Oncology program. A certified MemorialCare Lean Leader, she helps provide high-quality experiences for all patients. She holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from CSU Dominguez Hills, a Master’s in Public Health and Health Care Administration from CSULB, and a doctorate in Health Science from A.T. Still University.
Cindy Gotz, Director of Business Operations, MemorialCare’s Todd Cancer Institute
Matthew Graeser has worked in the healthcare industry for nearly 30 years, most recently as a Healthcare Ombudsman/Mediator. Matthew obtained his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Cal Poly Pomona and his Master’s in Healthcare Administration from CSULB. He has certifications in Organizational Ombudsman Practices and Advanced Mediation Skills, and has received multiple awards for his commitment to quality, service, and safety.
Matthew Graeser, Healthcare Ombudsman/Mediator, Kaiser Permanente
Dr. Helton has over 25 years of experience as a former health system chief financial officer. He has a PhD in Healthcare Management from the University of Texas and a Master’s in Hospital Administration from the University of Alabama. A Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, he is co-author of “Healthcare Operations Management” and writes for Healthcare Financial Management.
Jeff Helton, Lecturer
Dr. O’Lawrence is a researcher and data analyst who holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Winston-Salem State University, a Master’s in Business and Marketing Education from the University of North Carolina, and a Doctorate in Workforce Education and Development from Penn State. He also holds diplomas from Harvard and Oxford, and is a Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional.
Henry O’Lawrence, Professor and Undergraduate Program Director
Prior to joining CSULB, Dr. Jou worked as a policy analyst at UCLA, where she examined social policies such as paid family leave, social security and pensions systems, and labor laws around the world. Her research includes family caregiving and its policies and practices. She received her PhD in Health Services Research, Policy, and Administration from the University of Minnesota.
Judy Jou, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Science
A member of the Medical Center Leadership Team, Kaiser oversees outpatient services and care teams who partner with physicians to deliver ambulatory care. She has a Bachelor’s in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine; a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of La Verne; and an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
Kim Kaiser, Chief Administrative Officer, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Latif and her husband, Dr. Faisal Aldujaili, started Laguna Dental in 1998. She obtained a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from CSULB to enhance her knowledge of the healthcare industry and improve management of the dental office. Upon graduation, she became an adjunct professor in CSULB’s Quantitative Methods in Health Care Administration course.
Bon Latif, Office Manager/Partner, Laguna Dental
Dr. Qi's research focuses on individual behavioral responses to public policies that impact health outcomes, health care utilization, and labor market outcomes. Her studies investigate the transmission and impact of COVID-19 and the impact of health policy (Affordable Care Act) for young adults on health outcomes, health care utilization, primary care quality, and risky behaviors.
Yanling Qi, Assistant Professor
Sandhya Shimoga (PhD, MS, MScP) researches how information technology and organizational factors impact health outcomes. Her teaching and research derive from a decade of experience in management and IT consulting in the healthcare insurance and hospital sectors. She has worked for companies including Accenture, CapGemini, and Ernst & Young LLP; and clients such as Anthem Blue Cross, United Healthcare, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Sandhya has a Ph.D. in Health Policy and Management; an MS in Management & Healthcare; and an MSc in Physics. She has also published articles in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, and other outlets.
Sandhya Shimoga, Instructor
Ms. White teaches the ethical and legal aspects of healthcare administration to graduate students at CSULB. With over 20 years of experience in Contract, Management and Health Care Organization Operations, she provides a practical application to the classroom environment. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Pacific Coast University School of Law.
Margot White, Business Manager
Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA)
